Where to go in Athens

The House of Parliament

The most important building of Greek modern history lies in the very centre of Athens. The House of Parliament is placed across the Syntagma Square, easily accessible by the homonym metro station. In architectural terms it is a massive, square, neoclassical building planned by the Bavarian architect Gaertner, in 1836, to serve as a palace for king Otto and his government. An important number of major political events took place at this building during the late 19th and the 20th century. The transition of royal dynasty lead to the change of inhabitants for the palace.
With the arrival of the new king, George the 1st, in 1863, some operation took place but no major changes occurred. Two fires that broke out at 1884 and 1909 caused numerous problems so that part of the building was renovated. The building remained a palace until 1913 when the political circumstances, lead the new king, Constantine to move to Herodus Attikou mansion. However the old palace became the residence of Queen Mother Olga until 1922, when it was transformed to a hospital and house of additional services, due to the Asia Minor disaster. Since 1926 this building has been House of the Parliament of Greek Republic.
The House of Parliament is a registered trademark of the Greek Capital. In the forecourt stands The Unknown Soldier Monument were most national ceremonies take place. Also, soldiers with Greek traditional costumes patrol in frond of the Old Palace making a great theme for a photograph. Being set in the centre of Athens, the House of Parliament makes the ideal begin for a tour around the city, since most interesting sites are situated around this spot.

Relevant Links: Hellenic Parliament http://www.parliament.gr/

by Evita Lykou

posted by fejsgr @ 2:16 PM