“Mont Parnes” Hotel

What I can see

At an altitude of 1078 metres, this is a characteristic example of modern architecture that was internationally distinguished at the time it was built. It belongs to the list of architectural works “Architecture d ‘Aujourd’ hui” 158/1971 by Pierre Vago. Hotel Mont Parnes is 200m. long and consists of 4 volumes with that of the bedrooms dominating. Dark colours prevail, Giannis Tsarouchis’ choice, in order to fit the environment. It has 170 rooms, lobby, lounges, reading rooms, bars, restaurants, casino, cinema, music room, florist, barber shop and a hallway, which acts as the building’s axis. The volume of the bedrooms has a slight curve so that it is not monotonous, and the balconies resemble the monasteries of Mount Athos. In total, the building combines many elements, such as late-modern architecture, traditional decoration, a Hydra living room, a Northern Greek living room and some eclectic elements. The decoration was painted by important artists, such as Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Gkikas, Spiros Vassiliou, Evgenios Spatharis and Giannis Moralis.

What I can't see

The construction of such a building in a rare natural environment (Parnitha is a national park) caused huge reactions from scientists and citizens. At that time, it was a frequent phenomenon for luxury hotels to be built in places of unique natural beauty, as a tourist investment strategy. Initially, it was planned as a settlement with bungalows and tennis courts, but this plan was not implemented. Architect Pavlos Mylonas intended not to create a strict building, but an intimate one, resembling a private home. The hotel can be approached either by car or by cable car. The view is special, as we can see the whole city from above.

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