Athens' Architectural Trilogy

Almost our last day in Greece, after a month! Since we began this trip in mid-November in Italy and then in Greece as of January 4th, the weather has been incredible. 2 days of rain in all that time, and never enough to mar our day. By this day, we're in the first weeks of February, high-teens-Celsius and plenty of sunshine. We have absolutely LOVED ending our time here in Athens. A world-class, welcoming, safe city.

Past our hub of Syntagma Square and along a wide boulevard stands 3 academic buildings in a row that represent the Neoclassical period in Athens' construction, early 1900s, referred to as Athens' Architectural Trilogy. Private funding from a Greek magnate and designed by a Dutch architect, construction on these 3 side-by-side academic buildings began in 1859, ending in 1868, the design of which won at the Vienna International Fair in 1873.

First up, and a must-see for what it represents to us, is The Academy of Athens. The original Academy was established by Plato in 387 BC and it functioned for 900 years. Government decree banished all thought Academies until a resurgence during the Renaissance with Academies being established throughout Europe, but it took until 1926 and the dedication of these buildings, for the Academy of Athens to be re-established. It's life has been uninterrupted since then.

The Academy's purpose is research and debate under the following Orders: Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences and Moral and Political sciences. It's library houses 200,000 titles and research and writing is shared with the world.

Me, on the steps.

The interior meeting hall, exquisite. The 8 painted panels tell the story of Prometheus, the Titan God in Greek Mythology who was the creator of mankind and its greatest benefactor, including giving us fire, which he stole from Mount Olympus. Can't you just picture yourself sitting here debating ideas with some of the greatest academics in time?

The entry-door, lamps, carpeting and benched seating.

The exterior is entirely of marble, with 4 statues flanking the sides and front steps. Athena (holding a shield adorned with The head of Medusa) and Apollo on massive columns rising another storey above the Academy, and on either side of the approaching steps, Plato on the left, Socrates on the right. Spectacular building.

Next door, the University of Athens Administration building. We weren't allowed inside, but the comings and goings were interesting to watch. Other academic buildings stretch out behind this one, we walked it briefly, and adjacent to this complex, we found the University bookstore chock-full of Classic English titles, we spent our most money yet on books in this little shop, stocking up for our time in Egypt. 

And lastly, Greece's National Library. We've seen some greats on this trip, and this one does not disappoint, although we are not allowed to sit in the Reading Room. I sneak a photo of researchers anyway. We are approached by one of the Librarians there, word has gotten around quickly that we are visiting from Canada. He tells us of the history and contents of the Library, about his brother in Canada and his visits there. He give us tips on moving about in public, about the current state of government and how to cope with the next day's  general nation-wide strike. We have found the Greek people so willing to start conversations  about anything, and they are always interested in who we are and what we think. 

Athens, you've been so kind, we'll recommend you to everyone if they ever find their way close to your shores.