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National Library of Greece: A Repository of Hellenic Heritage

Explore Greece's intellectual heritage at the National Library, a treasure trove of books, manuscripts, and historical documents in a neoclassical setting.

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The National Library of Greece in Kallithea is a treasure trove of Greek culture, housing millions of books, manuscripts, and historical documents. While part of its collection has moved to a modern facility, the original neoclassical building remains a monument to Greek commitment to education and culture.

A brief summary to National Library of Greece

  • Monday 9 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-8 pm
  • Friday 9 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-2 pm

Local tips

  • Visit both the original neoclassical building on Panepistimiou Street and the modern facility at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center to experience the library's past and present.
  • Check the library's website for information on temporary exhibitions, lectures, and cultural events.
  • Serious researchers can apply for access to the library's special collections, which include rare manuscripts and archival materials.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Syntagma Square in central Athens, take the Β2 bus towards Αγ. Κοσμασ or Αφετηρια towards Πειραιασ. The bus will take approximately 28 minutes and will cost €2. Alight at the Ωνασειο stop, which is closest to the library.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Athens. A taxi ride from Syntagma Square to the National Library of Greece typically takes around 6 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately €8-€11.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74. Parking is available at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), where the library is located. Parking costs €1.70 per hour from 00:00-19:00 and €1.70 per hour with a maximum charge of €6 from 19:00-00:00. There is also a maximum daily charge of €15. Limited street parking may be available, but it can be difficult to find.

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Discover more about National Library of Greece

The National Library of Greece stands as a guardian of Hellenic intellectual heritage, bridging the past, present, and future. Founded in 1832 by Ioannis Kapodistrias, it has grown from a small collection to a vast repository of knowledge. Its mission is to preserve and provide access to the written record of Greek culture. Originally housed in various locations, including a public bath and a church, the library found a permanent home in a stunning neoclassical building on Panepistimiou Street in 1903. This building, designed by Theophil Hansen and funded by the Vallianos brothers, is part of the "Athenian Trilogy," along with the Academy of Athens and the University of Athens. Its architecture, featuring a Doric temple facade and Pentelic marble construction, reflects a commitment to classical ideals. In 2017, the majority of the library's collection was relocated to a new, modern building at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC). Designed by Renzo Piano, the new facility offers state-of-the-art spaces for research, study, and public engagement. However, the original Vallianos building continues to serve as a reading room and remains open to the public, maintaining its historical charm. The library's collection includes over two million items, including rare books, manuscripts, maps, and archival documents. Highlights include a vast collection of Greek manuscripts dating from the 9th to the 19th centuries, archives from the Greek Revolution, and early printed editions of Homer's epics.

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