But this tour is not just about history and art—it is also a culinary experience! The Museum of the City of Athens – Vouros-Eutaxias Foundation is a museum dedicated to the evolution of the city of Athens in modern times. It is housed in two of the oldest buildings in the Greek capital, located at 5 and 7 Paparrigopoulou Street. The neoclassical mansion of the Chian banker Stamatis Dekozis-Vouros (1792-1881) at No. 5, often referred to by Athenians as the “Old Palace,” is a landmark in Greek history, as it was the first official residence of King Otto and Queen Amalia after Greece’s independence. Later, along with the second building at No. 5, it housed the Dekozis-Vouros family, including Lampros Eutaxias, a politician and the museum's founder. The museum was established in 1973 and opened to the public in 1980.

In 1833, construction began on a neoclassical mansion on the northern outskirts of Athens, designed by architects Gustav-Adolph Lueders (1805-1880) and Joseph Hoffer. The Stamatis Dekozis-Vouros residence was completed in 1834, featuring a two-story early neoclassical design with a symmetrical facade. The vertical axis of the building is emphasized by pilasters with linear capitals and a central balcony, while the horizontal axis is highlighted by a cornice running across the facade, a distinctive element of neoclassical architecture.

Despite its elegant aesthetic, the building also gained historical significance due to fortunate circumstances. When King Otto arrived in Athens in 1834, he initially stayed at the residence of Chian banker Alexandros Kontostavlos, located between Stadiou and Kolokotroni streets. However, as this primarily wooden structure was deemed unsuitable for the royal couple, Otto rented the Dekozis-Vouros mansion in 1836, following his marriage to Duchess Amalia of Oldenburg (1818-1875).

To accommodate the royal household, Otto also rented the neighboring Afthonidis and Mastronikolas residences (which no longer exist today). The buildings were connected by a bridge designed by Bavarian architect Hoch, while Amalia transformed the area in front of the residences into a garden, which later became today’s Klafthmonos Square. That same year, the royal mint and seal office were established in the northeastern part of the block, further elevating the significance of the Dekozis-Vouros mansion.

Meeting Point: Syntagma square in front of mcdonalds
⏳ Duration: 3 hours 10.00 a.m.
Book now: from 50 euro

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