National Observatory of Athens

The basics

Architecture fans will relish the chance to explore this grand building and its atmospheric library, while astronomy enthusiasts will love the Geoastrophysics Museum’s collection of scientific instruments, including a replica of the Antikythera Mechanism, a hand-cranked ancient astronomical “computer.”

For most, though, the night tours are the draw: Guides talk through the long, proud history of Greek astronomy, completing the experience by observing the sky through the antique Doridis Telescope, which dates back to 1902. These stargazing sessions happen in a dome on the Pnyx, where the astronomer Meton had an observatory around 2,500 years ago.

Things to know before you go

• The National Observatory of Athens is a good choice for architecture lovers, photographers, stargazers, and astronomy fans.
• If you’re aiming to take photos of the Parthenon at night, arrive early for your night tour to give you time to set up. Sunset is also a great time to visit.
• Clouds obviously affect the stargazing experience. Check the weather forecast if you have flexibility on timing.
• This historic building is not yet wheelchair accessible.

How to get there

The National Observatory of Athens stands at the top of the Hill of the Nymphs in Thissio, central Athens, about a 5-minute walk from the Agora of Athens and a bit further from the Acropolis.

When to get there

The National Observatory of Athens is open from mid-morning to early afternoon, Monday–Friday, with evening openings Wednesday–Saturday. English-language night tours take place on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; check the timing for tours in advance, since it changes depending on the season, and reserve a spot by email or phone.

The Danish architect who shaped the face of Athens

The architect behind the National Observatory of Athens was not Greek but Danish: Theophil Hansen. And he left his mark across the city at a time when Greek consciousness was booming in the wake of independence from Turkish Ottoman rule. His most famous works form two parts of the Athenian Trilogy, the Academy of Athens and the National Library of Greece, while he also designed the Zappeion Conference & Exhibition Center. Keeping things in the family, his brother, Christian, created the third part of the Athenian Trilogy: the University of Athens.