Research in Context
The park of the NTUA Campus.
Mediterranean tree and shrub species.
(Under Contrusction)
NTUA CAMPUS (Polytechniopolis Zographou).
A park at the foot of mountain Hymettus
Description of the landscape.
The green spaces occupy a very large part of the area of Polytechnioupolis, approaching 500 acres. The main elements of the park are the pine trees, the native flora, but also a significant number of garden configurations such as groves, islets and gardens on the perimeter or inside the buildings.
The routes through the green areas are an attraction for recreation and relaxation. Not only for members of the university community but also for visitors from neighboring municipalities.
Along the routes there are places of aesthetic interest overlooking the landscape of mt. Hymettus or mt. Lycabettus and other historic hills of Athens.
The NTUA Campus is comparable to other well-known parks in Athens, not only because of the extent of the green but also for the wide variety of tree and shrub species. The coexistence of different species gives a unique aesthetic interest: plane trees, carob trees, olive trees, cypresses, cedars, oaks, palm trees, jacarandas, elms, linden trees etc
Aerial Image of NTUA Campus.
Image source: MapQuest 2025.https://www.mapquest.com/
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Map of Botanical pathways at the NTUA Campus. Routes and points of interest.
Edited with Adobe Illustrator and Canva on a background by https://www.mapquest.com/
Attachment to the Map
Web link
https://www.canva.com/design/DAG7SOJJ0VQ/OSQL1ZC3rds34csBgiwa0g/edit
Route 1. Gate Katechaki to central square
Route 2. Gate Iroon Polytecnheiou to central square
Route 3. Gate Iroon Polytecnheiou and along the perimeter of the campus
Arboretum I
Arboretum II
Mediterranean plantings I
Mediterranean plantings II
Mediterranean plantings III
Mediterranean plantings IV
Attica's flora
Arboretum I.
In a relatively small space, different tree species are present, mostly deciduous and semi-evergreen.
Deciduous tree species are valuable in the green urban and peri-urban areas. With their open crown they provide shade and protection from solar radiation. Also with their intense flowering or fruiting, interest is maintained throughout the year: chinaberries, maples, pistachios, Judas trees, jacarandas etc. In various locations in the park, one can find species with diverse origins, from various parts of the world.
Chinaberry tree Melia azedarach near the Laboratory of Applied Hydraulics.
Image credit: Alexios V. 2024
Pistachio tree Pistacia atlantica near the track field (Sports Center).
mage credit: Alexios V. 2024
Arboretum II.
This particular area has tree species of trees that are rarely found in the urban environment in Athens and Attica. Among them it is worth noting a few species that recent literature evaluates as promising and climate-resilient: Canary Pine, elm trees, golden rain trees. Of particular interest, as attributed to Greek flora, is the Cretan maple and various oak trees.
Italian Oak tree Quercus pubescens near the NTUA Press Facilities (Thomaidis donation)
Image credit: Alexios V. 2024
Early in spring, the Judas trees which have been planted in large groups or rows, bloom in the branches before their new foliage appears. Then towards the summer, there is the flowering from other types of trees such as jacarandas, orchid trees, chinaberry trees etc. While the golden rain trees with their fruiting towards the end of summer, complete the aesthetic interest succession.
Judas tree Cercis siliquastrum, bloom in early spring.
Image credit: Alexios V. 2024
Mediterranean plantings I.
With the construction of the main pedestrian route from Katechaki gate in early 2000s, tree and shrub plantings were developed. The design prioritized species adapted to the Mediterranean climate. Mostly groups of shrubs that respond to extreme dry-thermal conditions, such as mastic and rosemary.
Of particular interest are less common species though, such as Limoniastrum monopetalum and the curry plant Helichrysum stoechas.