Zappeion Hall (served as part of the Olympic village in the 1896 Summer Olympics).
National Garden, Athens: An Ancient Urban Retreat
History of the Garden
The National Garden is a public park covering 15.5 hectares (38 acres) in the center of Athens. It is located in an area between the Greek Parliament building in the north and the Zappeion Hall in the south. Originally the Royal Garden, it was commissioned by Queen Amalia in 1838 and completed in 1840 as an extension of the grounds of the Palace of Otto and Amalia.
Friedrich Schmidt, a German agronomist, designed the Royal Garden. He imported over 500 species of plants and a variety of animals including peacocks, ducks, turtles, and tortoises. Queen Amalia opened a section of the garden to the public in the afternoons.
In the 1920’s, the garden was renamed National Garden and opened in its entirety to the public. To honour Queen Amalia, the entrance to the park was moved near to the allĂ©e of 12 palms she planted and the adjacent street was renamed Leoforos Amalias (Queen Amalia Avenue).
The Present Day National Garden
Among the current attractions in the National Garden is a duck pond, the Botanical Museum, the Spanish Fountain, a small cafe, and playground. Befitting a park in the Greek capital there are many ancient marble statues and architectural remnants. Continuing with the original theme, you’ll also find tortoises, so be careful where you step.
Ancient architectural remnants in the National Garden.
Architectural ruins, National Garden, Athens.
The National Garden is home to many tortoises.
I found the park to be a peaceful, shaded retreat amidst the hustle of the capital city. It’s a perfect way to ease into a day of exploring the wonders of Athens!
Bridge over the Central Lake, National Garden, Athens.
Winding paths of the National Garden, Athens.
The Spanish Fountain, National Garden, Athens.
Greek god statue, National Garden, Athens.
Sitting angel statue, National Garden, Athens.
Ioannis Varvkis statue, National Garden, Athens.
Monument to Lord Byron, National Garden, Athens.
Angel statue, National Garden, Athens.
The Plants of the National Garden
Plant lovers will find plenty of colourful flowers and unique trees to keep their interest in the National Garden.
Allée of Washingtonia filifera (desert fan palm / California fan palm).
Plumbago auriculata (Cape plumbago / blue plumbago).
Oleander nerium (oleander).
Pergola of Rosa banksiae (Lady Banks’ rose).
Citrus sinensis (orange tree).
Casuarina equisetifolia (Australian pine tree).
Lantana camara (wild-sage / tickberry).
Hibiscus.
Canna.
Cupressus sempervirens (Mediterranean cypress).
Yucca gloriosa (Spanish dagger / palm lily and others).
PLAN A VISIT
National Garden, Athens
Leoforos Vasilisis Amalias 1 (Αμαλίας 1)
Telephone: +30 210 721 5019
National Garden, Athens Opening Hours:
The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset.
Tickets:
Access to the park is free of charge.
Getting There:
The main entrance to the National Garden is on Leoforos Vasilisis Amalias with three secondary entrances: one on Leoforos Vasilissis Sophias, another on Herodou Attikou, and the third near the Zappeion. The nearest public transit stop is the Syntagma metro station. Google Maps
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