Exarcheia: Historic Mouria cafe closes after 111 years

The Mouria cafe, a historic landmark located at the intersection of Harilaou Tripoukov and Kallidromiou streets in the Exarcheia neighborhood of Athens, has closed after 111 years of continuous operation. The establishment, which opened in 1915, served as a significant social hub for diverse groups, including residents, artists, intellectuals, and political activists.

A large farewell gathering took place on Saturday, October 31, featuring music, singing, and personal anecdotes from long-time patrons. The closure follows the decision not to renew the lease of the property, as the owner intends to change the use of the space.

The news of the potential closure sparked significant local mobilization earlier in 2026, with over 7,500 citizens signing a petition to have the cafe recognized as a monument of modern cultural heritage. Despite support from the Athens Municipal Council and local professional associations, the institutional recognition process was not completed in time to prevent the closure. The event has drawn international attention, with The Guardian describing the cafe as the “last stronghold” of the Exarcheia district, highlighting the shifting identity of the neighborhood due to tourism and urban development.