# University of Athens

> main building of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

**Wikidata**: [Q38284481](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38284481)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/university-of-athens

## Summary
The University of Athens refers to the main building of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), located in the center of Athens, Greece. Inaugurated in 1864, this structure serves as the historic headquarters and a primary facility for the university, which was originally founded in 1837. The building is a recognized monument and constitutes a key part of the architectural ensemble known as the "Athens Trilogy."

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type**: Building / Educational Institution.
- **Parent Institution**: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (founded April 24, 1837).
- **Inception**: 1864 (Construction completed).
- **Location**: 30 Panepistimiou Street (also known as Eleftheriou Venizelou), Athens Municipality, Greece.
- **Coordinates**: 37.9803417, 23.7329435.
- **Heritage Status**: Designated as a monument (referenced 2019/2021).
- **Architectural Context**: Part of the "Athens Trilogy."
- **Ownership**: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
- **Structurae ID**: 20017127.
- **Wiki Loves Monuments ID**: GR-IA10-0161.

## FAQs
### Q: When was the main building of the University of Athens built?
A: The main building was completed and inaugurated in **1864**. This is distinct from the founding date of the university itself, which was established on April 24, 1837.

### Q: Where is the University of Athens main building located?
A: The building is located at **30 Panepistimiou Street** in the Municipality of Athens, specifically in the Academy area. It is geographically situated at latitude 37.9803417 and longitude 23.7329435.

### Q: Is the University of Athens building a protected heritage site?
A: Yes, the building holds the heritage designation of a **monument**. This status is recognized by Greek cultural heritage authorities and archaeological records.

## Why It Matters
The main building of the University of Athens holds profound significance as the physical centerpiece of the oldest university in modern Greece. As the headquarters of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, it represents the modernization of Greek education following the establishment of the Greek state. Its inclusion in the "Athens Trilogy"—a neoclassical architectural trio alongside the Academy of Athens and the National Library—marks it as a critical landmark in European architectural history. The building is not merely a functional educational facility but a symbol of national heritage, embodying the intellectual and cultural aspirations of Greece in the 19th century. Its designation as a protected monument ensures the preservation of its historical integrity for future generations.

## Notable For
- **The Athens Trilogy**: Serves as one of the three major neoclassical buildings that define the architectural landscape of central Athens.
- **Historic Headquarters**: Functions as the central administrative and historic hub for an institution established in 1837.
- **Monument Status**: Officially recognized and protected as a cultural monument due to its historical and architectural value.
- **Neoclassical Landmark**: Represents a significant example of 19th-century architecture in Greece, housing the institution that is often referred to simply as "The University" in the context of the trilogy.

## Body

### Headquarters and Administration
The building serves as the central headquarters for the **National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)**. While the university itself was founded earlier on **April 24, 1837**, this specific structure was built to house its operations, opening in **1864**. The university operates under the ownership of the Greek state and serves as a major academic institution for further education.

### Location and Geography
The building is situated in the heart of Athens at **30 Panepistimiou Street** (also listed as Eleftheriou Venizelou 30). Its precise coordinates are **37.9803417 latitude and 23.7329435 longitude**. It resides within the Athens Municipality and falls under the broader administrative region of the Academy.

### Heritage and Preservation
The main building is legally recognized as a **monument**. References from the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports (via the "SADA-PEA" database) and the Archaeological Institute confirm its status as a protected structure. It is listed in the "Wiki Loves Monuments" database under the ID **GR-IA10-0161**.

### Architectural Classification
The structure is classified as part of the **Athens Trilogy**, a famous set of three neoclassical buildings. It holds the **Structurae structure ID 20017127**, indexing it among significant international architectural works. Visual documentation of the building includes specific files hosted on Wikimedia Commons, highlighting its façade and nighttime illumination.

## References

1. [2019](https://attikipedia.sadas-pea.gr/%CF%84%CE%BF-%CF%80%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B5%CF%80%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%B9%CE%BF-%CE%B1%CE%B8%CE%B7%CE%BD%CF%89%CE%BD-%CE%B5%CE%BD%CE%B1-%CE%B5%CE%BC%CE%B2%CE%BB%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%B9/)
2. [Source](http://archaeologia.eie.gr/archaeologia/gr/arxeio_more.aspx?id=189)