Kapodistrian University of Athens opens its doors to public
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is opening its doors to the public and inviting people to get to know the Propylaea, one of the most iconic locations in the Greek capital.
The Propylaea are part of the landmark "Athenian Trilogy" - a well-known and important cluster of neoclassical buildings in the city centre (National Library, Kapodistrian University, Athens Academy) - which was founded in 1839, based on the designs of Danish architect Hans Christian Hansen.
Its halls constituted spaces for education, association, and protest. Its interior and its precincts have hosted a series of ceremonial events (statues and column erections, anniversaries celebrations, etc.), while in the city geography, it constituted the eminent place of action, demonstrations and rallies.
The building's decoration, including the distinctive mural in the interior façade of the Propylaea, are the result one of the most important iconographic programmes in Greece during the 19th century. The architecture and painting served a narrative framework that is closely connected with historic periods for the Greek nation, while the sculpture programme focuses on the country's recent history.
The tours, lasting approximately 60 minutes, aim to provide a first acquaintance with the Athenian Trilogy and the Propylaea building. They are conducted by art historians of the Department of History and Archaeology, Michalis Giochalas and Pavlos Gkoygiannos, under the scientific supervision of the Associate professor of history of art in the Department of History and Archaeology of the University of Athens Dimitris Pavlopoulos.
Guided tours in Greek: Every Wednesday 11/7, 18/7, 25/7, 1/8, at 5 p.m.
Guided tours in English: Every Thursday 12/7, 19/7, 26/7, 2/8, at 5 p.m.
For the tours there is a symbolic price of 2 euros for adults and 1 euro for minors and special categories (includes special information brochure).
Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ
