The National Theatre
The National Theatre on Agiou Konstantinou street, near the Omonia square, was built to meet the city's need for a new theatre. Designed by Hernst Ziller and constructed from 1891 to 1901, the project was initiated by King Georg I. Located on a small lot purchased by Bavarian courtesan, Thonn, private funding for its construction was supplied by a large number of wealthy Greek patrons, most of them from the diaspora; Rallis, Korgialenios and Evgenidis. Despite the challenges posed by the small... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Cycladic Art Museum, Stathatos Manor
The Stathatos Manor in Kolonaki, is located at the junction of Vasilissis Sofias and Irodotou 1 streets, where it houses a wing of the Cycladic Art Museum. Built in the late 19th Century by famous architect, Hernst Ziller, the manor was based on plans drawn in 1895 for an expatriate merchant from Ithaca by the name of Stathatos, who, along with his wife, used the manor as their residence. During the 1930’s the building saw extensive alterations and a complete interior renovation. After World... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The Gasworks Plant (Gazi)
The Athens Gasworks factory, or "Gazi" as most people call it, is on the right side of Pireos Street, immediately past the entrance to Iera Odos. Built around 1860, the first plant was quite small and was owned by businessman, Frangiskos Feraldis. The small plant expanded rapidly, becoming an immense industrial complex. And though its general design mirrored the same architectural principles seen in similar industrial buildings throughout Europe, modernist decorative elements were also present, some... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The Monastiraki Metro Station
Built between 1890-1895, the Monastiraki subway station became the first steam-train railway connecting Athens and Piraeus. Having operated locally since 1869, its main terminal was located in Thission, its extension to Monastiraki, built by businessman, Stephanos Psihas. During construction, extensive archaeological excavations were conducted, revealing a plethora of interesting relics, many which are still present today. Passengers travelling from Thission to the new station will see many ancient... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Zappeion
Located next to the National Gardens, the Zappeion Mansion, or simply, "Zappeion," as it is called by the locals, is one of the most impressive and important historical buildings in Athens. As early as 1859, the Greek Government had been contemplating renovation of the structure, using plans drawn up by Greek architect, Theophilas and his French counterpart, Boulanger. And though well-funded by Greek benefactor, Evangelos Zappas, the project never quite got off the ground. Eventually, however,... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The Old City Hall
Designed by architect Panagiotis Kalkos, the old City Hall on Athenas Street was built between 1871 and 1874, during the mayoral reign of P. Kyrakos. Initially constructed as a two-story building with a tile roof and Doric order entrance, it was aesthetically and architecturally related to the adjacent Varvakeios School, a Neo-Classical building, also designed by Kalkos, which was destroyed in 1944. In the 20th Century, City Hall underwent multiple renovations under mayors Spyros Merkouris in 1901,... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Panathenaic Stadium
The impressive Panathenaic Stadium is also known as the Kallimarmaro ("the one made with beautiful marble"). Founded in the 4th century under the rule of Lycourgos, on the slopes of Ardittos hill, it was restored and expanded by Hadrian Atticus. Following the city's decline during the Christian era, and the Franc and Ottoman occupations, the stadium gradually fell into disrepair, eventually being buried under tons of dirt. But the site was excavated and the ancient stadium was fully restored in time... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The Athens Cathedral
Dedicated to the Annunciation of the Mother of God, The Athens Metropolitan Cathedral was built between 1842 and 1862, its three-aisled, domed basilica overlooking a street with the same name. Located a short distance from Syntagma square, its design and construction was enhanced by the many famous architects who contributed their time and talents; Hanssen, Zezos, Boulanger, Kalkos and others. Additionally, numerous fine artists worked on both the exterior and interior decoration of the temple. Architectural... διαβάστε περισσότερα