The Three Temples of Education (“Athenian Trilogy”). These three mansions were built at the same time by two well known Danish architects the Hansen brothers, who lived in Greece during that period.
Athens Academy (1859-1887): On the sides of Academy there are two wings, decorated with friezes and a pair of high columns which support Apollo’s and Athena’s statues. Athens Academy was designed by Th. Hansen the younger of the two brothers. The statues are creations of L. Drossis and the painting decorations of K. Rahl. Athens Academy is considered to be the most remarkable example of Greek architectural style.
The University (1839-1864): Athens University was designed by Ch. Hansen the older one of the two brothers. The fountain in the yard, the cyclic ladder and the colorful frescos with classical themes (painted by the Bavarian K. Rahl), which decorate the walls behind balcony's columns are also remarkable.
National Library (1887-1902): Another beautiful building designed by Th. Hansen. It is the largest library in Greece and houses unique treasures of books written in all languages. On its facade there is an impressive six column portico of Doric style, which is designed according to the example of the one in Theseion. Its interior is designed by Ern. Ziller is lit by a large skylight and is surrounded by Ionic columns.
Cultural Center of Athens Municipality. It is located behind the “Athenian trilogy” buildings (50 Akadimias Str.). It is an impressive neoclassic building constructed in 1835 by Chr. Hansen and for many years it was operating as a hospital. Cultural events are organized in its rooms. In front of the building is a small garden with busts of historic personalities (artists, politicians etc), while in its back side (towards Solonos Str.) operates a small coffee house. Right next to it (at the corner of Massalias Str.) stands the impressive Palama Building (also known as the “pink building” because of its color) built in the period of 1857-1859, which nowadays houses the library of the Museum of Theater. Athens University Student Club (1926-1931) designed by Al. Nikoloudi is located on the opposite diagonal side of the cultural center (at the corner of Ippokratous Str.). It is a building designed according to the eclectic Beaux Arts style.
Korai Square. It is a small beautiful square built when the homonym street was reconstructed as pedestrian. In its NE side dominates the Ralli building (10 Korai Str.) of early neoclassic style and right opposite stands the modern building of General Accountings Office (designed by E. Lazaridis). In its SW side stands the neoclassic former Grand Hotel (2 Korai Str.) and on the opposite side the modern building of Emporiki Bank. The recently renovated “Korai Arcade” where you can find many coffee places, small restaurants (fats food), shops and a cinema hall is also situated in Korai square.
Ionian Bank Mansion (Pesmatzoglou Str.). It is a remarkable mansion with vigor art deco decoration elements (1925). Its central money exchange office is surrounded by columns and balconies and is lit from a stained glass window.
Arsakeio Mansion (1846-1855). It is an imposing two storey mansion typical example of Greek classicism also influenced by eclecticism. Many years ago it housed “Arsakeio Girls' School” but nowadays houses the Council of State (supreme Administrative Court). Right next to it is Dikastirion Square.
Arsakeio Arcade (Orfeos): It is the interior arcade of Arsakeio Mansion built with neo baroque architectural elements and an impressive glass roof with a dome in its middle. It houses many shops and coffee places as well as the “Arcade of Book”, which hosts bookstores of 60 Greek publishers and organizes many cultural events.
“Rex” cinema-theater. It is a mansion with three entertainment halls (cinema-theater) built in the period of 1935-1937 and influenced by American skyscrapers that were constructed the same period. Nowadays, two of the halls are used for performances of the National Theater and the third one operates as an entertainment hall.