National Observatory of Athens

The National Observatory of Athens is an astronomical research center located on Nymphs Hill housing multiple scientific departments. The site contains observation areas, a museum, and a library holding scientific collections from past centuries.

The facility was founded in 1842 and became the first scientific research institution of modern Greece following independence. A wealthy banker from Greece and Austria provided the funding to build this center.

The observatory serves as a place where visitors connect with scientific discovery and the night sky. The museum displays historical instruments that show how past astronomers approached their work.

The facility offers public sky observation sessions on certain evenings and can be reached from Thissio metro station or Monastiraki Square. Visitors should wear warm clothing since evening observations take place outdoors on elevated terrain.

A past director created an exceptionally detailed lunar map during the 1800s using a telescope still housed in the original dome building. This map represented a major achievement in astronomical mapping of that era.

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: December 6, 2025 17:40