The Mitsis Group’s project to renovate the Schliemann Mansion is gradually moving forward — into a luxury hotel, an investment with an initial budget of 36 million euros, following the Ministry of Culture’s approval of the preliminary architectural design.
The decision by the General Directorate of Restoration, Museums, and Technical Works of the Ministry of Culture concerns the restoration of the historic Schliemann-Mella Mansion at the intersection of Panepistimiou and Charilaou Trikoupi Streets, in the heart of Athens, and the conversion of the complex into a luxury hotel, along with the revitalization of the iconic INTEAL cinema.
More specifically, the plan calls for the restoration of the listed “Sleiman-Mela Building,” as well as the adjacent building of the Hellenic Conservatory at 3 Feidiou Street, which form part of a particularly significant historic frontage in the capital.
At the heart of the investment is the conversion of the complex into a 5-star hotel, with plans to add a new hotel wing, create a rooftop swimming pool, and open a restaurant on the roof of the existing building.
At the same time, the plan includes the demolition and reconstruction of the INTEAL movie theater at a lower level, while preserving the historic character of the site, which has been designated a monument.
Approval was granted following the unanimous opinion of the Central Council for Modern Monuments at its meeting on May 21, 2026.
The Conditions
The decision is accompanied by specific conditions, including further investigation of the design of the facades and adjacent buildings, the implementation of measures to protect neighboring monuments during excavation work for the four underground levels, as well as the search for an alternative solution for the project’s vertical glass surfaces.
In addition, the possibility of creating connections and communication between the different levels of the interior open space within the building block is also being explored.
It should be noted that the Mitsis Group (Mitsis Hotels) was selected as the contractor for the lease of this iconic property through a public competitive bidding process conducted by e-EFKA (Electronic National Social Security Agency), with the monthly rent set at 70,000 euros. The contract is for a term of 35 years, with an option to extend for an additional ten years.
In this context, the group has announced a 36-million-euro investment program for the complete renovation, refurbishment, and modernization of the Schliemann-Mela Building, which is estimated to create at least 150 new jobs.
About the Property
The building was constructed between 1880 and 1890 and is part of a complex of four residences built by Heinrich Schliemann on Panepistimiou Street. It was designed by Ernst Ziller and consists of a ground floor and mezzanine, plus four stories above the ground floor, with a total area of 7.115.62 square meters, as well as an additional building on the open lot—which was not constructed during the same period as the Schliemann-Mella Building and houses the INTEAL cinema—with an area of 829.50 square meters.
It should be noted that, with regard to the cinema, its use will be expanded to include those of a theater and a conference center, which will highlight the venue, enhance its use, and increase visitor numbers. The goal is to award the operation of the cinema to a company with an international presence in the entertainment industry, thereby enhancing both its aesthetics and infrastructure as well as its visibility.