On April 23, 1963 – St George’s Day – the Athens Hilton opened its doors for the first time, welcoming its inaugural guest. Over the decades, it became one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Greek capital, closely tied to the country’s postwar development.

Sixty-three years later, on the same date, the Conrad Athens The Ilisian officially began operations, marking the transformation of the iconic property that lent its name to the surrounding neighborhood and helped shape modern, cosmopolitan Athens.

The soft opening was attended by leadership and executives of TEMES SA – the project’s developer and a leading investor in high-end tourism and real estate in Greece, owned by the Constantakopoulos family – as well as hotel staff.

The blessing ceremony was led by Archbishop Ieronymos.

An emotional Achilleas V. Constantakopoulos, chairman of the board of TEMES SA, thanked all those who contributed to the renovation, making special mention of his brothers and his wife, Constantza Sbokou Constantakopoulou, describing her as “my support both in the family and in these projects.”

Addressing hotel employees, he added: “Without you, these projects mean nothing.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony followed, formally inaugurating the hotel’s new era. A larger, official opening celebration is planned once renovation works are fully completed.

Since Tuesday, the well-known restaurant Byzantino has reopened as Byzantino Grande Brasserie. Under executive chef Angelos Lantos, the venue – Athens’ first grande brasserie – offers a menu that blends French and Greek culinary traditions.

The opening also includes the Athenian Lounge, an all-day venue aiming to become a popular meeting spot with classic cocktails and familiar flavors. Later this year, the iconic Galaxy venue is set to return as Galaxy Dispensary and Galaxy Supper Club.