This is the oldest building in Athens: it is located on Patision Street

The old residential buildings of Athens, many of which were built in the 19th and early 20th centuries, are involuntary witnesses of the era when the city developed and transformed.

Tall buildings with small terraces and decorative elements bring an atmosphere of nostalgia to the urban environment. The architecture of these apartment buildings reflects a combination of different styles, from neoclassical to renaissance, creating a unique ensemble that reflects the history of the city. Many of these apartment buildings were originally built to accommodate the growing bourgeoisie during Otto’s reign. The oldest residential building in Athens is located in Patission.

It is designed in the eclectic style of the 19th and 20th centuries, the main feature of which was the use of various elements from different eras in one building. It was built by shipowner Panagis Giannoulatos, but he did not live in it for long, as he died, and around 1930 his wife sold it to a Constantinople man.

Over time, many of these buildings have undergone changes and renovations, while others have retained their original appearance. Interiors tend to be tall and spacious, with large windows letting in natural light. Shared staircases and open courtyards connected residents, adding a social dimension to their daily lives.

Today, when there are no longer courtyards and places for meetings or mandatory communication with neighbors, an apartment remains the simplest solution for living. The historical value of these apartment buildings is not limited to their architecture. Each building hides a story behind it, a series of events and experiences related to the evolution of the city and the people who inhabit it.

Despite time and change, some old residential buildings in Athens retain their luster, while others face challenges in conservation and restoration. However, their value as part of the history and cultural heritage of Athens remains undeniable.

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