Mansion of Stefanou Psycha

Mansion of Stefanou Psycha

The Mansion of Stefanou Psycha (today's Embassy of Italy) is located at the crossroads of Vasilissis Sofias Avenue with Sekeri Street and is an architectural diamond. This special estate was erected in 1895 as the residence of businessman Stefanos Psycha, who commissioned the design to famous German architect Ernst Ziller.

Considered a masterpiece, a work of the artist's mature period, this building makes an impression with its imposing marble entrance, its symmetry, and its Ionian and Corinthian columns.

The mansion did not remain for very long in the possession of the family because of financial difficulties and, in 1903, it was bought by the third son of George I, Prince Nikolaos, who lived there when he married the Great Duchess of Russia, Eleni Vladimiremrovna, until  the expulsion of the royal family in 1922. Indeed, for the needs of the princely couple, it was assigned to the charismatic architect, Anastasios Metaxas to make some internal alterations that gave the dwelling the name "Petit Palais" (def. "Little Palace"). In 1923, the mansion was rented by the businessman of the renowned "Grande Bretagne" hotel as an annex and, after having undergone certain more transformations, was handed over to the public as a small, luxury 60-bed hotel retaining the name "Small Palace", remaining in operation until 1933. In early 1933, the Psycha Mansion then housed the Norwegian Embassy, ​​and later in 1935, housed the Italian Embassy, ​​which remains there until today.

 

On the outside, in the courtyard of the building, there are cypress trees and some ancient palm trees, which are preserved and are part of the King of Egypt gifts to Queen Amalia. This is the reason why you will not be able to admire the details of this architectonic masterpiece from Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, which is the main entrance. We suggest for a better view to go to Sekeri Street where there is no foliage and you can admire the details of the Psycha Mansion. Do not forget to be very careful with the utilization of the photos, because under normal circumstances it is forbidden to take pictures.