The Old Royal Palace is in central Athens and a heartwarming destination for every traveller. Its huge neoclassical structure is designed to play a part in the Greek parliament. It was designed by the famous architect Friedrich von Gärtner on King Ludwig I’s instructions.
The palace construction began in 1836 and ended in 1843, making it the residence of Greece’s royal family. If you visit this place on a Sunday as part of your Greece packages, you will get to see the guard’s ceremony, which takes place at 11 a.m. sharp. This event holds immense importance for the military tradition of Greece and forms a unique scene to admire.
Right next to the palace, you can see National Gardens, a place to stroll and soak in nature at its best. There are several plants, shaded paths, and ancient ruins to explore. You can also walk in the botanical garden, alongside ponds, and visit the small zoo. This is the perfect spot to take your family for a fun day.
Highlights
• Walk through the neoclassical boxed streets of Old Royal Palace and observe the admirable architecture designed by Friedrich von Gärtner in 1843.
• Observe the impressive Changing of the Guard march performed daily at 11 a.m. in front of the Palace where soldiers practise and delight the visitors.
• Learn about the parliament structure of the city at the Old Royal Palace which now acts as the main centre of the Hellenic Parliament.
• Stroll through the adjacent National Gardens designed on Queen Amalia's instructions and discover the beautifully shaded paths, ancient ruins, and ponds.
• Visit the souvenir shops and cute cafes at Syntagma Square which is right in front of the Old Royal Palace and talk about life, love, and more.
How To Reach
By Car: Old Royal Palace is 11.3 km from Piraeus and takes approximately 12 minutes to reach.
By Bus: Take Line 040 Bus from Βενιζελου Stand as its distance to Athens’ Αφετηρια takes 45 minutes to cover. Deboard and walk for 3 minutes to reach the Old Royal Palace.
By Tram: A tram runs from Piraeus every 20 minutes and takes 47 minutes to reach Athens Station.
Best Time To Visit
The Old Royal Palace is open throughout the year to the public. Visit between April and June or September and November for a pleasant weather experience. Visit on a Sunday if you want to catch a glimpse of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to dodge the crowd.
Other Essential Information
- Arrive early to get a good viewing spot for the Changing of the Guard ceremony on Sunday, 11 a.m., and bring a camera to capture this unique tradition.
- Take some time to wander through the National Gardens and catch some respite through the hectic schedules.
- Check the schedule of Zappeion Hall for any ongoing exhibitions or events.
- Carry water, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen as Athens can get quite hot.
- Use public transportation to easily reach the Old Royal Palace and other nearby attractions.
- Follow any posted guidelines while visiting the Greek parliament, especially during the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Admire the architecture of Greek Parliament
The parliament was constructed as the main palace for King Otto in the 1840s. Today, it serves as the house of Greece and as the seat of the Hellenic Parliament. This palace depicts neoclassical architecture with grand and breathtaking columns. You will also see elaborate façade everywhere. If you visit the parliament building on a Sunday in the morning, you can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Soldiers are lined up in front in their traditional attire.
Explore the National Gardens
You will view the National Gardens right next to the Old Royal Palace. This place promises the right mix of peace and happiness. It was designed in the 19th century under the command of Queen Amalia. There are shaded paths, beautiful plants, and ancient ruins everywhere. You can explore a small zoo, a botanical garden, and various ponds everywhere. This is the right spot for a casual walk or if you want to catch a break with your partner.
Stroll through the Zappeion Hall
As you stroll in the National Gardens, you will come across the Zappeion Hall. It is a relevant neoclassical building used for exhibitions and conferences. The hall was constructed in the late 19th century. This was an effort by Greece to modernise the space. The impressive architecture and beautiful interiors of the hall make it a must-visit for everyone. Confirm if any event is scheduled around your trip and make your plan accordingly. The exhibitions are not to be missed!
