It was originally built as a royal sanatorium for King Constantine I's wife, Queen Sophia.
During its hotel phase, the building was rebranded as the Xenia Hotel and operated under the Hellenic Tourism Organization.
The structure suffered severe damage during the 1999 Athens earthquake, which led to its immediate closure as a hospitality venue.
The building features a distinctive multi-story design with large balconies intended to provide patients with fresh mountain air.
It is frequently cited as one of the most famous abandoned 'ghost' buildings in the Attica region.
The location is within the Parnitha National Park, one of the few remaining dense forests near the Greek capital.
The Sanatorium of Parnitha, also known as the Xenia Sanatorium, is a derelict 1914 tuberculosis facility situated at an elevation of 1,050 meters on Mount Parnitha. Designed by architect Ioannis Drossis, the building served as a medical center for pulmonary diseases until its conversion into a hotel in the 1960s. Following the 1999 Athens earthquake, the structure was abandoned and remains a site of significant architectural decay and urban exploration interest. The reinforced concrete frame has survived decades of abandonment, though it is now cordoned off due to structural instability. The site is characterized by its Bauhaus-influenced design and its integration into the surrounding fir forest landscape.
The exterior facade from the forest trail, which frames the building against the dense pine trees.
Wear sturdy hiking boots as the surrounding terrain is uneven and littered with debris.
Bring a high-quality flashlight if visiting during late afternoon to navigate dark interior sections safely.
Do not enter the building interior as the structural integrity is severely compromised.
Do not visit after dark, as the lack of lighting and unstable flooring pose significant physical hazards.
The site is permanently closed and fenced off; it is not open to the public for interior tours.
Respect the site as a restricted, dangerous area; do not attempt to force entry into gated zones.
