19th century historic mansion in Athens to become luxury hotel

·

The Schliemann-Mela Mansion on Panepistimiou Street in Athens, Greece is undergoing a 36-million-euro renovation to become a luxury hotel. 

The mansion was built by Heinrich Schliemann in the 1880s-1890s and designed by acclaimed German architect Ernst Ziller,.

In a press release on March 31, Mitsis Hotels announced they had leased the building for a 35-year period with a right to extend by ten additional years.

Heinrich Schliemann was a German businessman and pioneer in the field of archaeology, particularly interested in Ancient Greece. Image from Wikipedia.

“With 45 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Mitsis Hotels Group will utilise the property in the most optimal and effective way to benefit the Greek State and the Greek economy, investing significant funds for the maintenance, renovation and preservation of the character of the historic building, aiming to highlight the unique experience of modern Athens to visitors,” Managing Director, Stavros Mitsis, said.

The historical ‘Ideal’ movie theatre, founded in 1921, is also housed in the building.

Campaigners have raised concerns about the renovations, insisting that the theatre should continue its operation as one of the last strongholds for cinema culture in the heart of Athens.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Back to Greece: Four journeys, one shared return

As the Back to Greece series closes, what remains is more than a collection of travel diaries - it’s a mosaic of memory and identity.

Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney to hold memorial marking 113 years since Lesvos’ liberation

The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney will honour the 113th anniversary of the Liberation of Lesvos with a series of commemorative events.

Film Review: ‘Athens Midnight Radio’ is Haralambidis’ nocturnal love letter to Athens

The 30th Greek Film Festival opened last week and featured a screening of Renos Haralambidis’ Athens Midnight Radio (2024).

Elena Pappas honoured with the 2025 Stephen Myall Award

At the Law Institute of Victoria’s annual awards ceremony in October 2025, Elena Pappas was recognised with the Stephen Myall Award.

‘Fertility and Filoxenia’: Empowering conversations on fertility and IVF options

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia and Greek Community of Melbourne invite everyone to attend a free educational event on fertility.

You May Also Like

Belated Easter Saturday liturgy to be held in churches across Greece

At midnight on May 26, churches around Greece are to hold Easter Saturday services after they had been banned in March due to the lockdown.

Greek Independence Day around the world looked different this year as Greeks sang from balconies and celebrated online

Although coronavirus restrictions led to the cancellation of large gatherings, Greek pride was still on display around the world as thousands sang from balconies and went online to celebrate Independence Day.

‘I’m devastated’: Effie Kats pulls out of Melbourne Fashion Week due to COVID delivery delays

Effie Kats was ready to show her new collection of suits at Melbourne Fashion Week this year until she was hit by COVID-19 delivery delays.