National Gardens

Description:

• The National Gardens are located off Syntaga Square next to the Parliament building. This oasis in the city was originally the private gardens for the royal palace (now the Parliament). In the 1840s, Queen Amalia had horticulturalists bring in over 10,000 domestic and exotic plants, many of which still remain. The garden was opened to the public in 1923, however over time it fell into neglect. Efforts were made to restore the vegetation, paths, pond, etc. and prior to the 2004 Olympics the gardens were fully transformed. Winding paths lead past statues, fountains and a small bird sanctuary. There is also a botanical museum, duck pond and playground and a small zoo housing domestic animals. Nowadays joggers take to the paths and families bring their children to play. Tucked to one side is a small cafe (along Irodou Attikou street) and the southern entrance leads into the Zappeion Gardens.