ATHENS — The City of Athens is "resuscitating" 34 iconic fountains around the capital that have been allowed to fall into disrepair, proceeding after many years to renovate, repair and maintain them. They range from modest fountains in small neighbourhood squares to the large fountain that for years served as a landmark in Omonia Square, forming part of the city and its daily life.

The start has been made with the Omonia fountain, which was put back during a recent overhaul to restore the square to its former, emblematic character.

According to the Athens municipality, the restoration effort will continue with the fountains at Truman Square at the junction of Veikou and Dimitrakopoulou Streets, at Rigillis Square, at the Research Foundation Square, Metaxourgeio Square, Egyptou Square, Amerikis Square and the Fix, Patission area.

Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis noted, among others, that "quality of life day to day is determined by all the things that are beside us or in front of us but we did not see because they had been neglected, forgotten. Now, we are making these parts of the city visible."