Plizio Visual Lab
National Garden of Athens
The National Garden of Athens is a green oasis in the heart of the Greek capital, located directly next to the Parliament building at Syntagma Square. Commissioned by Queen Amalia, it was designed and laid out between 1838 and 1840, covering an area of approximately 15.5 hectares. Originally intended as a royal garden, it was opened to the public in 1923. The garden is home to over 15,000 plants from across the globe, including monumental palm trees planted by the Queen herself. Beyond its botanical diversity, the garden contains numerous archaeological remains, such as Roman mosaic floors and ancient column capitals. A small zoo, a duck pond, and a botanical museum further enrich the experience for visitors. The garden's layout was the work of German gardener Friedrich Schmidt, who imported hundreds of plant species from Europe and North Africa. Today, the National Garden serves as a vital sanctuary for residents and tourists alike, providing a respite from the city's heat and noise. Its paths lead past busts of famous Greek poets and through shaded avenues.
Explore on the map
How well do you know Greece?
Find cities, landscapes and regions in 10 varied challenges on the interactive map.
Your journey, your memory
A postcard from National Garden of Athens
Turn your own photo into a personal postcard with a local stamp. Free and no sign-up required.
Create a postcard- Location: Greece
- Highlights: National Garden · Greek Parliament · Tomb of Unknown Soldier
- Nearby: South Athens (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 28 | 27 | 24 | 19 | 15 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 66 | 58 | 53 | 30 | 21 | 20 | 12 | 8 | 29 | 49 | 69 | 86 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The garden covers a total area of approximately 155,000 square meters.
- Queen Amalia planted the first 12 Washingtonia palms at the entrance.
- The garden was known as the 'Royal Garden' until 1923.
- There is a sundial-regulated irrigation system within the park.
- A Roman mosaic floor dating back to the 2nd century AD is located in the garden.
- The park is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town National Garden of Athens (9)
Holy Trinity
Byzantine church in Athens, known for its icons.
Syntagma Square
Central square of Athens, in front of the Parliament building.
Animal - Bird Collection
Collection of stuffed animals and birds in the National Garden.
Saint Paul
Church in Athens, dedicated to the Apostle Paul.
The Jewish Museum of Greece🏛 museum
Museum documenting the life and traditions of Greek Jews.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the National Garden located?
Is there an entrance fee?
What are the opening hours?
Are there animals there?
When was the garden created?
National Garden of Athens: where is it located?
National Garden of Athens: what is there to see?
National Garden of Athens: when is the best time to visit?
National Garden of Athens: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
