The 5 Most Impressive Buildings In Athens

Everyone will agree that Athens is an architectural paradise for anyone interested in a rich and unique architectural mix. Blending architectural gems from the Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods as well as modern architectural styles including neoclassical and post-modern, here are the five most impressive buildings in Athens.

1. The Acropolis

It is impossible to write an article about the most impressive buildings in Athens without mentioning the Acropolis, it is so iconic. Set on a rocky hill above the city, the temple atop of the Acropolis, The Parthenon, was dedicated to goddess Athena, who was the protector of the city-state, and from whom Athens takes its name. The other various monuments which make up the Acropolis include the Temple of Athena, Nike, the Erechtheion and the Propylaea.

The Acropolis, Athens 105 58, Greece

The Parthenon Temple | © Michel Curi/Flickr

2. The Acropolis Museum

Museum

Designed by Bernard Tschumi Architects of New York/Paris with Michael Photiadis of Athens as a local associate architect, the new Acropolis Museum, completed in 2009, is located in the Makryianni district, right across the Acropolis. The museum is supported by more than 100 concrete pillars, as the building was constructed above the ruins of the ancient city. The top floors of the museum are made of glass walls, which bring plenty of natural light inside, while the Parthenon Gallery offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Acropolis and the modern city of Athens.

3. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre

Building, Library, Opera House, Architectural Landmark, Park

STAVROS NIARCHOS FOUNDATION CULTURAL CENTER

The stunning, ecologically sustainable urban complex of the Stavros Niarchos Fundation Cultural Centre was designed by Renzo Piano. The National Opera and the National Library will relocate to the SNFCC in the fall of 2017 and the building includes a 1400-seat opera auditorium as well as 400-seat theatre. Utterly modern and minimalist, the building was built upon an artificial slope, and is surrounded by a beautiful park and an artificial lake.

5. The Greek Parliament

Building, Architectural Landmark

Built in 1842, the Greek Parliament, which was the residence of the Greek royal family, is located on the northern side of the famous Syntagma square. The three-floor building was designed by another Bavarian architect, Friedrich von Gärtner. It was in November 1929 that it was converted into the Greek Parliament.

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