National History Museum (Old Parliament), Athens

The former Parliament is one of the city's most beautiful examples of neo-classical architecture. It was built in 1871 and served as the seat of the National Assembly between 1875 and 1932. The majestic assembly hall with its beautifully decorated ceiling can still be seen today. Nowadays this building houses a museum dedicated to modern Greek history covering the period between 1453 and 1940. Among its most important exhibits is memorabilia from the Greek War of Independence in 1821, such as the bed and the sword of Lord Byron who fought and died for the independence of Greece. In front of the museum is a statue of Theodoros Kolokotronis one of the leaders of the Greek War of Independence in 1821. There is also a museum shop selling interesting gifts and souvenirs.