A Neighborhood Born From RefugeDourgouti’s history mirrors that of modern Athens itself. Despite the difficult living conditions, residents built a close-knit community based on mutual support, and the neighborhood retained its multicultural character for decades. During the 1950s and 1960s, large public housing complexes containing up to 96 or even 102 apartments were constructed, providing homes for thousands of workers, refugees, and internal migrants. For decades, the neighborhood served as the first stop for thousands of people arriving in Athens hoping to build a better life. According to residents, Dourgouti has continued doing what it has done since 1922—offering a fresh start to people rebuilding their lives.