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
National Archaeological Museum
Situated in the very heart of the city, the National Archaeological Museum on Patission Street, houses some of the most important artefacts of the ancient world, from the neo-lithic era until the late Roman period; the treasure from the Antikythera wreck, Agamemnon's death mask, the wall paintings of Thera, the Artemision Bronze, the Antikythera Ephebe, Nestor's Cup, and the Marathon Boy are but a few of the important findings to be admired in the museum. Located in the facility’s southern annex... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The Catholic Church of Ag. Dionysius
After many intrigues and adventures, the Athens Catholic Church was finally erected, at the junction of Panepistimiou and Omirou streets. Although the lot had been purchased in 1847, and all necessary studies completed by the distinguished German architect Klenzef, construction on the majestic, three-clite basilica didn’t begin until 1853 and was frequently interrupted due to the lack of funds. Then, in 1858 Lyssandros Kaftantzoglou undertook to resume the work, suggesting that a smaller, simpler... διαβάστε περισσότερα
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