Founding of the University of Athens: What Happened
In 1837, the University of Athens, officially named the Othonian University after King Otto, was founded, becoming the first university of the modern Greek state and one of the first in the Balkans. It opened with four faculties, theology, law, medicine and arts, following the model of German universities, and it had a few dozen professors and around 50 students in its first year. Classes were first held in a house in the Plaka district, below the Acropolis, which now houses the university's history museum. In 1841, the university moved to a new neoclassical building designed by the Danish architect Christian Hansen, on what is today Panepistimiou Street. The university played a central role in training the country's doctors, lawyers, teachers, clergy and civil servants. It also attracted students from Greek communities still living under Ottoman rule, helping spread the idea of a unified Greek nation. Today it is known as the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and is one of the largest universities in Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the University of Athens founded?
The University of Athens was founded in 1837, becoming the first university of the modern Greek state.
What was the University of Athens originally called?
It was originally named the Othonian University, after King Otto. Today it is the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
What faculties did the university first have?
It opened with four faculties, theology, law, medicine and arts, following the model of German universities.
Where did the University of Athens first hold classes?
Classes were first held in a house in the Plaka district, which now houses the university's history museum. It moved to a neoclassical building on Panepistimiou Street in 1841.
Who designed the University of Athens building?
The main building was designed by the Danish architect Christian Hansen and is part of the famous neoclassical trilogy with the Academy and National Library.
