The National Garden is an outstanding example of 19th-century landscape architecture (in the English style), which has managed to preserve its main characteristics intact. The feeling of natural landscape, the complex winding network of pathways, the plant groupings, the strong presence of water, the small-sized flowerbeds with ornamental plants or lawns, and its historical plantings still dominate today. Together, they create an oasis in the center of Athens, an important attraction for young and old, locals and international visitors alike.
Its development is directly tied to the foundation of the modern Greek state and the transformation of Athens into a modern European capital, while its significance extends beyond Greece itself.
Construction began in 1839 and it is considered Queen Amalia’s most successful project. It is the only historical garden in Greece and the first designed green space of modern Greece. In its early years, it served as the palace garden (today’s Hellenic Parliament building). In 1923 it became state-owned, and in 1927 the Legal Entity of Public Law “Committee of Public Gardens and Tree-Lined Streets – National Garden” was established, which operated until 2004. Since then, and for a total of 95 years, the City of Athens has been responsible for managing the National Garden. In 2011, the Garden was officially declared a Historic Site by the Ministry of Culture (Government Gazette AAΠ 49/23.03.2011).
Access
The National Garden is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset, accessible through its entrances. Access for people with disabilities is possible via most entrances (except Vasilissis Sofias Avenue and Zann Moreas entrances). Movement inside the Garden is comfortable and pleasant.
In special circumstances, for safety reasons, or for any other cause, the opening hours may be modified. In such cases, announcements are posted at the entrances or on social media to inform visitors.
Contact
Phone: 210 7215019, 210 7214897
Children’s Library of the National Garden: 210 3236503
Email: [email protected]
Τα φυτά του Κήπου
The National Garden hosts nearly all types of vegetation: trees (evergreen and deciduous), shrubs, perennial herbaceous plants, climbers, succulents and cacti, annual flowering plants, lawns, groundcover plants, and more.
Although many typical Mediterranean species are present, the Garden is distinguished by its large proportion of exotic species. Queen Amalia, in the Garden’s original design, introduced many foreign plants which later became staples of Greek horticulture.
Most notable examples include:
- Washingtonia palms, forming the monumental avenue at the main Amalias Avenue entrance (named in honor of U.S. President George Washington).
- Eucalyptus and casuarinas from Australia.
- Phytolaccas from South America.
- False pepper trees from Central America.
Historical Plantings
The historical plantings of the National Garden, meaning those from its first two decades, add special value and connect its past and the city’s past with the present and future.
Characteristic examples include the Washingtonia palms of the main entrance, some large pines, cypress clusters, yuccas, elms, plane trees, wisterias, gleditsias, and many other scattered plants throughout the Garden.
The Animals
The National Garden provides shelter, nesting, and reproduction grounds for many species of fauna. The dense vegetation, abundant water, and the fact that the Garden is closed at night (ensuring quiet and minimal disturbance) have made it a very important urban habitat.
Visitors can observe a wide variety of animals, living freely or within the small zoo-aviary located at the center of the Garden.
Birds
- Parrots
- Hoopoes
- Ducks
- Geese
- Peacocks
Small animals
- Tortoises
- Squirrels
- Rabbits
- Goats
Aquatic animals
- Terrapins
- Fish
- Toads
Water
Water plays a vital role in the daily functioning of the National Garden. It covers the irrigation needs of the vegetation, improves the Garden’s microclimate, and also offers visitors relaxation and recreation.
The system of lakes, fountains, water features, and extensive stone irrigation channels is spread across the Garden. The main source of water is still the ancient Peisistratian Aqueduct (6th century BC), an underground channel 6.5 km long at a depth of 10–12 m. It begins at the foot of Mount Hymettus, near the hill of St. John the Theologian (above Papagou), follows the bed of the Ilissos River, passes through Agios Thomas Square and the National Garden, and ends at the Ancient Agora, which it supplied in antiquity.
Today, approximately 1000–1200 cubic meters of water flow daily into the lake on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue and another portion into a central point of the Garden. This water is distributed throughout the Garden via surface channels and underground networks, mainly for irrigation and lake replenishment, but also to enhance the landscape and provide enjoyment for visitors.