The National Garden of Athens
A living, breathing, gift of art from the past.
A complex botanical ornament that captivates us with its presence, provides us with an oasis of serenity and ultimately deserves our guardianship.
It is the only Historical Garden of Greece. It incorporates 500 species of trees and shrubs, many of which were planted in Greece for the first time between 1839-1852. The synthesis of cutting-edge horticultural techniques, innovative irrigation and exotic landscaping, culminated in the creation of this precious Garden. Queen Amalia herself was the visionary force that drove and bound all these elements together.
The National Garden is Athens’ equivalent of other royal seats in Europe, such as Tuileries (Paris), Schönbrunn (Vienna) and Hofgarten (Munich). These Gardens have been preserved in accordance with the spirit of international principles, such as those codified in the Florence Charter (1982) and the European Landscape Convention (2000).
Now ask yourself, does 8.5 kilometres of cemented pathways equate to conservation, restoration and preservation? What is the impact of such alteration and for what purpose? How many historic trees are deforested in this process? How can new plants ever replace those that have lived through centuries? Is this project’s goal to replicate and revive the original landscape and architecture? Are these works respecting and nurturing the ecosystem of a natural haven in central Athens? How will this affect the urban environment? The list goes on….
Today, you are invited to be a Guardian and voice your opposition to what is happening in the National Garden. So much of this monument has already been distorted. Please complete this petition to STOP these works in their tracks NOW.
This petition will be addressed to:
The President of the Hellenic Republic, The Prime Minister of Greece, The Minister of Culture and Sports, The Mayor of Athens
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