Maximos Mansion: The Prime Minister's Office

Maximos Mansion, or Megaro Maximou, stands as a symbol of Greek political history and architectural grandeur in the heart of Athens. Situated on Irodou Attikou Street, next to the Presidential Mansion and opposite the National Garden, its location places it at the center of Greek governance.The mansion's story began in 1912 when Alexandros Michalinos, a shipowner, commissioned its construction. However, the building was not completed until the 1920s, when it was finished by Dimitrios Maximos, a prominent economist and later Prime Minister. The Maximos family resided there until 1952.During its history, the mansion has served various roles. During the German occupation of Greece (1941-1944), it was used as the residence of the German Admiral of the Aegean Sea. After the war, it briefly housed the U.S. Ambassador in Athens. From the mid-1950s to 1982, it functioned as a guesthouse for distinguished foreign visitors, including Marshal Tito and Margaret Thatcher. In 1982, it was designated as the official office of the Prime Minister.While the interior is not generally open to the public, visitors can appreciate the building's neoclassical architecture and well-maintained gardens from the outside. Its proximity to other landmarks makes it easy to include in a broader exploration of Athens. The mansion is heavily guarded, reflecting its importance in the Greek government.