Iliou Melathron, Neo-Renaissance mansion in Athens, Greece
The Iliou Melathron is a three-story Neo-Renaissance mansion in Athens featuring classical architectural elements throughout. Its ornate facades display elegant proportions and intricate details that reflect the craftsmanship of the era.
The mansion was designed in 1878 by German architect Ernst Ziller for archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann. Schliemann gained fame through his excavations of ancient Troy and chose this house as his residence in Athens.
The mansion served as a gathering place for Athens' elite society, hosting receptions and intellectual debates throughout the 1800s. Visitors can sense the refined atmosphere of these social gatherings when walking through the decorated rooms.
The mansion is located in a central area of Athens with convenient access to public transportation nearby. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes as the historic staircases and flooring can be uneven.
The interior was decorated with thousands of archaeological finds from Schliemann's excavations across the Eastern Mediterranean. This collection offered a rare window into one of the most celebrated private antiquities collections of the 1800s.
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