What I can see

It is a small building, reminiscent of an ancient Doric temple. It is an example of late neoclassicism and was built at a time when classicism was considered an outdated architectural trend, while modernism was the new developing architectural trend. It is known as “Palataki” (Little Palace) and was probably named so, due to its proximity to the then palace and current parliament building.

What I can't see

During the period when the parliament building housed refugees of 1922, Palataki served as a place of services for the refugees, such as sewing and handicraft workshops, funded by Emmanuel Benakis. The building was originally intended for a workshop’s needlework and embroidery shop and was built with a donation from “Friends of Greece in America”, which is why the architect was the American Stewart Thomson. When the old palace was converted into the current parliament (1935), Palataki functioned as a storeroom. During the late 20th century, the interview studio of the parliament’s television channel was housed here and a western addition was built, provided it was hidden by tall plants.

Info

• Address: V. Sofias Av.

Bibliography