The imposing building of the Hellenic Parliament is currently undergoing extensive renovation and restoration of the damage it has suffered, in order to continue to adequately and safely meet the operational needs it is called upon to fulfill.
Restoration work was deemed highly necessary by the Parliament’s technical services. Cracks, swelling and peeling plasters are just some of the problems that have been recorded in recent years. Last January, sections of plasterwork from the west face of the Parliament building came off, which highlighted the need for protective measures to be taken so that employees or visitors are not at risk.
The Speaker of the Parliament, Kostas Tasoulas, recently signed a contract for the preparation of studies which will determine the methods of intervention and restoration of the facades of the historical palace of the Old Palaces. In essence, these are four technical studies with a total budget of 110,000 euros plus 24% VAT (ie 136,400 euros). One will be topographical, the other architectural, the third static and the fourth, materials conservation study. All must be delivered within one semester.
The exteriors of the Parliament have undergone various local repairs in many places. During the 1980s several local restorations were carried out on the plasters while in the 1990s only small-scale restorations were carried out. From February 2023, an investigation was launched to restore the facades due to the serious problems already recorded, which gave clear indications that the connection with the stonework had been lost, and certainly no longer contributed to protection against incoming moisture.
In fact, in January 2024, detachments of large parts of the plaster of the western facade were recorded. With the assistance of the Department of Conservation of Ancient and Modern Monuments of the Ministry of Culture, a series of works was carried out to ensure safe access to the building, by removing parts that were already ready to be detached. This fact led to its current state, which after an on-site inspection and assessment by the competent echelon of the Ministry of Culture deemed the total restoration of its facades and architectural elements imperative. in the trunk and gable crowns of the palace, is in a moderate condition with significant damage, which has been caused due to the penetration of moisture into the external masonry of the building.
The damage in the coating they degrade the protection of the masonry, which also contributes to the degradation of the quality of conditions, safety and operation of the building for its users, making the various interventions that have already been implemented (replacement of the external frames and the installation of new central air conditioning units, energy interventions on the roof as well as the change of external and internal lighting with energy lamps and light fixtures) for its energy upgrade inefficient and incomplete.
It should be noted that the restorations will also ensure the maximum efficiency of the energy upgrading interventions of the building, which have recently been completed with the replacement of the external frames and the installation of new central air conditioning units. The interior and exterior lighting has also changed, with energy-efficient lamps and light fixtures.
Brief history of the building
The construction of the palace that currently houses the Parliament began in 1836, in order to accommodate King Otto and Queen Amalia. The royal couple finally officially took up residence in the majestic Palace in 1843, with the building being the center of political life in Greece for many years. However, the two great fires of 1884 and 1909 caused extensive damage, forcing the royal family to move to the summer palace of Tatoi.
After these events, the building underwent significant changes and renovations. In 1929, by decision of the government of Eleftherios Venizelos, the Old Palace was turned into the seat of the Hellenic Parliament (which until then was housed in the Stadium building that houses the National Historical Museum) and the Senate. The most radical transformation took place in 1930, when the building was redesigned by the architect Andreas Kriezis, creating the Plenary Hall known to all of us. Today, the palace is renewed again, adapting to modern requirements.
Source: newsbeast.gr
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