Hebdomon Palace

The Palace of Hebdomon is an imperial residence of Mesogeia located some seven miles from Alexandropolis, in the seaside retreat of Hebdomon (Greek: Ἕβδομον, "the Seventh"). The medieval castle and palace has served as an imperial residence for the Mesogeian monarchs from the 4th century to the present day with various structures being built and rebuilt on the site.

History

Emperor Constantine XIV was born and baptized in the palace in 1611 and continued the building project begun by his father. After his death his widow, Anna of Levantanie redecorated the apartments set aside for the Empress Dowager. Their son Constantine XV spent the spring there often using the site as a hunting ground and place or recreation.

By the time Constantine XVIII was declared to have reached his majority 1769 the palace was considered to small to house an ever expanding court so work was begun to enlarge the palace and provide for more lodging for the palace courtiers.

Interior

The state apartments of the Palace of Hebdomon consists of seven rooms used for entertaining, they include the Gallery of Manuel V, ballroom, small chapel, guards room, throne room, council chamber, and the library.

Separate from the state apartments but located off the Gallery of Manuel V are the apartments of the Emperor, which consists of six rooms: the Emperor's bedroom, dressing room, study, drawing room, a private library, and a bathroom.

In addition to the state rooms, and apartments of the Emperor, Empress, Dowager Empress, and of the court ladies there is also a theatre, a grand chapel, a museum dedicated to the palace's extensive art collection