Best Destinations for Book Lovers in Athens, Greece
1. National Library of Greece
A magnificent neoclassical building housing one of the largest collections in Greece. Notable for its impressive architecture and vast range of books.
- Historical Significance: Originally built in 1895, it showcases the architectural styles of the late 19th century.
- Extensive Collection: Over 2 million books and manuscripts, including rare editions and ancient texts.
- Free Admission: Entrance is free for visitors, making it an affordable cultural experience.
2. The Athens and Attica State Library
A modern library with a wide variety of books in multiple languages, offering quiet reading spaces for book lovers.
- Modern Architecture: Designed by the renowned architect Hans Hollein and opened in 2009.
- Multilingual Collection: Includes books in numerous languages, making it a great resource for international readers.
- Digital Resources: Access to e-books and online resources enhances the overall library experience.
3. The Ioannou Kornarou Library
A hidden gem in Athens with a focus on Cretan literature and history, offering a unique insight into the island's culture.
- Cretan Cultural Center: Dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Crete.
- Rare Manuscripts: Houses one of the largest collections of Cretan literature, including several rare manuscripts.
- Free Guided Tours: Guided tours are available to visitors, providing in-depth knowledge about the library's offerings.
4. The Athens University Bookstore
A bookstore located on the campus of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, offering a wide selection of academic books.
- Academic Books: A vast collection of books in various fields of study, catering to both students and scholars.
- Campus Atmosphere: Set amidst the lush greenery and historic architecture of the University campus.
- Student Discounts: Students can take advantage of discounted prices on books, making it an affordable option.
5. The Athens Book Center
A large bookstore located in the heart of the city, offering a wide variety of books in multiple languages.
- Central Location: Located in central Athens, making it easily accessible for tourists.
- Multilingual Collection: Includes books in numerous languages, catering to the diverse population of Athens.
- Café and Events: A café on-site offers refreshments while events like book signings and readings provide added entertainment.
6. The Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Library
A library dedicated to the art, archaeology, and culture of the Aegean region, offering a unique insight into this rich history.
- Cycladic Art Focus: Dedicated to the study and appreciation of Cycladic art, spanning from 3200 BC to AD 600.
- Rare Books and Manuscripts: Houses a collection of rare books and manuscripts related to the Aegean region.
- Access to Digital Resources: Online resources provide additional information and images related to Cycladic art.
7. The Benaki Museum Pireos Street Annex
An annex of the Benaki Museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art, with a well-stocked library for research purposes.
- Modern Art Focus: Dedicated to modern and contemporary Greek and international art.
- Research Library: A well-equipped library for researchers, scholars, and students studying modern and contemporary art.
- Temporary Exhibitions: Regularly hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing different artists and themes in modern and contemporary art.
8. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
A cultural center housing a library, a concert hall, and an opera house, offering a variety of resources for both casual readers and scholars.
- Multifunctional Venue: Includes a library, concert hall, opera house, and park, creating a cultural hub in Athens.
- Modern Architecture: Designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano and opened in 2016.
- Digital Resources: Online resources, e-books, and digital archives are available to visitors.
9. The Onassis Cultural Center Library
A library focusing on the arts, humanities, and social sciences, offering a wide variety of resources for researchers and scholars.
- Multidisciplinary Focus: Covers various disciplines within the fields of art, humanities, and social sciences.
- Digital Resources: Online resources, e-books, and digital archives are available to visitors.
- Lectures and Workshops: Regularly hosts lectures, workshops, and discussions related to the fields covered by the library.
10. The Academy of Athens Library
A library focusing on academic research in various fields, offering resources for both scholars and casual readers.
- Academic Research Focus: Focuses on academic research in areas such as humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
- Rare Books and Manuscripts: Houses a collection of rare books and manuscripts related to the fields covered by the academy.
- Access to Digital Resources: Online resources, e-books, and digital archives are available to visitors.
11. The Museum of the City of Athens Library
A library focusing on the history and culture of Athens, offering a unique insight into the city's rich past.
- Athenian History Focus: Dedicated to the history, archaeology, and culture of Athens.
- Rare Books and Manuscripts: Houses a collection of rare books and manuscripts related to Athenian history.
- Access to Digital Resources: Online resources, e-books, and digital archives are available to visitors.
12. The Museum of Contemporary Greek Art Library
A library focusing on contemporary Greek art, offering resources for both casual readers and scholars.
- Contemporary Greek Art Focus: Dedicated to the study and appreciation of contemporary Greek art.
- Rare Books and Manuscripts: Houses a collection of rare books and manuscripts related to contemporary Greek art.
- Access to Digital Resources: Online resources, e-books, and digital archives are available to visitors.
13. The Onassis Stegi Library
A library focusing on the arts, humanities, and social sciences, offering a wide variety of resources for researchers and scholars.
- Multidisciplinary Focus: Covers various disciplines within the fields of art, humanities, and social sciences.
- Digital Resources: Online resources, e-books, and digital archives are available to visitors.
- Lectures and Workshops: Regularly hosts lectures, workshops, and discussions related to the fields covered by the library.
14. The Hellenic Parliament Library
A library focusing on political history, government, and law, offering resources for scholars studying Greek politics.
- Political History Focus: Dedicated to the study of Greek political history, government, and law.
- Rare Books and Manuscripts: Houses a collection of rare books and manuscripts related to Greek politics.
- Access to Digital Resources: Online resources, e-books, and digital archives are available to visitors.
15. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Greek National Opera Library
A library focusing on opera and music, offering resources for both casual readers and scholars interested in the field.
- Opera and Music Focus: Dedicated to the study of opera and music.
- Rare Books and Manuscripts: Houses a collection of rare books and manuscripts related to opera and music.
- Access to Digital Resources: Online resources, e-books, and digital archives are available to visitors.