SJS Designs Ceramic workshop & Gallery
SJS Designs Ceramic workshop & Gallery
4.5
About
Situated at the foot of the Acropolis in Plaka, Athens is where you will find Sofia & Dimitri on a daily basis hand painting pottery that was once used in the every day life of the ancient Greeks. Their Gallery/Workshop displays a number of works from them (SJS Designs) as well as other local artisans creations in bronze, crystal, marble, silver and other. A warm and friendly atmosphere.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Plaka
Due to its proximity to the Acropolis, Plaka remains the area where the majority of foreign visitors stay and play. Its attractive features include small squares, some notable museums and the beautiful Mitropolis cathedral, as well as a host of places to stay, eat and drink. Its pedestrian zones make it a pleasant place to escape from the city’s notorious traffic. Adrianou and Kidathineon Streets contain a number of souvenir shops, offering classier items than you will find in the Flea Market. The most rewarding section to explore is the upper reaches towards the Acropolis itself, where many old stone houses with tiled roofs have survived. Up here you can find leafier corners and the odd quaint taverna with unobstructed views of the ancient rock.
How to get there
- Akropoli • 5 min walk
- Neos Kosmos • 8 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
29 reviews
Excellent
26
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Kirk J
Billings, MT15 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We ordered two vases from SJS. Both are stunningly beautiful. The craftsmanship is first rate. And Dimitri was helpful and patient throughout the process. We’re very happy we found this beautiful little shop. Be prepared for the shipment to take some time, though, since the vases are handmade. Highly recommend.
Written December 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nikarete
Birmingham, UK1 contribution
Sep 2013 • Friends
I stumbled across this delightful place several years ago, and instantly knew it was a bit special. A studio selling real works of art made on the premises, not mass produced tourist tat. You can tell the quality instantly. The potter and his wife are true artists, and I spent a long time chatting with him. When I asked to buy an unpainted pot and decorate it myself, he was only too happy to give me advice about what kind of paints and glaze to use. I'm planning a trip to Athens again next year, and will definitely be visiting them again, and buying more pots. Hopefully they will like the way I decorated the exquisite kylix and oinochoe I bought there.
Written August 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine M
Cold Lake, Canada102 contributions
Sep 2014 • Family
A few years ago while in Greece I came upon this shop in the placa and fell in love with there work. I decided to buy three pieces from them. I was back packing at the time and could not bring the pieces back with me. I left my request for what I wanted and they sent them home for me. They were very friendly, knowledgable and do excellent work. When my pieces arrived I was so excited to unwrap them. They turned out just beautiful, they were exactly what I wanted. No disappointment, and no damage from the long journey to me. To this day I am so glad I got them. I keep them on my dresser and admire the beautiful artistic work every day.
Written August 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gordon M
Toronto, Canada40 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
In September my wife and I bought two vases from Dimitri, one we took with us, the second was supposed to be shipped to us. It is now December 20 and we have still not received it and have no idea when we will. November 16th I was finally able to speak with Dimitri's wife and subsequently I received an e mail from Dimitri saying it would ship in two weeks. Since then nobody answers the phone and no responses from my e mails. I have no idea whether I will receive this or not.
Written December 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
globetrotter108
Los Angeles71 contributions
Jun 2015
My buddy and I visited the shop and really enjoyed learning about the craft from Dimitri. The quality is top notch, items are unique, and the packaging is great. I really enjoyed my Corinthian piece and will remember my visit to SJS with pleasant memories.
Written July 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveK62
Brisbane, Australia45 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
Looking for a well made replica of Ancient Greek art, this is the place. We enjoyed talking to Dimitri and saw our piece being hand painted. It arrived safe and sound in Australia a short time later .
Written May 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mlj01
16 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
A significant cut above all the other shops which were selling similar but clearly mass produced copies of Ancient Greek pottery. All pottery produced in shop and hand painted. Owner was friendly and knowledgable. Only issue is their email server is faulty so unable to communicate post transaction.
Written August 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ed T
Margate, UK1 contribution
Apr 2014 • Friends
The owner/artist was delightful, I left with a beautiful vase. Looking around the shop itself is like a museum. Wonderful
Written April 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StevefromNorthLakes
Brisbane, Australia462 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
Like some other travellers we stumbled upon the workshop while wandering around Plaka after dinner one night. Stopped in to have a look and spoke with Dimitri only to find out he was originally from Melbourne (Australia). We ended up spending an hour of so getting an education in Greek history and enjoying a laugh. In the end we were blown away by the quality of the ceramics and the story that each one tells. We selected our preferred designs and Dimitri is shipping them to Australia for us. This was one of those 'lucky breaks' for us and we now have quality mementos of our trip to Greece. Thanks Dimitri and all the best to you and your family.
Written November 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mike e
Toronto, Canada273 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
I have travelled extensively throughout Europe over many years and everywhere I have been I check out original artwork. While heading out for dinner in Plaka we came across a beautiful little shop where Dimitri the owner was busy working. Having a little bit of an artistic background I was more than curious, so we stopped and chatted. The work coming out of this shop is truly original and although they reproduce works from centuries ago in the same fashion I would recommend anyone interested in 'real' modern replica work in the ancient Greek style to look around ask questions and purchase contemporary treasures.
Written August 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
983jackie
Haifa, Israel
hi, i plan to visit athens in october 2017, from 5-8. i would like to come to the workshop for 2-3 hrs for 2 days. is it possible? and how much does it cost?
Written June 19, 2017
Hi,
Our workshop is where we paint the vessels we make it is not open to public for workshops, sorry.
Written September 2, 2017
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