Christina Iliopoulou and Aspassia Mitropapa revive a 1960s Athenian penthouse with views to the Acropolis

Greek architects Christina Iliopoulou and Aspassia Mitropapa have transformed a 1960s penthouse in Athens, highlighting the craftsmanship and materials of its era. The apartment sits on a corner with wide views over the city — from the Acropolis and Mount Lycabettus to the Panathenaic Stadium and the sea. The Acropolis appears as soon as one enters, becoming a constant point of focus throughout the space. The renovation preserves the apartment’s original character while opening it up to light and connection. The once-enclosed kitchen now acts as a visual link between private and public areas. Glass blocks create soft transparency, allowing views to flow through the home and framing the Acropolis from within. Inside, Didyma marble echoes the travertino façade, while the Tinos marble floor was restored and paired with green Cipollino in the guest WC. Hand-painted ceilings, wooden inlays, and colorful tiles were kept to reflect the warmth and detail of 1960s design. The herringbone parquet, once limited to the bedrooms, now runs throughout the apartment, bringing unity and continuity. For the architects, the project is not only a renovation but a dialogue between eras, a way to respect Athenian craftsmanship while giving it new life in the present.