University of Athens

The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Greek: Εθνικόν και Καποδιστριακόν Πανεπιστήμιον Αθηνών), usually referred to simply as the University of Athens, is the oldest university in the region of the eastern Mediterranean and has been in continuous operation since its establishment in 1837.

History

It was founded on 1837 April 3 on the initiative of King Otto, and thus initially called Othonian University. It started regular operations on 1839 in the house of Stamatios Kleanthis at the foot of the Acropolis. 1841 saw the completion of the new university building, designed by Danish architect Theofil Hansen as part of the 'Trilogy', in the center of Athens. Today the university rectory is housed there. On 1843, the university was renamed National University.

Related Topics:
1837 - April 3 - King Otto - 1839 - Stamatios Kleanthis - Acropolis - 1841 - Theofil Hansen - 1843

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The university took its present name in 1911, because of a large endowment by the merchant Ioannis Dombolis, a friend of John Capodistria, for the creation of a Capodistrian University.

Related Topics:
1911 - John Capodistria

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