Iliou Melathron - Numismatic Museum of Athens

The three-story mansion of Panepistimiou Street, which houses the Numismatic Museum, also known as "Iliou Melathron" was built between 1878-1880, on behalf of the excavator of Troy and Mycenae, Heinrich Schliemann. At that time, it was the richest private building of Athens and was considered the most important work of architect Ernst Ziller (1837-1923). It was inspired by the Italian neo-Renaissance architecture (arches of the facade etc.) and was refined by the Athenian neoclassicism (pilasters, pediments, corbels, etc.).

The decoration of the building is very impressive and expresses Schliemann’s passion for the ancient times. The frescoes represent scenes from the Pompeian houses as their discovery had impressed Europe at that time. Selected extracts from ancient authors, such as Homer, Hesiod, Pindar, Lucian etc. are written on the walls, expressing Schliemann’s love for the ancient Greek literature. The painter of the Museum was Slovenian Jurij Subic (1855-1890), known for his work in Vienna and Paris. The mosaic floors were made by Italian mosaicists and were inspired by objects found by Schliemann in the excavations.

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