The National Library
The imposing building of the National Library is the easternmost of the three-building complex known as the Athenian Trilogy. Built in the 19th century to house the National Library, the University of Athens, and the Academy, the Library was designed by the famous architect, Theophil von Hansen, and financed by the Vallianos family, Greek businessmen of the diaspora. Constructed with white Pentelic marble, and enhanced by Doric columns, the building also boasts a stunning, renaissance-style, twin... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The Academy of Athens
This imposing, archaic building was built from 1859 until 1885, and was sponsored by the family of business entrepreneur, Baron Simon Sinas, who then lived in Vienna. Based on plans by Danish architect, Theophile Hanssen, and supervised by Ernst Ziller, the precise location of the construction site had already been selected in 1842, specifically chosen to be part of the famous "Athenian trilogy" of neo-classical buildings. Based on Ionian era designs, the building is covered in white Pentelic... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Byzantine Museum
The Byzantine and Christian Museum on Vasilissis Sofias street is one of the most important Byzantine and post-Byzantine era museums in the world, with more than 25.000 objects dating from the 2nd century A.C. to the present. Containing exhibits acquired not only from Greece, but from Asia Minor and the Balkans as well, the museum, housed in the Villa Ilissia, is a magnificent example of 19th century architecture, dating from the earliest years of Greece’s liberation. Designed by renowned... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Anafiotika
Τhe Anafiotika, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Athens, was built on the northern slope of the Acropolis by workers and craftsmen from the Cyclades, mostly Anafi. They had flocked to the capital of the new, independent state of Greece, to work at the myriad construction projects underway at the time and, ideally, the massive project at King Otto's Palace. Local traditions mention Damigos and Sigalas from Anafi as being this neighbourhood’s first inhabitants, followed soon by many more. Tolerated... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The Old Palace, the Hellenic Parliament
This imposing, minimalist building once served as the Royal Palace until 1909, when it was damaged by a fire. Now home to the Hellenic Parliament, the building was erected between 1836 and 1843 for King Otto. Built by Bavarian architect Gurtner, on the outskirts of the city, among the hills of the Acropolis and Lycabettus near the Mesogitiki Gate (Boubounistra). During the years prior to its final completion, the building frequently served as a luxurious, but temporary residence to wealthy and influential... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is the central city square of Athens, located directly opposite the Parliament Building, formerly known as the old Royal Palace. The original name given to it during the planning of Athens was the “Square of the Muses.” However, after the Palace was erected, it was renamed, the Palace Square. But on September 3rd, 1843, following a boisterous public rally demanding that a constitution be established, it was again renamed, this time, Syntagma (Constitution) Square. The square is bordered... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The National Gardens
The National Garden is a luscious parkland located in the heart of Athens, next to the Parliament Building, and very close to Syntagma square, with entrances from Amalias avenue, the Zappeion, Irodou Attikou street, and Vasilissis Sofias street. Founded by Queen Amalia in 1836, the ”Royal Palace Gardens” were initially planted by Bavarian horticultural specialists. Known today as the National Gardens, this spacious park is a thriving botanical paradise, containing an impressive array of local... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The University of Athens
Founded in 1839, The University of Athens was built from the designs of Christian Hanssen, the brilliant architect, who desired to construct buildings that would not only adhere to the principles of Neo-classicism, but would also complement the contemporary architecture of the city. Completed in 1864, the building had been blessed by the participation of many other fine architects, including Kaftantzoglou and Theophilas. And the funding required for such a massive project was supplied by multitudes... διαβάστε περισσότερα