The Benizelos Family Mansion

Built in the 16th century during Ottoman occupation, this mansion was home to the Benizelou family, whose daughter Rigoula was later canonised as Agia Philothei. At the base of this imposing structure you can see an arched walkway, framed by cylindrical columns. A stone escalade leads from the enclosed inner courtyard to the first floor. On the first floor is a loggia, supported by pillars, which was glazed in later years. The mansion’s courtyard is surrounded by high walls, typical of Athenian residences of the era. Architects and historians consider this mansion to be Athens’ most important Ottoman-era building; it has yet to be given the care it deserves.