In 1881, the German architect Ernst Ziller imagined a neoclassical mansion in the Psyrri district of Athens. Known for landmarks like the Presidential Mansion and the National Archaeological Museum, Ziller’s stamp on the city is undeniable—but there’s only one architectural gem still standing that welcomes guests in for an overnight stay—Monument Hotel.
Courtesy of the Monument Hotel.
Courtesy of the Monument Hotel.
In April 2023, nearly 150 years after its founding, the 19th-century building opened after a thoughtful renovation as the Monument Hotel under the Greek entrepreneur Grigoris Tolkas. An architectural revival and contemporary design marvel, the space boasts nine sweeping rooms with distinctly different layout and decor charm. With the help of acclaimed local architecture studio MPlusM and a team of skilled master restorers, the visionary owner saw an opportunity to bring something profoundly Athenian to life. Now, every decorative aspect—like frescoed ceilings, intricate gypsum moldings, carved marble balconies, and the iconic central wooden staircase—was returned to its original splendor, preserving the building’s historic soul while breathing new life into its form.
Inside the 19th-Century Masterpiece, Monument Hotel
Courtesy of Monument Hotel.
When walking in, the building greets you with a residential-like living room with soaring ceilings, dotted with warm lighting, lush plants, soft chairs and sofas, cozy carpets and drapes, and a small bar. In the back, a breakfast nook outfitted with banquettes, individual tables, and a communal table await visitors for not-to-be-missed morning meals only. Downstairs, a private sauna and steam room is available for reservation, as is an intimate treatment room for body or facial treatments with locally sourced Greek oils. And upstairs, all nine rooms spark dialogue between the past and present, individually crafted to highlight the property’s architectural heritage.
A Color Story to Match History
Courtesy of Monument Hotel.
Courtesy of Monument Hotel.
The palette of the hotel’s neoclassical ceiling paintings inspired a color story of earthy tones, including sun-warmed stones, mint greens, and soft pinks. These tonal choices serve as the canvas for an ensemble of minimal, sculptural furnishings from Scandinavian brands like Woud, Gubi, &Tradition, and Frama. Sleek mirrored bathroom cubes are cleverly integrated into the rooms, offering a futuristic flourish that disappears into the background, allowing the architectural detailing to take center stage.
Among the nine rooms, two suites stand out: Muse, named for the hotel’s artistic spirit, featuring a veranda overlooking the nearby Agios Dimitrios Church; and Nidus, Latin for “nest,” tops the roof with a terrace and a private jacuzzi that frames the Acropolis.
Curated Experiences
Courtesy of Monument Hotel.
What sets Monument apart is its bespoke approach to guest experience. With a 24-hour concierge team dedicated to bespoke travel itineraries, guests can access insider tours like The Monumental Tour, offering an intimate look at the city’s secret courtyards, workshops, and art spaces. Private history walks and behind-the-scenes visits are designed to unlock the city, making each guest’s stay a deeply immersive and singular journey.
A Collaboration: Monument Hotel x Mantility
Courtesy of Monument Hotel.
Most recently, Monument expanded upon its dedication to art and culture by collaborating with the Greek silk brand Mantility for a link of scarves. Imagined with the hotel, the silk brand, and Charitini Gkritzali—an architect and designer who was part of Monument’s restoration project with MPlusM—the three limited-edition scarves were inspired by the hotel’s intricate decorative ceilings. Packaged in a handcrafted box, signed, and numbered, the piece is both a wearable artwork and a meaningful memento of the Monument experience.
Courtesy of Monument Hotel.
Courtesy of the Monument Hotel.
Courtesy of the Monument Hotel.
