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Athens guide
» Sightseeings » University of Athens |
Coming to University Av. and ascending again towards the Old Palace,
we arrive at a large area, where the three most magnificent and sumptuous
monuments of modern Greece stand: The University, the Academy
and the National Library, built all three by benefactors (Evergetes),
Greek patriots who grew rich by commerce. The University (Panepistimion),
in the centre of this large place, was erected under King Othon
I in 1837 by the illustrious Danish architect Christian Hansen.
Its principal facade forms half closed propylea of ionic order, of
extreme nobleness and simplicity. On the wall of the ground of this
portico, the painter Rahl of Vienna painted a great composition representing
the regeneration of sciences and arts under king Othon.
Before the facade in the two angels, colossal statues of Patriarch
Gregory V and the poet-martyr Rigas Pheraios,
works of the sculpton John Cossos. On the top of the outside stairs,
the statue of the great Hellenist and patriote Corais, died in Paris,
made by the sculptor G. Vroutos.
In the small garden, the great statesman of England Gladstone by
the sculptor Vitalis and very near, Pillar in memory of the young
students who died for the Country.
The University is governed by a Rector (Prytanis) with a Council
of Senate about him (Singlitos) and comprises 5 faculties (scholes):
Theology, Law, Medecine, Philosophy, Phisical and Mathematical Sciences
administered by the trustees (Cosmitores).
In the interior stairs, on two pillars we read the names of all
the great benefactors and donors of the University of Athens. The
number of the annexes and appendages of the different scientific
establishments, laboratories, clinics, museums hospitals etc. is
great.
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