Attica Center of Worry beads The Amber
35 Voulis Street
About
If you're wondering what the men in the streets of Athens are doing with those long strings of beads they pull from their pockets, twirling them in their hand or clicking them between their fingers, you should meander toward Syntagma and turn on Voulis Street toward Plaka, where you will meet some local authorities on the tradition of the worry bead or "komboloi." Nikos and Maria Dimitrelis have been collecting amber and kombpoli for years, until finally, eight years ago, they decided to dedicate their business to it. "The Attica Center of Worry Beads" is the product of the love of collecting old things and respect for a tradition shared by several countries of the Balkans, Mediterranean and Middle East. On top of an impressive collection of komboloi made of various stones and materials, old and new, they sell unique objects like pipes, tobacco boxes and gorgeous jewelry made of amber and other semi-precious stones. Should you want, they're happy to tell you the history of the beads, amber, and how important they are to the national identity of Greece today. Open 10-3 Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays 10-8 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
