How long is the Neoclassical walking route in Athens?

This specific walking route is approximately 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) long. If you walk at a steady pace and stop to admire the architecture, it typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete.

Is the Academy of Athens free to visit?

You can view the exterior, the statues of Socrates and Plato, and the courtyard of the Academy of Athens for free at any time. The interior is generally not open to the general public for casual tours as it remains a working academic institution.

Where is the best place to start a walking tour Athens city center?

Syntagma Square or the National Historical Museum are excellent starting points. Both are centrally located, easily accessible via the Metro, and put you within walking distance of the major Neoclassical and ancient landmarks.

Can I see the changing of the guard on this walk?

Yes, if you stop at Syntagma Square (Stop 3), you can see the Evzones guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The change happens every hour on the hour, with a larger ceremony taking place on Sundays at 11:00 AM.

Is this walking route suitable for seniors?

Yes, this is an easy-flat route with very little incline. The sidewalks along Panepistimiou Street are wide by Athenian standards, and there are many benches and cafes nearby for resting.

What is the Numismatic Museum of Athens known for?

It is housed in the 'Iliou Melathron,' the former home of archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann. It is famous both for its architecture (designed by Ernst Ziller) and its collection of over 500,000 coins, medals, and gems dating from antiquity to the present.

When is the best time to photograph the Athenian Trilogy?

The best time is early morning or late afternoon. The white Pentelic marble reflects the sunlight beautifully, but the midday sun can be quite harsh for photography. The buildings are also stunningly illuminated at night.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

While the world flocks to the Parthenon, the 19th-century 'rebirth' of Athens offers a different kind of architectural magic. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the Neoclassical heart of the city, a period when Athens transitioned from a dusty Ottoman outpost to a grand European capital. Following the Greek War of Independence, King Otto and his architects envisioned a city that mirrored the glory of its ancient past through a modern lens. This walking route showcases the pinnacle of that vision: the 'Athenian Trilogy.' Starting at the Old Parliament House, you will discover how the young Greek state established its political identity. The journey continues through the elegant streets of the city center, passing the former residence of Heinrich Schliemann—the man who discovered Troy—now housing a world-class coin collection. You will eventually reach the centerpiece of the route: the Academy, the University, and the National Library. These three buildings represent the finest examples of Neoclassical architecture in the world, crafted by Danish and Greek architects who sought to recreate the 'Golden Age' of Pericles. This neighborhood stroll is perfect for those who appreciate symmetry, marble, and the intellectual history of Greece. Unlike a standard walking tour Athens often offers, this route allows you to linger under the statues of Socrates and Plato or admire the intricate frescoes of the University at your own pace. You will see how the city's 19th-century elite lived and how the spirit of ancient philosophy was physically rebuilt in stone. Whether you are an architecture buff or a history enthusiast, this exploration of Athens' modern 'Golden Age' provides a sophisticated look at the city beyond the ruins.

Highlights

The 'Athenian Trilogy': The Academy, University, and National Library

Statue of Theodoros Kolokotronis at the Old Parliament House

The exquisite 'Iliou Melathron' (Numismatic Museum)

Grand statues of Athena and Apollo flanking the Academy

Intricate murals and frescoes of the University of Athens

The historic Syntagma Square, the heart of modern Greek politics

Tour Stops (6)

National Historical Museum - Old Parliament House

Welcome to the start of your self-guided adventure. This imposing building was the first permanent home of the Greek Parliament after the capital moved to Athens. Designed by French architect François Boulanger in the 1850s, it served as the heart of Greek democracy until 1935. Notice the bronze equestrian statue in front; that is Theodoros Kolokotronis, a legendary general of the Greek War of Independence. His finger points forward, symbolizing the forward momentum of the newly liberated nation. The building itself is a masterpiece of the late Neoclassical style, housing artifacts that tell the story of modern Greece from the fall of Constantinople to the 20th century.

Numismatic Museum of Athens

As you walk along Panepistimiou Street, you will find one of the most beautiful private residences ever built in Athens. This is the Iliou Melathron, or 'Palace of Troy,' built for Heinrich Schliemann, the archaeologist who excavated Troy and Mycenae. Designed by Ernst Ziller, a titan of Athenian architecture, the building blends Neoclassical and Renaissance styles. Look up at the loggias and the detailed frescoes that decorate the exterior. Inside, it now houses a vast collection of ancient and modern coins, but even from the sidewalk, you can appreciate the wealth and ambition of the 19th-century elite who helped shape modern Athens.

Syntagma Square

This is the heartbeat of the city. Syntagma, or Constitution Square, is where the modern Greek state breathes. The massive building overlooking the square is the Old Royal Palace, completed in 1843 for King Otto, and it has served as the Hellenic Parliament since 1934. This square has been the site of every major political demonstration and celebration in the country's modern history. While you are here, take a moment to look at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the foot of the Parliament, guarded by the Evzones in their traditional kilts. The symmetry of the square's layout is a classic example of 19th-century European urban planning.

Academy of Athens

You are now standing before what many consider the most beautiful Neoclassical building in the world. The Academy of Athens is the first part of the famous 'Athenian Trilogy.' Designed by Danish architect Theophil Hansen, it was intended to evoke the spirit of ancient Greek science and philosophy. Notice the two tall columns topped with statues of Athena and Apollo. Below them, seated in quiet contemplation, are the philosophers Socrates and Plato. The pediment features a detailed sculpture of the birth of Athena. The use of Pentelic marble and gold leaf accents was meant to show the world that the spirit of Periclean Athens had truly returned.

Vallianeio Megaron

The second jewel of the Trilogy is the Vallianeio Megaron, which served as the National Library of Greece for over a century. Designed by the Hansen brothers, its shape is inspired by a Doric temple. The grand double staircase is a favorite for photographers, leading up to a facade that mirrors the Propylaea of the Acropolis. Though the main collection of books has moved to a modern facility at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, this building remains a temple to learning. It stands as a testament to the Vallianos brothers, who funded the construction to ensure the new Greek state had a world-class repository for knowledge.

University Club of Athens University

Completing the Trilogy is the University of Athens, the oldest of the three buildings, designed by Christian Hansen. Unlike the more ornate Academy, the University features a more restrained, elegant facade. Look closely at the portico's walls to see the colorful murals depicting the rebirth of the arts and sciences in Greece, with King Otto surrounded by the Muses. This building served as the primary hub for Greek higher education for decades. Today, it remains a site for official ceremonies. Standing here, you can see how the three buildings together create a harmonious 'forum' of culture, education, and wisdom that defines the modern Athenian identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Athenian Trilogy is a group of three grand Neoclassical buildings on Panepistimiou Street: the Academy of Athens, the University of Athens, and the National Library. They were built in the 19th century to represent the intellectual rebirth of the Greek nation, using classical architectural elements like marble columns and pediments.