THE NATIONAL GARDEN

What we probably do not know about the formerly "Royal" Garden of Athens is that it has existed since the ancient times as part of the greenery near the river bed of Ilissos. Of course, it took thousands of years and the initiative taken by King Otto to remodel the city of Athens in 1834 to enable the garden to reach its present shape.

The National Garden is today the largest green area in Athens (excluding the outskirts of the mountains around it) with a total of 158 acres. It is surrounded by the avenues of Vasilissis Olgas, Vasilissis Amalias and Vasilissis Sofias and the street Irodou tou Attikou. Zappeion Mansion is located on its grounds and, on its northwest corner are the Parliament and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier.

The garden was planned by the German architect Gärtner who was invited to build the King’s palace (the current Parliament), in 1836. Its 120 tree-planted acres were developed gradually under the supervision of the German and the French agriculturalists from 1839 until 1886. During this same period, the Royal Guards were installed in the Garden. In 1923, the Garden was declared public. In 1927, by legislative decree, was named "National Garden", as it is known now. Until 1997, it used to belong administratively to the Commission of Public Gardens and Tree-lines, since then it belongs to the District of Attica.

Many people blame the Ministry of Agriculture - that was previously responsible for the Garden’s maintenance - for the deserted picture that it presents today: dirty and distinctively uncared for. The National Garden surely deserves better treatment, if for no other reason but its rich flora and fauna - which has decreased considerably but definitely has worked on refining itself. One will find there, lakes, a sundial, the Botanical Museum, the first hothouse in Greece, the Children’s Library and a quaint café.

The garden remains open daily from sunrise to sunset. It is estimated that 2 to 3 thousand people cross it every day, a number that increases during the summer months.

HOW TO GET THERE

BY BUS: 103, 108, 111, 206, 208, 209, 237, A4, B4

TROLLEY: 1, 5, 15

Shopping

TO KOMBOLOI TOU PSIRI
Worry beads of every kind and size with value of 5 Euro to 5,000 Euros in an exceptional store.... more
BENAKI MUSEUM SHOP III
A beautiful space filled with unique souvenirs from the Benaki Museum – such as ceramics, silver vessels, reliefs and sculptures,... more
APOSTOLART
Apostol’s bronze and glass sculptures have gained popularity for their extraordinary design and craftsmanship. He has had exhibits in many... more
SHOPPING CENTER PLAKA
A terrific one-stop shop for all your souvenir needs.... more
NOTOS GALLERIES LAMPROPOULOS
The oldest and highly respected Greek-owned department store.... more
ANTIQUA
Established by the Yannoukos family in 1952, Antiqua has a sterling reputation amongst experts and lovers of art. The client... more

Nightlife

EL PECADO BAR RESTAURANT
This, 19th Century inspired, designer club has been a favorite to many celebrities of the city. The name mean “sin”... more
XILIES KAI DUO NICHTES
Performing for Spring season 2010 at this ethnic establishment is Mariastella Tzanoudaki, Fotis Theodoridis & friends. Entrance: 10 Euros. Menu:... more
JAMES JOYCE
James Joyce is considered, “a different type of Irish pub.” There, they blend the best of the old with the... more
ASPRO
This is one of the most popular bars in Psirri and is open every day. Friends converge here to listen... more
PICA PICA
Pica Pica is much more than a tapas bar. Located in the heart of Psirri, a visitor is first impressed... more
AIR LOUNGE BAR (Fresh Hotel)
The swimming pool area on the 9th Floor of the Fresh Hotel is where you will find the “Air Lounge”... more