Athens building on Polykleitou Street approved for hotel conversion
Greece's culture ministry approved plans to convert a four-storey building near the Acropolis into a hotel.
A new hotel project is moving forward in the historic centre of Athens, following approval of the architectural study for the building at 12 Polykleitou Street. The project involves renovating a four-storey building with a ground floor and basement, changing its use from a retail shop to a tourist accommodation facility.
The case went before the Central Archaeological Council in May 2026, since the property is located near the Acropolis archaeological site. Following the council's positive opinion, the study was approved by the General Directorate of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage. According to the decision, the conversion causes no damage to the archaeological site or nearby monuments, as no new building will be erected — only reuse of the existing structure.
No details have been disclosed regarding the hotel's category, number of rooms, investment amount, or possible brand affiliation.
The approval comes with restrictions tied to the property's location. The rooftop may not be converted into a space for public gatherings, meaning it cannot operate as a rooftop bar or restaurant, while the planned pergola must comply with urban planning rules. Any additional excavation work during the project will require a new approval from the Ephorate of Antiquities of the City of Athens.