Megas Alexandros Hotel
Megas Alexandros Hotel is a building of late neoclassisism, identical to the neighbouring Bageion.
Modern and Contemporary era (1821 - )
1889 Built and operated as a hotel.
1976 Listed.
Ottoman era (1453- 1821)
Byzantine era (331 AC- 1453)
Roman era (30 BC- 330 AC)
Hellenistic era (322- 31 BC)
Classical era (478-323 BC)
Archaic era (800-479 BC)
Geometric era (-1100- 800 BC)
Prehistory (-1100 BC)
What I can see
This was a hotel owned by Ioannis Bagas, from whom the “twin” Bageion hotel took its name. It was designed by Ernst Ziller. It is a work of late classicism, the top floor was added later (after 1920) and has a characteristic decoration with deep red surfaces. Moreover, the building had a glass-covered central atrium, around which its functional spaces were developed, a new architectural feature for the time (late 19th century).
What I can't see
It operated as an A-class hotel, with 68 rooms. The customers were mainly wealthy merchants from the province. Before the construction of the top floor, it was crowned by statues. During WWII, it was commandeered by the Germans. During the Greek civil war, British soldiers caused serious damage to the building and used its furniture as fuel. After the war, the hotel declined.
Info
- Address: 19 Omonoia Sq. & Athinas St.
Bibliography
https://archaeologia.eie.gr/archaeologia/gr/arxeio_more.aspx?id=263
Last visit 21/12/2023
Yohalas T., Kafetzaki Τ., (2013), Αθήνα, Ιχνηλατώντας την πόλη με οδηγό την ιστορία και τη λογοτεχνία [Athens, Tracing the city guided by history and literature], ESTIA Bookstore
Zivas D.A.., (2012), Αρχιτεκτονικός Οδηγός Αθηνών, [Architectural Guide of Athens], Cultural Foundation of Pireos Group
