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The Ambassador's Residence

The Residence isn’t just the house where the Ambassador and his or her family live.   Although it is set out as a grand house, the Residence’s main function is as the venue for a wide range of British-related activities, from conferences to receptions and training sessions.   The Residence organises events both to support the objectives in the Greece Network Business Plan and on behalf of British companies and organisations.   In fact, it is one of our most important diplomatic tools.

The British Ambassador’s Residence in Athens is a historic monument in its own right.   Built for the Greek statesman Eleftherios Venizelos (1864-1936), it was offered to the British Government by his widow, Elena Schillizi, in recognition of the close alliance between the two countries during her husband’s tenure as Prime Minister.    Sir Winston Churchill spent time in the house during his visit to Athens in December 1944.   It is one of the most elegant and best-preserved neo-Classical mansions in central Athens.    The Residence hosts a unique collection of works of art, most belonging to the UK Government Art Collection, representing the close historical relationship between Britain and Greece, including Thomas Phillips’ famous portrait of Lord Byron in Souliot costume.

On these pages, you can read about the history of the house and the British Embassy in Greece, make a virtual tour of the Residence’s art collection, see examples of the many ways in which the house is used today, and find details of how British-related companies and organisations can organise their events in the Residence.