Athens stands as a city where the legacy of Antiquity is woven into its modern and vibrant urban landscape. World-renowned landmarks of Ancient Greece like the Acropolis and the Parthenon stand as enduring symbols of classical architecture and the city's storied past. These structures reflect the foundational principles of symmetry and balance that have influenced generations of architects and continue to attract scholars from around the world. Yet, Athens is also a thriving metropolis where contemporary architecture coexists with its historical counterparts. Recent developments, led by international firms and local architects, focus on sustainability and innovation while respecting Athens' rich cultural heritage. This duality—preserving the old while embracing the new—reflects Greece's broader urban aspirations, making Athens a focal point in global architectural discourse. The city's architectural evolution also extends to its contemporary architecture and interior design scene, which is gaining international recognition.
To celebrate this architectural evolution, this city guide features Athens's historical landmarks alongside ArchDaily's selection of projects focusing on contemporary architecture, and Designboom's curation of innovative interior designs. Together, they highlight Athens' role as a hub of design innovation.
Moreover, this December 7-8, The Architect Show in Athens will spotlight the city's architectural growth. The event brings together professionals in architecture and design for seminars, conferences, and exhibitions that promote innovation, knowledge exchange, and collaboration.
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Reimagining an Abandoned Urban Landmark: The Story Behind the Piraeus Tower in Athens, GreeceHistorical Cultural Landmarks
Acropolis and Parthenon
Ancient Agora and the Stoa of Attalos
Benaki Museum of Islamic Art
The National Library of Greece/ Theophil Hansen
The Greek Parliament Building
Panathenaic Stadium
The Byzantine and Christian Museum
The Zappeion
ArchDaily's Curated Contemporary Works
The New Acropolis Museum / Bernard Tschumi Architects
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) / Renzo Piano
Athens Tower Complex / Ioannis Vikelas
National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) / Takis Zenetos
Piraeus Tower Revitalization / PILA
Three Object Apartment / DeMachinas + Elina Loukou
Glyfada Residence / SAOTA and ARRCC
Mobile Podium / en-route-architecture
Designboom's Featured Interior Projects
Museum of Cycladic Art / Kois Associated Architects
Delta Restaurant / Kois Associated Architects
Museum of Greek Contemporary Artist Alekos Fassianos / Kyriakos Krokos
Gallina/ LOT office for architecture and its sister studio Objects of Common Interest
Dave Red Athens / k-studio
FUDDY DUDDY / Saint of Athens and ICD Designers
Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens / firm ciguë
You can visit our list of City Guides here.
