Arsakeio Girls’ School
Today houses the Council of State

Panepistimiou & Pesmazoglou Sts 1846-55

Architect:
Lysandros Kaftantzoglou (1811-1885)
Restoration architect:
Alexandros S. Kalligas (1932-)



The Arsakeio Girls’ School is a landmark building in the public architecture of Athens. Designed by Lysandros Kaftantzoglou, humanist architect and professor of the School of Arts, it is an exemplary expression of Hellenized classicism.
The building was funded by Apostolos Arsakis to house the girls’ school of the Educational Society, which was established in 1836. The lot on which it was built, at the corner of Panepistimiou and Pesmazoglou streets was purchased through a nationwide fund-raising campaign. The original plans for the building were drawn up by architect Stamatios Kleanthis (1802-1862). But the design by Lysandros Kaftantzoglou was preferred, as it made provision for a two-storey building with a façade inscribed in a square, two interior courtyards and a church.
The façade of the Arsakeio is arranged symmetrically: its central section is set back between protruding side wings with pediments. The main entrance is emphasised by a grand marble portico which is flanked by two Doric columns and crowned by a pediment bearing the bust of Athena, created by the distinguished sculptor Leonidas Drosis.
On the upper floor, the main section is organised rhythmically by means of six Ionic semi-columns between its seven windows. In the spare treatment of the façades, there is a visible contrast between the solid ground floor and the upper floor with its many openings.
The total is characterised by clarity, harmonious proportions and simple grandeur.
After the purchase of the remaining part of the block, another two buildings were constructed on Stadiou St on the basis of designs by Lysandros Kaftantzoglou and later demolished: in 1858 the external school funded by Eleni Tossizza and in 1870 the kindergarten of the Educational Society funded by Z. Sinas. In 1900, radical changes were made on a neo-Baroque line to the entire block on the basis of plans by N. Balanos and the Arsakeio Arcade was created. In 1907, Ernst Ziller was assigned to redesign the facades on Stadiou St along eclecticist lines.
Today the building designed by Lysandros Kaftantzoglou houses the Council of State. The study for the refurbishing of the building and its stylistic restoration was drawn up by architect Alexandros S. Kalligas who was awarded the Europa Nostra prize for this project.

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