Tzistarakis Mosque, Former Ottoman mosque and folk-art museum in Monastiraki, Athens, Greece

The Tzistarakis Mosque is a two-story stone building on Monastiraki Square, roofed by a large dome of curved reddish-brown tiles with smaller domes beside it. Its front is a portico of three pointed arches on cylindrical stone columns, with a shaded walkway behind and pale plastered walls above. A sign reading "TZISTARAKIS" hangs near the entrance.

A governor built the mosque in 1759 using stone from an ancient column, an action that sparked intense local opposition. This controversial decision ultimately led to his removal from power and left a lasting mark on how people viewed the building.

The mosque's names record its setting: Mosque of the Lower Fountain and Mosque of the Lower Market, from its position by the Ancient Agora. Since 1918 it has held craft collections, and the V. Kyriazopoulos pottery collection of ceramics remains in the building today.

The museum is within walking distance of Monastiraki Square and is open most days for visitors. The interior spaces are modest in size, so visiting during quieter hours provides a better experience.

Tzistarakis was dismissed by the Pasha of Euboea, lost his title and was driven from Athens after the column was destroyed. The 1759 plague outbreak was blamed on the sacrilege, and Athenians long held that each fallen ancient column releases a calamity buried beneath it.