Athens National Garden Refurbishment is Underway

The Athens Municipality recently completed the first phase of a 4.2-million-euro refurbishment project aiming to upgrade the National Garden, one of the Greek capital’s landmark sites.

The refurbished area is located on the garden’s north side between Amalias and Vasilissis Sofias avenues.

The municipality proceeded with the following works:

– the reconstruction of the garden’s paths

– the replacement of the old irrigation (water supply) system with a new advanced system

– the upgrade of the lighting system network with new technology lights. The garden’s distinctive lampposts were preserved and replaced where necessary

– the benches were upgraded but maintained their historic character in line with the natural environment

– new modern lights and a signage system will be installed in the coming weeks

– the final stage of works also includes the preservation of the garden’s lakes and entrance outpost, the installation of metal garbage bins and grass.

Athens’ rare trees preserved

Meanwhile, a team of experts recently took care of the garden’s rare trees, some of which are over 170 years old.

The municipality’s plan also included the addition of new plants and trees that will enhance the garden’s biodiversity. The municipality’s crew planted a total of 11,155 trees, shrubs, perennial and climbing plants.

“With the new modern infrastructure that completely reshapes the garden’s image, and the planting of hundreds of trees and plants… we ensure that the National Garden will remain for many more years at the epicenter of everyday life for Athenians,” Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis said.

The project also includes the restoration of historic buildings, the maintenance of historic marble and stone elements, the reconstruction of the playground and the pedestrian walkways, the fence’s restoration, the repair of the garden’s wooden bridge and the construction of a new metal fence in the zoo.

Works are carried out in phases so the garden remains open to the public.

The project has secured funding from the EU”s National Strategic Reference Framework.