The National Garden is a public park of 15.5 hectares (38 acres) in the center of the Greek capital, Athens. It is located between the districts of Kolonaki and Pangrati, directly behind the Greek Parliament building (The Old Palace) and continues to the South to the area where the Zappeion is located, across from the Panathenaiko or Kalimarmaro Olympic Stadium of the 1896 Olympic Games. The Garden also encloses some ancient ruins, tambourines and Corinthian capitals of columns, mosaics, and other features. On the Southeast side are the busts of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of Greece, and of the Philhellene Jean-Gabriel Eynard. On the South side are the busts of the celebrated Greek poets Dionysios Solomos, author of the Greek National Hymn, and Aristotelis Valaoritis. The Royal Garden was commissioned by Queen Amalia in 1838 and completed by 1840. It was designed by the German agronomist Friedrich Schmidt who imported over 500 species of plants and a variety of animals including peacocks, ducks, and turtles. Unfortunately for many of the plants, the dry Mediterranean climate proved too harsh and they did not survive. Other botanists planning and managing the garden include Karl Nikolas Fraas, Theodor von Heldreich and Spyridon Miliarakis. A part of the upper garden, behind the Old Palace, was fenced off and was the private refuge of the King and Queen. The garden was open to the public in the afternoons. Close to the garden in 1878 the neo-classical Zappeion Hall was built. It was donated by Evangelis Zappas and designed by Theophil Freiherr von Hansen. Zappas had started the Zappian Olympic Games, a precursor to the modern Olympic Games. The Zappeion was the Olympic village for the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens and also as a venue for the fencing events. Starting in the 1920s, the area in front of the Zappeion was also a major transportation hub for trams and buses. Today it is used for public exhibitions. In the 1920s the park was opened to the public and renamed "National Garden". In honour of Amalia of Greece, the entrance was moved to the 12 palms she planted and the street in front was renamed Queen Amalia Avenue. Since then the National Garden, is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. In 2004 the Greek state gave the garden for 90 years to the city of Athens.
National Gardens of Athens (Ethnikos Kipos) Tours and Tickets
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The National Garden is a public park of 15.5 hectares (38 acres) in the center of the Greek capital, Athens. It is located between the districts of Kolonaki and Pangrati, directly behind the Greek Parliament building (The Old Palace) and continues to the South to the area where the Zappeion is located, across from the Panathenaiko or Kalimarmaro Olympic Stadium of the 1896 Olympic Games. The Garden also encloses some ancient ruins, tambourines and Corinthian capitals of columns, mosaics, and other features. On the Southeast side are the busts of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of Greece, and of the Philhellene Jean-Gabriel Eynard. On the South side are the busts of the celebrated Greek poets Dionysios Solomos, author of the Greek National Hymn, and Aristotelis Valaoritis. The Royal Garden was commissioned by Queen Amalia in 1838 and completed by 1840. It was designed by the German agronomist Friedrich Schmidt who imported over 500 species of plants and a variety of animals including peacocks, ducks, and turtles. Unfortunately for many of the plants, the dry Mediterranean climate proved too harsh and they did not survive. Other botanists planning and managing the garden include Karl Nikolas Fraas, Theodor von Heldreich and Spyridon Miliarakis. A part of the upper garden, behind the Old Palace, was fenced off and was the private refuge of the King and Queen. The garden was open to the public in the afternoons. Close to the garden in 1878 the neo-classical Zappeion Hall was built. It was donated by Evangelis Zappas and designed by Theophil Freiherr von Hansen. Zappas had started the Zappian Olympic Games, a precursor to the modern Olympic Games. The Zappeion was the Olympic village for the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens and also as a venue for the fencing events. Starting in the 1920s, the area in front of the Zappeion was also a major transportation hub for trams and buses. Today it is used for public exhibitions. In the 1920s the park was opened to the public and renamed "National Garden". In honour of Amalia of Greece, the entrance was moved to the 12 palms she planted and the street in front was renamed Queen Amalia Avenue. Since then the National Garden, is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. In 2004 the Greek state gave the garden for 90 years to the city of Athens.
Overview
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- With shaded paths, wide grassy areas, a playground, and two ponds, the National Gardens are ideal for families with children.
- The park’s two ponds are populated by hundreds of rather assertive ducks. If you feed one, be prepared to feed them all.
- There is a small café inside the park that serves snacks and drinks.
- The park is free to enter, as is the tiny zoo and Botanical Museum.
- The National Gardens are largely accessible to wheelchairs, though some of the paths are a bit rough.
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Accessibility for wheels
- Access with Portable Ramp
- Accessible Toilet
Access for Visually Impaired
- Service animals permitted
As you enter the National Gardens of Athens, the vibrant colors and sweet scents immediately envelop your senses. The rustling leaves and chirping birds create a symphony of nature, welcoming you to this urban oasis.
