National Observatory of Athens, Astronomical observatory and research institute on Nymphs Hill, Athens, Greece
The National Observatory of Athens stands at an elevation of 80 meters, featuring multiple research institutes dedicated to astronomy, astrophysics, environmental studies, and geodynamics research.
Established in 1842 through funding from Greek-Austrian banker Georgios Sinas, the observatory became the first scientific research institution after Greece gained independence in 1829.
The observatory maintains a Geoastrophysics Museum and Library containing scientific instruments from the 20th century, including the G. Vouris meridian telescope from 1846.
The facility conducts public sky observation sessions in English on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, accessible from Thissio metro station or Monastiraki Square.
Julius Schmidt, a former director, created the most detailed lunar map of the 19th century using the telescope housed within the Sina building dome.
Location: Athens Municipality
Inception: 1842
Founders: Georgios Konstantinos Vouris
Official opening: June 28, 1842
Elevation above the sea: 80 m
Website: https://noa.gr
GPS coordinates: 37.97337,23.71828
Latest update: May 13, 2025 06:42
Beyond the standard tourist circuit, Athens contains Byzantine monasteries, historic neighborhoods and specialized museums. The city offers Roman ruins, observation points on multiple hills, traditional bars and cultural centers in former industrial buildings. These sites represent different periods of the Greek capital, from classical antiquity to modern urban development. The collection includes Kaisariani Monastery from Byzantine times, the Temple of Hephaestus as one of the best preserved Greek temples, botanical gardens and neighborhoods such as Psyri and Anafiotika. Museums present toys, musical instruments, coins and scientific collections. Visitors can climb Filopappou Hill or Strefi Hill, visit themed cafes or explore the National Observatory. The selection ranges from ancient sites to contemporary cultural venues.
Ancient Agora of Athens
413 m
Temple of Hephaestus
371 m
Pnyx
215 m
Ancient Agora of Athens
376 m
Temple of Aphrodite Urania
426 m
Temple of Apollo Patroos
423 m
Monument of the Eponymous Heroes
405 m
Synagogue in the Agora of Athens
380 m
Agia Marina church (Thisseio)
66 m
Ancient agora of Athens (Forum)
428 m
Colonos Agoraios
285 m
Strategeion
327 m
Church of Hagios Demetrios Loumbardiaris
414 m
Altar of Zeus Agoraios
423 m
Tholos of Athens
360 m
Melite
192 m
Herakleidon Museum
212 m
Koile
433 m
Metroon of Athens
387 m
Agia Marina church
60 m
Desmoterion
259 m
Kimonian Monuments
429 m
Aiakeion
357 m
Temple of Zeus Phratrios and Athena Phratria
423 m
Bouleuterion of Athens
380 m
Sanctuary of Pan in Athens
255 m
House of Simon the cobbler
377 m
Civic buildings in the Agora
377 mReviews
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