A magnificent example of the neoclassical architectural movement that flourished in Athens in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its design belongs to Theophilus Hansen and is considered his most important work. In addition, many architects and historians claim that it is the most beautiful neoclassical building in the world. In addition to its interesting architecture, the building has several wonderful sculptures and designs that will catch your eye.
The imposing marble building owes its existence to the benefactor Simon Sinas, who made a large donation for its construction in 1856. Its architectural plans were created by the respected architect Theophilus Hansen. The first foundation stone was laid in a ceremony in the presence of King Otto in 1859, and its construction was completed 26 years later (1885). In the meantime, numerous difficulties arose, including a pause in construction work in 1868 and the death of Sinas in 1876. Initially, the hall was named after its founder and was called the Sinai Academy.
In 1887, the famous architect Ernst Ziller, a trustee of the Sinas heirs, handed over the Academy to the then Prime Minister Charilaos Trikoupis. However, the Academy institution as Sinas had imagined it had not yet been created; it was simply a building that was ready.
The Academy as Sinas had imagined it was finally founded in 1926. Since then, its main goal has been the cultivation of fine arts, science and literature, as well as the scientific support of the main branches of the economy. Throughout its existence, the building housed the Numismatic Museum, the Byzantine Museum and the General State Archives.
The building consists of a central section and two wings. It has characteristic features of the Ionic order. The sculptural decoration of the pediment, depicting the birth of the goddess Athena, is awe-inspiring. It was designed by Karl Rall, a famous Austrian artist, as well as the prominent Greek sculptor Leonidas Drosis.
Drosis also created two majestic statues that stand atop two tall Ionic columns in the forecourt of the entrance. On the left is the goddess Athena Promachos, the ancient protector of the city of Athens, holding a shield and spear, and on the right is the god Apollo Kitharodes, the patron of the arts and light, holding a lyre.
On the steps are two monuments to the ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Socrates, also by Leonidas Drosis, erected in 1885.
The imposing marble building owes its existence to the benefactor Simon Sinas, who made a large donation for its construction in 1856. Its architectural plans were created by the respected architect Theophilus Hansen. The first foundation stone was laid in a ceremony in the presence of King Otto in 1859, and its construction was completed 26 years later (1885). In the meantime, numerous difficulties arose, including a pause in construction work in 1868 and the death of Sinas in 1876. Initially, the hall was named after its founder and was called the Sinai Academy.
In 1887, the famous architect Ernst Ziller, a trustee of the Sinas heirs, handed over the Academy to the then Prime Minister Charilaos Trikoupis. However, the Academy institution as Sinas had imagined it had not yet been created; it was simply a building that was ready.
The Academy as Sinas had imagined it was finally founded in 1926. Since then, its main goal has been the cultivation of fine arts, science and literature, as well as the scientific support of the main branches of the economy. Throughout its existence, the building housed the Numismatic Museum, the Byzantine Museum and the General State Archives.
The building consists of a central section and two wings. It has characteristic features of the Ionic order. The sculptural decoration of the pediment, depicting the birth of the goddess Athena, is awe-inspiring. It was designed by Karl Rall, a famous Austrian artist, as well as the prominent Greek sculptor Leonidas Drosis.
Drosis also created two majestic statues that stand atop two tall Ionic columns in the forecourt of the entrance. On the left is the goddess Athena Promachos, the ancient protector of the city of Athens, holding a shield and spear, and on the right is the god Apollo Kitharodes, the patron of the arts and light, holding a lyre.
On the steps are two monuments to the ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Socrates, also by Leonidas Drosis, erected in 1885.
Translated automatically from Ukrainian. View original
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