08-06-2013 13:29

The Athens University History Museum is located in one of the oldest residential buildings still standing in Athens today. The building dated back in the period when Greece was still under Ottoman rule. It is situated literally on the slopes of the Acropolis Hill in the district of Plaka, on 5th Tholou Street.

It is also known as the ‘Old University’, since, from 1837 and for four years, it functioned as the first University of the independent Greek state. It is also known as the “Kleanthis House” since the architect Stamatios Kleanthis and Eduard Schaubert, purchased this building to function as their architectural office.

The original core of the building with its fortified walls and vaulted cellars dates back from the Ottoman period, at least from the 17th century. Stamatios Kleanthis and Eduard Schaubert bought the building by its previous owner an Ottoman landlady named Sante Khanum and then they proceeded to extensive restoration and repairs or built a new building on the remnants of the older, embedding it in the new one. In any case, the enclosed balcony of the first floor on the north side, the loggia overlooking the courtyard to the south, the domes, the wells, the overall asymmetry of the axes they all give a charm and reflect elements of traditional Athenian architecture.

The building was rented in 1834 to the Department of Public Education, initially to house the first gymnasium in Athens and then to accommodate the newly founded University. In order to meet the needs of the university teaching, Cleanthes added in 1837 three classrooms and an anatomy auditorium was constructed by Danish architect Hans Christian Hansen. After the establishment of the University in its final seat in 1841, the Cleanthi’s House remained rented by the Secretariat of Public Education, housing the College of Education and the Experimental School until 1850. Then it was rented by the War Department and was used as barracks.

In 1858 was sold and the new owner bequeathed it to the Holy Sepulchre, and in 1907 was purchased at auction by Dimitrios Chairetis. In 1868 the building had hosted refugees of the Cretan Revolution until 1887 and the 1922 to 1923 hosted refugees from Asia Minor. After the war a tavern was housed on the ground floor being called the "Old University". It was expropriated in 1962 by the Archaeological Service and in 1963 it was declared a protected monument, while three years later in 1967 it was granted to the University in exchange for the Lassani house. Between the years 1975-1985 extensive works of maintenance took place and since then it houses the Museum of History of the University of Athens.

Today it houses a collection of rare editions of books, scientific decrees, newspapers, and other documents relating to university life and courses that were taught at the time as well as scientific instruments related to physics, chemistry, medicine and pharmacology.

From May until October, the Museum’s courtyards are suitable for holding theatrical and musical performances under the rock of the Acropolis with a panoramic view of Plaka, the Ancient Agora, the Athens Observatory and the Lycabbetus Hill. The admission to the Museum is free and it is open for visitors Monday to Friday 09.30 - 14.30.

Parea Restaurant: a beautiful terrace for the perfect dinner.

We have been choosing Parea Tavern for our meals and dinners for 14 years! Every time someone from Touristorama travels to the island of Santorini, he enjoys authentic Greek cuisine at the terrace of this restaurant in the heart of Fira. And we are not the only ones. Thousands of tourists include it among their favorites on the volcanic island.

We found the best scandinavian bar in Naxos!

Touristorama has been travelling all around Greece and its islands for over a decade. This year, during our trip to Naxos, the biggest of the Cyclades complex, we discovered an interesting spot, perfect for your night out on the island… which is what we do best: finding the best places and then propose you should visit them! Prime is a Scandinavian Bar, located on a privileged position in Chora of Naxos, opposite the port. It’s been operating for 21 years and enjoys a great fame to both foreign and local tourists.

Aktaion - Writing gastronomic history since 1922

Like a relay race of three generations; a journey with happy days, sad days, joys, sorrows, wars, Occupation, poverty, hunger, deaths, volcanic eruptions, catastrophic earthquakes, flee for a better life, return, better days, feasts, tourism explosion, financial crises and so on… Everything has been indelibly inscribed on the walls of this small building, Aktaion. I feel grateful that life has given me the opportunity to hold the reins of Aktaion all the way to its centennial.

Privacy on the vivid island of Santorini? Yes, you can have it!

Explore the fascinating volcanic island of Santorini the way you want it yourself! Enjoy a unique accommodation experience, with huge doses of privacy and luxury by choosing to stay in Incognito Villa.

Santorini has a secret... but we have to share it.

It opened in 2004 and soon became one of the favourite dining spots in Santorini. It is called Metaxy mas which means.. between us, but it is not a secret any more that this restaurant has a rich menu with almost 40 different dishes and appetizers based on traditional Greek cuisine.

Something old, something new.... Marmita combines them both!

The Marmita Restaurant is now a part of the history of Santorini, since it has been operating in Megalochori since 2004. From 2013 it s been running under the observation of new owner Giannis Manikas and the sense of renewal is obvious.

Astakas restaurant and the Statue of Poseidon in Milos.

The statue of Poseidon, made of Parian marble, was found in 1877 on Milos island, along with a statue of his mate, Amphitrite. The larger than life-size statue depicts the god almost nude, wearing a himation...

Under the Spell of Greek Costume

For the second consecutive year, three dynamic bodies, the Benaki Museum, Costa Navarino and Athens International Airport, join forces for culture. Leveraging on the Benaki Museum collection of printed...

The Museum of Prehistoric Thera

The Museum of Prehistoric Thera houses finds from the excavations at Akrotiri, conducted under the auspices of the Archaeological Society at Athens, the earlier excavations at Potamos, made by members...

Mystras, the amazing Byzantine Despotate of the Morea

In 1249, the ruler of the Frankish Principate of Achaea William II of Villeharbdouin built a srong fortress, atop the naturally-fortified hill of Myzithra in Lacedaimon. It would play an improtant role...