The ultimate oasis in the centre of Athens
A few steps from Syntagma, behind the Greek Parliament, lies National Gardens. A green oasis of 15,8 hectares, in the heart of Athens, that seems to breathe in the rhythm of the city and at the same time protect it from its noise and dust.
It was created in 1839, on the initiative of Queen Amalia, who envisioned a European-style garden in the centre of the new capital of the Greek state. She even brought about 15,000 plants from Genoa. It was cared for and planted by Bavarian gardener Friedrich Schmidt, who imported rare plant species from around the world.
National Gardens combine historical memory, botanical wealth and romantic aesthetics, which is why it has been declared a historical monument. Inside there are over 7,000 trees and 520 species of plants, as well as ancient remains, Roman busts and marble columns, which refer to the ancient topography of the area. Among the foliage stand out towering palm trees, eucalyptus trees, poplars, oleanders, banana trees, and even a centuries-old sycamore fig tree that is said to have been planted by Queen Amalia herself.
Start your walk from the entrance on Amalias Avenue with the impressive Washingtonias and walk to the pond with the water lilies, the small zoo and the reading room that is open during the summer months.
The paths, the iron gazebos, the duck pond and the ornate sitting areas make up a garden ideal for walking, reading or photo taking. For the younger ones, the playground and the small café overlooking the alleys are sustainable stops for joy and relaxation.
Next to National Gardens lies the Zappeion Megaron, which was completed in 1888, reinforcing the neoclassical character of the landscape. Together, the Gardens and the Zappeion make up one of the most important urban historical nuclei of Athens, where nature, politics and culture meet in perfect balance.
It was created in 1839, on the initiative of Queen Amalia, who envisioned a European-style garden in the centre of the new capital of the Greek state. She even brought about 15,000 plants from Genoa. It was cared for and planted by Bavarian gardener Friedrich Schmidt, who imported rare plant species from around the world.
National Gardens combine historical memory, botanical wealth and romantic aesthetics, which is why it has been declared a historical monument. Inside there are over 7,000 trees and 520 species of plants, as well as ancient remains, Roman busts and marble columns, which refer to the ancient topography of the area. Among the foliage stand out towering palm trees, eucalyptus trees, poplars, oleanders, banana trees, and even a centuries-old sycamore fig tree that is said to have been planted by Queen Amalia herself.
Start your walk from the entrance on Amalias Avenue with the impressive Washingtonias and walk to the pond with the water lilies, the small zoo and the reading room that is open during the summer months.
The paths, the iron gazebos, the duck pond and the ornate sitting areas make up a garden ideal for walking, reading or photo taking. For the younger ones, the playground and the small café overlooking the alleys are sustainable stops for joy and relaxation.
Next to National Gardens lies the Zappeion Megaron, which was completed in 1888, reinforcing the neoclassical character of the landscape. Together, the Gardens and the Zappeion make up one of the most important urban historical nuclei of Athens, where nature, politics and culture meet in perfect balance.
