Mangana Palace

The Mangana Palace is an imperial residence located in the acropolis district of the Alexandropolis. The original palace was constructed in the 9th century but later housed an imperial arsenal until it was restored as an imperial residence at the end of the 18th century. The palace and its gardens are a major tourist attraction.

History

The original palace was the town residence of the Rendakis family until the palace was purchased by Emperor PLACEHOLDER who turned it into and imperial palace in the 9th century. The palace fell into disuse in the following centuries being used to house an imperial orphanage, arsenal, and cloister for monks attached to the imperial court.

The original palace was demolished by Emperor Constantine XVIII who wanted to build a palace for his wife who disliked the Imperial Palace at Alexandropolis due to the lack of privacy and the fact that that thousands of courtiers were in constant attendance at the old palace.

The original palace consisted of one wing with a central cupola, later being expanded into two wings, on the eastern and western side of the palace.