Athens Eye Hospital

What I can see

The original building designs were by Christian Hansen and envisaged a single-storey neoclassical building. When the building’s supervision was transferred to Kaftanzoglou, a new Byzantine style design was made, under orders from King Otto. Following the incorporation of the Ofthalmiatrio (Eye Hospital) to the University of Athens, an additional floor was added by the military architect Gerasimos Metaxas. In 1881, an attic was also added and an outpatient clinic was constructed in the yard, in the same style as the main building. The architecture of the building is a welcome change to the dominance of the neoclassical style, as in the Athenian trilogy that stands next to it. 

What I can't see

During the first years after Athens became capital of the Greek State, eye infections were on the rise because of the intense dust and insects. Treatment in hospitals was avoided because of the threat of disease. This created the need for the establishment of an independent eye clinic, which was later incorporated into the Athens University Medical School. The building also housed a museum of optical instruments. A Byzantine style of architecture was favoured by the newly-established Greek State for charitable institutions (churches, hospitals, nursing homes) because the Byzantine period was commonly associated with Christian faith and charity, while the neoclassical style was used for educational and administrative institutions (Athens Trilogy, Technical University, Archaeological museum, Observatory, Palace, and more).

Info

• Address: 26 Panepistimiou/ El. Venizelou and Sina St.
• Postal Code : 10672
• Phone: +30 210 3623191, 3623192, 3646954, 3625835, 3630897
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.ophthalmiatreio.gr/

Bibliography