The Benizelos Mansion in Athens

by Mary Howard
- June 15, 2024

Centrally located in the Plaka neighborhood, the Benizelos Mansion, also known as the House of Saint Philothei, is the oldest surviving residence in Athens, constructed between the 16th and 17th centuries. This two-story dwelling exemplifies an excellent model of akonaki, a noble urban home with architecture found in Ottoman occupied cities, offering visitors a sense of the traditions and lifestyles of Athenian aristocrats before the Greek revolution against the Ottoman Empire.

The original occupants of the residence were Angelos Benizelos and his wife Syrigi Palaiologina, wealthy aristocrats from Athens with Byzantine roots. They had a daughter named Revoula, a philanthropist who established hospices, shelters and schools, and fought for the freedom of Greek women held captive in harems by the Ottomans. She was severely injured from a beating and later passed away due to her wounds. Revoula Benizelos was canonized as Saint (Agia) Philothei, which means “friend of God”, and is now revered as a martyr; her relics are located in a tomb at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens in Monastiraki. The house serves as a reminder of St. Philothei, a remarkable woman who despite every challenge fought for what she believed in and to protect the vulnerable.

This small museum merits a brief visit since it has excellent descriptive signs in both Greek and English. Entrance is by suggested donation that benefits charity. It has a central placement in Plaka, making for an easy 400-meter walk from Monastiraki Square and the metro station.

Benizelos Mansion Hours and Information

Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to 1pm. Sunday 11am to 4pm. Open on Wednesday during summer.
Website Link: archontiko-mpenizelon.gr
Area: Diogenous 1
Telephone: +30 210 324 8861
Admission Fee: Entrance fees go to charity via suggested donations.
Parking: Street parking, nearby pay lots.
Nearest Metro: Monastiraki