Jun 5, 2024

Photo report of the Greek warship Averof

My wife and I took a four day trip to Athens, which we mostly spent in the southern districts near the sea (besides a mandatory trip downtown). The highlight of the journey, of course, was visiting the armored cruiser / battleship Georgios Averof.

The ship is moored in Faliro harbor, is maintained by the Hellenic Navy, entrance is 5EUR per adult. We arrived early Tuesday morning and were the only visitors at that time besides a guided school tour. 

Entrance is from the stern via a staircase - as we went up and down the length of the ship I organised the pictures from aft to fore instead of chronological order.

Most of the spar deck and upper deck are free to move around, and so are some of the internal areas. The bow is accessible via the enclosed superstructure above the spar deck.


One of the original capstans from the Orlando shipyard in Italy - the ship was built there, but German armor and British weapons were used during construction.


Detail of the aft superstructure.


The rear rangefinder and conning tower - you can just see the thickness of the steel there.


Ship's bell.


24cm shells on display for the main armament.


One of the cables running to the pier, quite a hefty thing.


Inside, there are various items exhibited related to Averof's rich history, such as this blueprint of the ship in its original configuration. No camera flash is allowed.


A vent/coaling hatch built in the deck.


This is the forward armoured bulkhead that seals the belt from that direction - look at the thickness of it!


The fore main turret ring, decorated with photos and paintings.


Admiral's cabin - she's still the flagship of the Hellenic Navy.


A rack of Enfields


Although there are manhandled capstans, this is the main electrical winch to cast or retrieve the anchors.


Above deck again and to the fore, here's a detailed shot of the main tripod and its platforms. The main rangefinder on the top of the mast is just visible from here.


Conning tower and bridge. The upper tier is shut off from public.


Looking forward from the starboard 19cm mount.


There was an aperture cut into the forward main turret's side, but due to lighting conditions I could not take a good photo of the breech of the main guns exhibited there.


Battle damage visible on the forward main gun barrels.

If you are ever in Athens, I heartily recommend visiting the ship - it's easily accessible by public transport, has a great gift shop and the Navy personnel were very courteous (they also leave food and water for stray cats at the entrance).

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