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About Syntagma Square Page 4

just one of several metro entrances in Constitution Sq.

As mentioned, the Greek Government operates from the squares Parliament Building which was originally designed to be the Palace of Bavarian import, King Othon and constructed between 1836-42.

Fittingly enough, Prince Ludwig of Bavaria, Othon's father and a Philhelline himself was the real principle supporting his son Otto, and laying out the first stone.

He also funded the project until he ran out of money and left it uncompleted which it remains until this day.

 

Most of it was funded from his own pocket and not the Bavarian Treasury.

I've been inside however and even uncompleted found it impressive!

Bavarian Royalty in Greecethereis an out side and an inside displayIf you enter the Syntagma Sq. metro station via the entrance at the bottom of the long stone stairs you will encounter the displays and maps (photo left) detailing the ancient use of the area.

The Syntagma area, even as late as 1840 was still rural. It was perfect anyway because in ancient times its idyllic setting was augmented by an underground aqueduct fed by Mt Hymettos its benefits to the area, which would dry out in summer, were considered so beautiful as to have inspired visions of nymphs and dryads.

More Syntagma Sq. Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5