PLAKA. Plaka as real residential no longer exists, but has in recent years turned into a tourist attraction. Everywhere are souvenir shops, restaurants and taverns that target tourists. The authentic appeal of the district, however, is not lost with this. It is still special to wander the narrow, usually steep alleys, with the Acropolis always be seen in the background. In Plaka there are many Byzantine churches. The upper part right on the foot of the Acropolis is also known as "Anafiotika". It is said that this is the oldest district of modern Athens. The place gets its name from its first inhabitants. These were stonecutters from the island of Anafi, who were brought here by King Otto I. They were housed in this location, due to the fact that their expertise was essential in the construction of modern Athens, because one had chosen the city as the capital of the newly born (modern) Greek state.