Three of the most beautiful buildings in Athens are located a few meters from Syntagma Square, in Panepistimiou Street. The University of Athens, the Athens Academy and the National Library are also called "Neoclassical Trilogy of Athens". The Academy and the Library are works of the famous Danish architect Theophil Hansen, while the third, the University, is also a work by the Hansen family, as it is his brother, Christian, who was responsible for it.

Although these three buildings were designed and situated almost at the same time, they were not built together, probably for economic reasons.

The University of Athens preceded the rest. The main building of the University was founded in 1839 and by 1842 had its front wing complete. The rest of the building was gradually complete until 1864.

Following on, the Athens Academy was founded in 1859 and completed in 1885. The building is Ionic and upon its two tallest columns on either side of the building, there are the statues of Athena and Apollo.

Last but surely not least, the National Library was founded in 1887 and completed in 1902, thus creating the trilogy envisioned by Hansen.

Even today, the three buildings that make up the Neoclassical Trilogy still shake visitors with their beauty and still among the most photographed locations in Athens.