Walking along the winding paths, you can feel the cool breeze gently brushing against your skin, providing a refreshing respite from the bustling city outside. The dappled sunlight filters through the lush green foliage, casting a warm glow over the ancient ruins scattered throughout the garden.
You come across a secluded corner where a tranquil pond glistens in the sunlight, its waters shimmering like liquid silver. The soft babbling of a nearby fountain adds to the calming atmosphere, inviting you to sit and reflect upon the beauty that surrounds you.
As you continue your journey, you encounter a fragrant rose garden in full bloom. The air is filled with the heady perfume of the delicate flowers, their velvety petals like a soft caress against your skin. You pause to inhale deeply, allowing the intoxicating scent to transport you to a state of pure bliss.
Moving on, you stumble upon a hidden alcove where a majestic marble statue stands amidst a grove of towering trees. The cool, smooth surface of the statue beckons you to reach out and touch it, tracing the intricate carvings with your fingertips. The solemn expression on the statue’s face stirs something deep within you, evoking a sense of awe and reverence.
As you make your way back towards the entrance, the sun begins to set, casting a golden hue over the garden. The fading light bathes everything in a warm, ethereal glow, imbuing the space with a sense of magic and mystery. You can’t help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of leaving this enchanting place behind.
But as you step out of the National Gardens of Athens and back into the bustling city, you carry with you the memories of your emotional journey through this verdant paradise. The sights, sounds, and scents linger in your mind, etching themselves into your heart, and you know that you will always cherish the time you spent in this tranquil haven amidst the chaos of urban life.
The National Gardens of Athens do not currently offer audio descriptive guides or sensory-friendly hours.
The National Gardens of Athens, also known as Ethnikos Kipos in Greek, is a serene oasis in the heart of Athens that offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Locals see it as a hidden gem where they can retreat from the urban chaos and connect with nature.
Greek artist Maria, who often visits the National Gardens for inspiration, describes the gardens as a place of tranquility and beauty. "Walking through the tree-lined paths and lush greenery, I feel a sense of peace and calm wash over me. It’s a place where I can recharge my creativity and find inspiration in the sights and sounds of nature."
For writer Nikos, the National Gardens hold a special place in his heart as a nostalgic reminder of his childhood. "I have fond memories of playing hide and seek among the trees and chasing butterflies in the gardens as a child. Now, as an adult, I find solace in wandering through the gardens and reminiscing about the carefree days of my youth."
Local baker Sofia enjoys picnicking in the National Gardens with her friends on sunny days. "It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely afternoon surrounded by nature. We bring homemade treats and spend hours lounging on the grass, soaking up the sunshine, and enjoying each other’s company."
Overall, the National Gardens of Athens are cherished by locals as a peaceful haven in the midst of the bustling city. Whether it’s for artistic inspiration, childhood memories, or simply a relaxing day out, the gardens offer a unique experience that is treasured by all who visit.
National Gardens of Athens (Ethnikos Kipos) is located in the heart of Athens, making it easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Below are comprehensive transportation options with a focus on accessibility:
1. Public Transportation:
- Metro: The closest metro stations to the National Gardens are "Syntagma" (Lines 2 & 3) and "Panepistimio" (Line 2), both within walking distance.
- Bus: Several bus lines serve the area around the National Gardens, including lines 230, 732, 815, and 838.
2. Taxi/ Ridesharing: Taxis and ridesharing services like Uber are widely available in Athens and can drop you off near the entrance of the gardens.
3. Walking/Cycling: The National Gardens are centrally located in Athens, making it convenient to reach on foot or by bike if you are staying nearby.
4. Accessibility: The National Gardens are wheelchair accessible, with paved pathways and ramps making it easier for visitors with mobility issues to navigate the park.
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### Ticket Booking and Discounts:
- Tickets: Entry to the National Gardens of Athens is free of charge for all visitors, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the gardens without the need to purchase tickets.
- Guided Tours: While there are no official guided tours, you can explore the gardens at your own pace and enjoy the natural surroundings.
- Discounts: As entry to the National Gardens is free, there are no specific discounts available.
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### Local Amenities:
- Parking: Limited street parking may be available nearby, but it’s recommended to use public transportation due to parking challenges in the city center.
- Restrooms: There are public restrooms available within the National Gardens for visitors to use during their visit.
- Dining Options: While there are no dining options within the gardens, you can find cafes and restaurants in the surrounding area where you can enjoy a meal or snacks. Athens offers a variety of dining options catering to different dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
The National Gardens of Athens provide a peaceful escape in the bustling city, and with easy accessibility, visitors can enjoy the greenery and beauty of the park with convenience.