Μake us preferred on Google The historic Athens Polytechnic campus opened to visitors Sunday, Nov. 15, as commemorations began for the 1973 uprising against Greece’s military dictatorship. The three days of events will culminate in Tuesday’s march to the U.S. Embassy, while traffic restrictions are already in effect across parts of central Athens.
Thousands of students, schoolchildren, union members and other visitors are expected to lay flowers and wreaths at the campus on Patission Street, to mark the 53rd anniversary of the Polytechnic uprising against the military junta, which ruled Greece from 1967 to 1974.
Two young children lay red carnations at the Athens Polytechnic in memory of those who resisted Greece’s military dictatorship during the 1973 student uprising, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026. (Tatiana Bolari/Eurokinissi)
Representatives of labor unions and workers’ federations gather with wreaths at the Athens Polytechnic on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026, as three days of commemorations begin for the 53rd anniversary of the 1973 student uprising against Greece’s military dictatorship. (Tatiana Bolari/Eurokinissi)
Members of the Greek armed forces carry a wreath at the Athens Polytechnic during commemorations marking the 53rd anniversary of the 1973 student uprising, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026. (Tatiana Bolari/Eurokinissi)
Polytechnic Buildings Closed Amid Tighter Security
This year’s commemorations are taking place under tighter security arrangements, with all buildings at the historic Polytechnic campus on Patission Street closed from Friday, Nov. 13, through Tuesday, Nov. 17, despite objections to the decision. The National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), which oversees the campus, said the restrictions were intended to prevent vandalism, property damage and violence, citing previous incidents, including disturbances during last year’s anniversary events on Nov. 15, 2025.
Banners hang outside the historic Athens Polytechnic building on Patission Street as three days of commemorations begin for the 53rd anniversary of the 1973 student uprising against Greece’s military dictatorship, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026. (Tatiana Bolari/Eurokinissi)
Visitors can still enter the campus grounds, but commemorative events will be confined to designated outdoor areas. Security at the site has also been increased since Tuesday, Nov. 10, and will remain heightened through Wednesday, Nov. 18. The decision to close the buildings during the commemorations has drawn criticism from the Left.
Which Athens Roads Are Affected From Sunday?
Traffic restrictions took effect at 6 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, and will remain in place until 6 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18.
Police have prohibited stopping and parking on designated streets around the Polytechnic, while vehicle traffic will be suspended progressively as needed.
The restrictions cover the following roads and areas:
- Patission Street (28is Oktovriou): Both directions between Kodrigktonos Street and Panepistimiou Street, including adjoining side streets up to the first parallel road.
- Stournari Street: Between Exarchia Square and 3is Septemvriou Street.
- Tositsa and Polytechniou: Both pedestrian streets.
- Bouboulinas Street: Between Stournari Street and Alexandras Avenue.
- Tzortz and Botasi streets: Between Stournari and Kapodistriou streets.
- Kaningos Street: Between Stournari and Chalkokondyli streets.
- Solomou Street: Between 3is Septemvriou Street and Exarchia Square.
- Kapodistriou Street: Between Botasi and 3is Septemvriou streets.
- Exarchia Square: The entire square.
- Chalkokondyli Street: Between 3is Septemvriou Street and Kaningos Square.
- Averof Street: Between Patission and Marni streets.
- Veranzerou Street: Between Kaningos and Marni streets.
- Spyrou Trikoupi Street: Between Alexandras Avenue and Exarchia Square.
- Solonos Street: Between Ippokratous and Patousa streets.
Traffic closures will be introduced gradually.
More Road Closures Planned for Tuesday, Nov. 17
Additional restrictions will come into force Tuesday as demonstrators gather for the traditional march to the U.S. Embassy.
From 6 a.m. Tuesday, parking will be prohibited on designated streets in central Athens, particularly along the march route to the U.S. Embassy. Police will begin closing roads to traffic around midday, with restrictions remaining in place until the demonstrations end. The measures will affect several of Athens’ busiest roads, including Panepistimiou, Stadiou and Akadimias streets, as well as Vasilissis Sofias, Alexandras, Vasilissis Amalias and Vasilissis Konstantinou avenues.
Other roads affected include Filellinon, Pireos, Athinas, Ermou, Michalakopoulou and Ardittou streets, along with Syngrou Avenue from Athanasiou Diakou Street.
Restrictions will also extend to Kifisias and Mesogeion avenues on the approaches toward central Athens from Katechaki Avenue. Traffic disruptions are planned around Syntagma and Omonia squares, as well as the Hilton area, Mavili Square and the streets surrounding the U.S. Embassy.
Police will close roads as the march moves through central Athens, reopening them once the demonstrations have ended. The Attica Traffic Police have also urged motorists to avoid driving or parking near the Polytechnic, along the planned march route and around the U.S. Embassy from Sunday through Tuesday.
Drivers are also advised to avoid unnecessary trips into the wider city center and follow instructions from traffic officers.
Bus and Trolley Services to Be Affected
Public transportation will also face disruptions during the commemorations.
Athens’ road transport operator, OSY, has announced temporary changes to bus and trolley routes and stops to accommodate the traffic restrictions.
