Old Royal Palace
Palace Athens palace housing Greece's parliament since 19th century
A 19th-century neoclassical building in central Athens that now houses the Hellenic Parliament. Visitors come to see the façade, watch the Evzones’ ceremonial guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and explore Syntagma Square nearby.
The Old Royal Palace in Athens is a 19th-century neoclassical building originally constructed as the royal residence for King Otto of Greece. It was designed by the Bavarian architect Friedrich von Gärtner and completed in the mid-19th century.
After serving as the royal palace for decades, the building was repurposed in the 20th century to house the Hellenic Parliament. The western facade faces Syntagma Square, where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Evzones guard posts are prominent features.
The palace’s role changed from a royal residence to the seat of parliamentary government, with interior alterations to accommodate legislative functions. It remains one of central Athens’ principal historic and civic buildings.
Geographically it sits on Syntagma Square in central Athens, a short walk from major museums, boulevards and transport links.
- Architect and current use: Designed in the 19th century by the German architect Friedrich von Gärtner as a royal residence, the building now houses the Greek Parliament and faces Syntagma Square in central Athens.
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier sits on the building's western steps and is the site of the Evzones guard ceremony that attracts many visitors.
How to Get to Old Royal Palace #
The Old Royal Palace (the Hellenic Parliament building) sits on Syntagma Square in central Athens. The easiest public transit is Syntagma Metro Station (Lines 2 and 3); exits from the station open directly onto the square, and the building is a very short walk (a minute or two) from the platforms.
From Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport drive about 30-45 minutes (roughly 35 km) via the Attiki Odos/A6 toward central Athens depending on traffic; taxis and airport buses also run to Syntagma.
Tips for Visiting Old Royal Palace #
- Go early in the morning to photograph the Old Royal Palace's neoclassical façade on Syntagma Square and to experience the area before heavy tourist and traffic flows.
- Use Syntagma Metro station for the most direct, low‑walking‑distance access to the palace and surrounding sites rather than navigating surface traffic and bus congestion.
- Time your visit to coincide with guard ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the palace-there are regular hourly changes and a larger ceremonial changing that draws crowds, so arriving early secures a good viewpoint.
Best Time to Visit Old Royal Palace #
Spring and autumn (March-May, September-October) offer the most pleasant conditions to visit the Old Royal Palace in Athens, with milder temperatures and manageable crowds.
Weather & Climate near Old Royal Palace #
Old Royal Palace's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 32°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the warmest month, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 7 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is warm, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 7 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 67 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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