National Observatory of Athens

What I can see

It has been characterized as a historic monument. While for a lot of people it resembles to an orthodox church, it is the oldest research foundation of Balkans, operating until nowadays. It is a neoclassical building with simple and harmonious proportions. It features a cross shaped lay-out orientated towards the four cardinal points, whereas the observation tower lies at the centre.

What I can't see

While initially it was meant to be constructed on top of Lycabettus Hill, this plan changed and the winner proposition was the one that wanted it to be built on Nymphon Hill, although there have been certain counter arguments as to the fact that the latter lies within an archaeological site. According to a legend, Meton, an Athenian astronomer of the 5th century B.C. was observing the stars from that hill. Athens Observatory was originally conceived by Schaubert, but  his drawings did not please King Otto. Then, Theophil Hansen took over after his own drawings were approved. It is quite remarkable that Athens got to procure an observatory during a period when  other enormous shortcomings of basic infrastructure, such as sewage network, schools and hospitals was the everyday reality. The first astronomical instruments came from Austria, and Greek astronomers could subsequently make their observations more accurately.

Info

• Phone: +30 210 3490000
• Website: http://www.noa.gr/

Bibliography