Hieria Palace

Hieria Palace is an imperial residence located in the small town of Hieria. The name refers to a series of palaces and gardens that have been inhabited by Mesogeian monarchs since the 6th century. For centuries the palace has served as a major summer residence for the emperors. Because of the lavishness of its parks and gardens, the palace has been referred to as the Mesogeian Versailles.

The palace complex consists of the old castle, the Grand Palace, and the new palace..

History

The original palace on the site was built by Constantine I and survived as an imperial residence until 1204 when it burned to the ground. Being located on the eastern side of the capital the palace was often used as a reception point for emperors returning from campaigns in the east; much like its counterpart at Hebdomon.

The castle at Hieria was rebuilt in 1234 during the reign of Empress Zoe I, while very little of the original castle remains its reception hall is the oldest surviving portion of the palace.

In the 1670s Emperor Constantine XV contemplated demolishing the old castle and replacing it with a modern baroque structure but changed his mind when the court architect suggested expanding the castle with two wings. The old castle was expanded but the Emperor soon declared the palace lacking so he instead had a second palace built on the hill overlooking the old castle.

This palace became known as the grand palace because of the grand building that rose up on the hill overlooking the old castle.

A small ninty-room cottage known as the new palace was built in the middle of the palace gardens during the 18th century by Emperor Constantine XVIII. This residence is the only portion of the palace grounds not open to the public.