The National Garden of Athens, also known as the Royal Garden, was commissioned by Queen Amalia in 1838, shortly after she became the queen of Greece. It was designed by the German horticulturist Friedrich Schmidt, who was appointed as the head gardener of the royal palace. Schmidt, along with a team of gardeners, transformed the barren land into a lush and beautiful garden, which was completed in 1840.
The garden covers an area of 15.5 hectares and features a variety of trees, flowers, and plants from around the world, including some rare species. The lake in the garden, which is home to the ducks, was added later in the 1920s.
Throughout its history, the National Garden of Athens has served many purposes, including as a royal garden, a botanical research centre, and a public park. It is located next to the Greek Parliament building and is open to the public daily. Visitors can enjoy a stroll, visit the small zoo, or relax on one of the many benches scattered throughout the garden.
Starting from the Arch of Hadrian, the walking tour of Athens takes visitors through some of the city's most iconic landmarks and attractions. The Arch of Hadrian, a triumphal arch built in the 2nd century AD, stands at the entrance to the ancient city and serves as the gateway to the tour.
From the arch, visitors can walk towards the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which is one of the largest ancient temples in Greece. The temple was completed in the 2nd century AD and was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology. Although much of the temple has been destroyed over the centuries, its impressive columns still stand today, and visitors can appreciate their sheer size and intricate details.
After exploring the temple, visitors can go to the nearby National Garden of Athens. The garden is a lush and peaceful oasis in the city's heart, featuring an array of trees, plants, and flowers from around the world. Visitors can stroll through the garden's paths, relax by the small lake, and visit the Terrapin Pond to see the turtles.
The walking tour then continues towards the Benaki Museum, which is one of the most famous museums in Athens. The museum is located in a beautiful neoclassical building and features a collection of art and artefacts from ancient to modern times. Along the way to the museum, visitors can walk through the upscale neighbourhood of Kolonaki, known for its designer boutiques, art galleries, and trendy cafes.
At the Benaki Museum, visitors can explore the extensive collection of artefacts and art, including ancient icons and terracotta figurines, which offer a glimpse into the rich history of Greece and the wider Mediterranean region.
Overall, the walking tour of Athens is a great way to explore the city's ancient landmarks and modern cultural offerings. It offers a mix of history, nature, and art and takes visitors on a journey through the many different facets of Athens.
