It is approaching two centuries of life, although its roots stretch back to antiquity. The National Garden, a real jewel in the heart of the tough urban fabric of Athens, was all these years and continues to be today, one of the most favorite spots of the city for the Athenians. A point of reference in every season, in difficult times and in beautiful times. If someone wanted to take a look back at the different eras of Athens, such as the Belle Epoque, they would definitely choose the National Garden with the Zappeion next to it as a “set”. Because the National Garden has always dominated the life of the capital.

However, apart from its importance as one of the most beautiful and historical landmarks of the city, it is also the largest urban green lung right in its center, one of the “lungs of Athens”, as the mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannis, likes to say. That is why the Municipal Authority wanted to take care of it, so that the next generations of residents and visitors of this city can continue to enjoy this “lung”.

With respect to the area itself, which covers a total area of ​​154 acres, and with an integrated strategic plan, the Municipality of Athens proceeded to restore the damage caused by time and erosion, but also to upgrade the aging infrastructure, and now the National Garden is delivered by the municipal Authority ready and renewed, beautiful as always with all this biodiversity it has, accessible in its various parts and much safer. And it is a project, which the mayor of Athens described as one of the most important things done in his term of office, to shield the city against climate change.

It has been designated as a historical site by the Ministry of Culture. Its construction began in 1839 and it is a great example of landscape architecture, English style of the 19th century, which has managed to preserve its basic characteristics unchanged. The sense of the natural landscape, the presence of the complex winding network of paths, the plant units, the strong presence of water, the small-sized flower beds or lawns, its historical plantings, create an oasis in the center of Athens and a pole of attraction for young and old.

But also its fauna, as in the National Garden many different species of birds find refuge, as well as small animals, turtles, squirrels and rabbits. There they nest and there they breed freely. The conditions of dense vegetation, the intense presence of water, the fact that it closes during the evening hours, maintaining conditions of calm and minimal disturbance, have turned the Garden into a very important urban habitat.

The upgrade work

Appreciating and taking into account all these parameters, but also with a central axis of respect for the form and historicity of the Garden, the upgrade was carried out by the Municipality of Athens, which includes a series of works.

The historic irrigation network of the Garden was replaced and completed. It is an extremely complex system of aqueducts, ditches and wells, which originates from the time of its creation and which works for the most part as it is to this day. Even today, the available irrigation water of the National Garden comes mainly from the Peisistrateio Aqueduct and is supplemented by four boreholes and a well within the Garden.

The pressurized underground irrigation network was also modernized, where through the pumping station and suitable underground piping, the system for watering the flower beds and other elements works in addition to the above ground. The National Garden has a rich flora, which has increased needs for irrigation water, especially during the summer. The new irrigation network will be able to serve the simultaneous operation of fire hydrants inside the Garden, equipped with fire hydrants.

All pedestrian walkways were reconstructed based on the principles of durability, using a stabilized earth floor, as in its original form. In particular, the paths were maintained and restored, which showed significant erosion, especially in the northern part of the Garden. The winding network of paths is paved with natural materials, which show great water permeability. These characteristics have been preserved, and with the parallel use of modern materials they ensure the stabilization of the soil of the paths. The natural relief and natural texture of the materials used until now were preserved intact.

The electrical and mechanical works are also an important part of the “Upgrading the National Garden” project. These include the installation of discreet ambient lighting. Modern lamps of new technology upgrade the electric lighting network and, together with the characteristic lampposts of the Garden, highlight its corners.

Finally, the necessary infrastructure was created to underground the power transmission cables, thus protecting the Garden and increasing its durability.

Special care for rare trees

Special care by a team of specialized scientists was given to the rare trees of the National Garden. These are historic trees, some of which are more than 170 years old and some of them, such as the Washington trees that are still present at the entrance to Vasilissis Amalia Avenue, were planted by Queen Amalia herself in 1842.

At the same time, emphasis was placed on enriching the plant capital of the Garden, with the aim of renewing the plant population, but also enhancing its biodiversity. According to the data of the Municipality of Athens, a total of 22,188 plantings were made during the period 2021-2023, which include 222 new trees, 863 shrubs, 3,509 additional plantings of shrubs in vegetable borders, 4,382 perennial herbaceous plants, 13,154 seasonal plants and 58 climbers.

Restoration of historic buildings as well

They are already preparing to proceed with the next works, as the study for the restoration of the historical buildings has been completed and this is the first important step for their renovation and maintenance. The repair and maintenance of the ponds and the wooden bridge are also planned, while the urban equipment of the Garden (seats, waste baskets, etc.) is maintained and supplemented. At one point, some archaeological work is being carried out, due to finds.

In addition, for a safe and comfortable tour of the Garden, a new marking system will be installed using sign-maps, which will indicate where the visitor is.

However, beyond these works, the next steps for the general upgrading of the National Garden are also underway. Along with the renovation and restoration of the historic buildings, there will be maintenance of the marble and stone elements, as well as the restoration of the fencing on the Herodos Atticus side, where roots and tree trunks have caused damage to the historic fencing.

In recent years, educational programs have also been developed, so that the new generations can get to know the National Garden and understand its historical importance. Young visitors have the opportunity to learn the “secrets” of the Garden, its special history, its flora and its fauna. During the previous school year, more than 1,500 students participated in the National Garden program, while two teacher training seminars were also implemented.