The Othoni Palace, also known as the Royal Palace, is an imposing neoclassical building located in central Athens on Syntagma Square. The palace was built in 1836-1838 to house King Otto I of Greece and his family, who had been called to rule the country after independence from Ottoman rule.The Othoni Palace is one of the most important historic buildings in Athens, and is famous for its neoclassical architecture and rich decoration. The building was designed by Bavarian architect Friedrich von Gärtner, and features an impressive white marble facade with Ionic columns.Inside the palace are numerous halls and rooms, which housed the royal family’s private apartments, state rooms, and guest rooms. The rooms are decorated with valuable textiles, period furniture, paintings and sculptures, testifying to the artistic taste of the time.Throughout its history, the Othoni Palace has undergone numerous transformations and restorations. After the abdication of King Otto in 1862, the building was used as a residence for successive kings of Greece. During World War II, the palace was severely damaged in a bombing raid, and subsequently underwent a lengthy restoration that lasted until 1960.Today, the Othoni Palace is open to the public and houses the National Museum of Contemporary Art. The museum features an extensive collection of modern and contemporary artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations.A visit to the Othoni Palace is a unique experience to discover the history and culture of Athens, and to admire one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in the city. The building, with its majesty and rich decoration, is a symbol of the importance of the royal family in Greek history and culture.
