Greece: 10 tall buildings and their history

Greece has not adopted true skyscrapers. However, its tallest structures highlight a distinctive architectural legacy.

Hilton Athens: The Hilton Athens, an iconic 18-story building standing 65 meters tall, was constructed between 1958 and 1963. Located in a key commercial area close to the National Art Gallery, Athens Concert Hall, and the Kolonaki shopping district, it is set to be rebranded as “The Ilisian” by late 2025. The building will reopen as a multi-use complex featuring Conrad and Waldorf Astoria hotels, along with residential accommodations.

Athens Towers: Constructed in 1968, the Athens Towers symbolized a new era for Greece's high-rise architecture following a law that permitted taller buildings. The complex includes a 28-story tower standing at 103 meters and a neighboring 12-story tower, both intended for office and retail. Located in Ambelokipi, the Athens Tower remains Greece’s tallest building.

OTE Tower: Built in Thessaloniki in 1970, the 76-meter-tall OTE Tower is notable for its revolving floor and for hosting the first Greek State Television broadcasts.

Difros Complex: The Difros residential complex was completed in Chalandri, Athens in 1971. The 18-story complex consists of four interconnected buildings with 43 apartments and underground parking. Its construction is influenced by Japanese Brutalism and Metabolism.

Piraeus Tower: The Piraeus Tower stands at 88 meters but was unused for almost 50 years. Recently revived by a consortium, and hence this 22-story building now contains office, retail, and dining spaces, contributing 1.01 million euros in annual lease revenue to Piraeus.

Apollon Tower: Located in Ambelokipi, Apollon Tower is Greece’s tallest residential building, standing at 80 meters and 25 floors. Built in 1973, it follows American high-rise traditions, omitting a 13th floor. Its rooftop pool and upper floors were renovated in 2023 for use by a restaurant.

OTE Headquarters: The 72-meter, 18-story OTE Headquarters is Greece's largest workplace, with capacity for 4,200 employees. The building is in Marousi, Athens and it was built gradually from the mid-1960s. The building saw recent renovations completed in 2023.

EYP Building: Nicknamed “Lady Katechaki,” the Ministry of Citizen Protection’s building stands 65 meters tall at 4 P. Kanellopoulou Street. Since 1978, it has housed the Greek Intelligence Service (EYP).

Atrina Center: Completed in 1981 in Marousi, the Atrina Center is one of Greece’s distinctive “glass towers,” a creation of developer Babbis Vovos. Standing at 80 meters, it was once celebrated as the “king of glass towers.”