The National Gardens

The city of Athens houses a population of about four million people. Its city center, densely populated, with the locals rushing around its most prominent streets, can be chaotic at times. During those times, the National Gardens of Greece (located by the side of the Greek parliament) seem to be the oasis every traveler needs.

When Greece became a free country, it was first reigned by Otto and his wife, Amalia. Amalia, born in Germany, was used to the fine and elegant architecture and exotic gardens of the European elite. However, once in Athens she found a city full of ancient ruins and small slums. The city resembled a shantytown. She was now on a mission; to elevate the look of Athens, adorn it with neoclassical (stylish, timeless) buildings and beautiful gardens! Her palace -the building that now functions as the Greek Parliament- was next to a free space of about a hundred and fifty stremmas. She turned that into her private, botanical and scientific gardens. The gardens were designed by Friedrich von Gardner. More than fifteen thousand ornamental plants were transferred from Genova to beautify the gardens even further. The Queen was so pleased with the result that she would spend more than three hours daily in her private oasis, her gardens, taking care of all her colorful plants.

After the fall of the monarchy in Greece, the palace of the kings became the parliament and the gardens of the queen are now open to the public as the National Gardens of the country. From the dawn to the sunset every day the travelers can explore the exotic flowers and the hidden statues of the gardens. In the heart of the area stands the Zappeion Palace, the Olympic state that was constructed as an exhibition hall. The National Gardens function up until now as a perfect retreat, a quiet place to get away from the buzz of the city.