Old Parliament House

Old Parliament House in Athens

Old Parliament House

The Old Parliament House is an architectural jewel in the center of Athens and one of the most historic buildings of the city. The mansion of the Old Parliament is located on Stadiou Street, in the square dominated by the statue of the 1821 Independence War, General Theodoros Kolokotronis.

This neoclassical building was the first permanent home of the Greek Parliament. It was built in 1858 by Queen Amalia and was constructed on plans by François Boulanger, modified by Greek architect, Panagiotis Kalkos.

The Greek Parliament operated in the building from 1875 to 1932. After the transfer of the Parliament to the Royal Palace (todayʼs Parliament building), it became the permanent home of the National Historical Museum by the Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos, an institution weaved with the historic identity of the building.

The Session Room of the Old Greek Parliament is for the visitors of the museum a place of historical memories. Here, from the podium of speakers, Harilaos Trikoupis said in 1893 the no famous phrase, "Unfortunately, we are bankrupt". Also, here, Eleftherios Venizelos (rejoicing) announced the signing of the Treaty of Sèvres in 1920, and here the first Greek Republic was declared in 1924.