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Athens National Garden: A Royal Oasis

Discover a royal legacy in Athens' National Garden: a serene escape with diverse flora, historical charm, and tranquil pathways.

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Escape the Athenian bustle in the National Garden, a verdant oasis originally commissioned by Queen Amalia in 1838. This sprawling park offers a tranquil retreat with diverse flora, fauna, and historical remnants.

A brief summary to Athens National Garden

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the garden's winding paths.
  • Bring water and snacks, although there is a café on site.
  • Check out the Children's Library (open weekdays) for a quiet escape.
  • Look for the ancient Roman mosaic floor at the northern end of the park.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Syntagma Square, walk along Leof. Vasilissis Amalias, with the Parliament building on your left. The main entrance to the National Garden is a short distance away, to the right of the Parliament. There are multiple entrances to the garden.

  • Public Transport

    Take Metro lines 2 or 3 to Syntagma station. Exit the station and walk towards Syntagma Square. The National Garden is located adjacent to the Parliament building. A single metro ticket costs €1.40 and is valid for 90 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Athens. A short taxi ride from the Acropolis to the National Garden will cost approximately €4-€6. Note that the minimum taxi fare is €4.00. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and FreeNow also operate in Athens.

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Discover more about Athens National Garden

The National Garden, a 15.5-hectare public park in the heart of Athens, provides a serene escape from the city's vibrant energy. Located next to the Hellenic Parliament, this green space was initially designed as the Royal Garden by Queen Amalia in 1838. German agronomist Friedrich Schmidt oversaw the planting, importing over 500 plant species from Greece and worldwide. While some plants didn't survive the Mediterranean climate, the garden boasts over 7,000 trees and 40,000 shrubs, representing 519 species. Native species like Judas trees and oleanders mingle with Australian pines and Chinese trees-of-heaven. The garden's design showcases 19th-century landscape architecture with winding paths, open views, and water features. The Peisistratus aqueduct, rediscovered in 1860, still irrigates the garden. Visitors can explore a small zoo, a botanical museum, and a children's library. Ancient ruins, including a Roman villa mosaic, and monuments dot the landscape. Once a private garden open only in the afternoons, it became a public space in 1927 and was designated a Historic Garden in 2011. Today, the National Garden offers a green sanctuary for locals and tourists alike.

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