The University of Athens is located between Panepistimiou street and Akadimias street and is part of the Neoclassical Trilogy: Academy - Panepistimio - National Library. The project was a study of the Danish architect Theophil Hansen and was decorated by the painter Karl Rahl. The University of Athens was the first university of the new Greek state, the Balkan Peninsula and the wider Eastern Mediterranean.
The idea of establishing the University in Greece existed since the War of Independence. The University of Athens was founded on April 14, 1837, by King Otto with the decree "On the recommendation of the University". In fact it was called Othoneio University in honor of the King. This name remained until 1862 when Otto was forced to leave Greece. It was renamed to National University immediately. The final naming is owed to the Continental benefactor John Dompolis who transpired from the Big Idea, spent his entire fortune on the Greek government to set up the university in the capital of Greece, on the condition that it would be named Kapodistriako to honor the first Governor of Greece, Ioannis Kapodistrias.
During the first year of operation it consisted of four faculties. It is worth noting that at the beginning of its operation it was located in Plaka, at the residence of architect Stamatis Cleanthis, where today is hosted the Museum of the institution. In November 1841 it was transferred to the Main Building of the University of Athens.
Since 1904, the School of Arts was split into two schools, the School of Arts and the Sciences Faculty. In 1919 the department of Chemistry was established and three years later, in 1922, the School of Pharmacy became autonomous.
During the 1960s the first steps to relocate the university were made, in order to centralize its activities in its own place, in the area of Zografou. The faculties of Philosophy and Theology, Science and the four Halls of Residence are hosted there today.
The University of Athens has many important research projects, collaborating with centers and institutes such as the "Demokritos" National Research Foundation, the National Observatory of Athens and the Greek Institute Pasteur.
It is worth mentioning that the University of Athens is amongst the 500 best universities of the world.