A Neoclassical Capital

Athens, a city where ancient monuments coexist with vibrant modern life, creates an extraordinary setting for urban exploration. On this neoclassical walking tour, you'll discover the architectural splendor that emerged after Greece gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in the 1830s. From government buildings to cultural institutions, you'll see how this newly formed nation expressed its identity through magnificent structures that continue to define the city's landscape today.

The tour starts in Syntagma Square, the heart of modern Athens and historical site of constitutional protests. You'll walk past the imposing Greek Parliament, originally built as the royal palace, where you can witness the ceremonial Changing of the Guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. As you stroll along Panepistimiou Street, you'll discover Hansen's magnificent neoclassical trilogy—the Academy of Athens, the University of Athens, and the National Library—each building showcasing the young nation's aspirations through classical design elements and symbolic artwork.

You'll learn about pivotal moments in Greece's modern history, from the founding of the Greek state to the 1973 student uprising at the Polytechnic School that helped overthrow the military dictatorship. The tour ends at the National Archaeological Museum, a treasure house of Greek civilization containing more than 11,000 artifacts spanning from prehistory to late antiquity, including masterpieces of ancient sculpture, pottery, and the remarkable Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient astronomical calculator.

On this 60-minute tour, you'll have a chance to:

• Explore Syntagma Square, the epicenter of Greek politics where citizens have gathered for protests since 1843
• Admire the Grande Bretagne Hotel, which served as Nazi headquarters during World War II and later hosted Winston Churchill
• Visit Iliou Melathron, the magnificent mansion of Heinrich Schliemann who discovered the ancient city of Troy
• See the impressive Academy of Athens with its statues of Plato, Socrates, Apollo, and Athena
• Examine the detailed frieze at the University of Athens depicting King Otto and the renaissance of arts
• Learn about the 1973 student uprising at the Polytechnic School that helped end the military junta
• Discover how modern Athens was shaped by international influences following independence
• Explore one of Greece's largest archaeological museums housing thousands of priceless artifacts

Whether you're fascinated by architecture, interested in modern Greek history, or simply looking to explore Athens beyond the ancient sites, this walk offers a perfect introduction to the neoclassical heart of this captivating city.