Athens may lose historic Cine Palace to another supermarket

Excitement over the recent reopening of Cine Paris in downtown Plaka has been tempered by news that another historic Athens cinema may be converted into a supermarket. 

The Cine Palace in Pangrati, a nearly century-old cinema located on Ymittou Street, ceased operations in 2021 following the death of its iconic owner, Mathaios Potagas. About a month ago, reports surfaced that the heirs of the property had reached a preliminary agreement with the supermarket chain Lidl for its sale.

However, the latest development comes from the Athens City Council, which passed a resolution last Monday in favor of preserving the Palace cinema, considering it "critical for the character, memory, and cultural wealth of the city." The resolution, an initiative of the Athina Psila faction led by former Athens mayor Kostas Bakoyannis, was approved by Mayor Haris Doukas and the rest of the...