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History of the Hospital

“Agia Sophia” Children’s Hospital is the oldest and largest pediatric hospital in Greece and one of the most important in Europe. It was founded in the late 19th century, at a time when child mortality was extremely high, with the vision of providing specialized medical care exclusively for children.

Today, after more than a century of continuous service, the hospital has evolved into a state-of-the-art tertiary healthcare institution with a capacity of 750 beds. It is staffed by leading scientists and equipped with cutting-edge technology, covering the full spectrum of pediatric subspecialties.

Alongside its clinical work, the hospital plays an important educational role as the home of university clinics, training new generations of doctors and nurses, while actively participating in international research programs.

"Our story is not merely numbers and dates. It is the thousands of stories of children who found healing, the parents who found hope, and our people who dedicated their lives to caring for children."

  • Royal Decree of 9 January 1900
      • The Founding Statute of the “AGIA SOPHIA” Children’s Hospital is ratified.
      • Its legal status as a Legal Entity is documented.
      • The administration is carried out under the supervision of HRH Princess Sophia.
  • Law 808/1917
      • Establishment of the Patriotic Welfare Foundation in Athens.
  • Law 4062 of 6 March 1929
      • Renamed as the “Patriotic Foundation for the Protection of Children”.
         
  • ΑΝ 19/11/1933
      • The “AGIA SOPHIA” Children’s Hospital comes administratively under the Patriotic Foundation.
  • 7 August 1933
      • Secret will of Aglaia P. Kyriakou — foundation of the “Panagiotis & Aglaia P. Kyriakou” Children’s Clinic.
  • ΑΝ 23/1/1936
      • Renaming of the Patriotic Foundation as the “Patriotic Foundation for Social Welfare and Assistance”.
  • ΑΝ 2014/12-10-1939
      • Compulsory Law 19/11/1933 is repealed.
      • The “AGIA SOPHIA” Children’s Hospital is merged with the “Aglaia P. Kyriakou” Clinic.
      • A single Public Law Legal Entity is established under the name: “AGIA SOPHIA AND AGLAIA P. KYRIAKOU CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL”.
  • 31 July 1940 – ΑΝ 2473/1940
      • Compulsory Law 2014/1939 is repealed.
      • The merger is terminated.
      • The “AGIA SOPHIA” Hospital once again becomes an independent legal entity.
  • Conversion into a Military Hospital
      • Conversion of the Hospital into a Military Hospital.
  • Requisition by the occupying forces
      • Requisition by the occupying forces.
  • Reopening
      • Reopening as the “AGIA SOPHIA” Children’s Hospital.
  • ΝΔ 3009/14-9-1954
      • The Hospital is designated as a self-governing Private Law Legal Entity (NPID).
      • It is placed under the patronage of the reigning Queen of the Hellenes.
  • 5 February 1957 – Ratification of the Organisation / Statute
      • Ratification of the Hospital’s Organisation / Statute.
      • Confirmation of its status as a Private Law Legal Entity (NPID) — a charitable, self-governing institution.
      • Definition of its purposes: • Hospitalization of children up to 14 years of age • Advancement of Medical Science • Training of physicians and nurses
  • 9 July 1960
      • Approval of the Internal Operating Regulations.
      • Detailed structure of services/departments: Medical, Nursing and Administrative.
  • 27 May 1970 – ΝΔ 572/27-5-1970
      • Approval of the new Organisation / Statute, without any change to its legal status.
  • ΠΔ 586/1982
      • Conversion into a Public Law Legal Entity (NPDD).
  • Law 1397/1983
      • Establishment of the National Health System (ESY).
      • The Hospital is incorporated into the National Health System.
  • 26 March 1987 – Government Gazette 147/26-3-1987

    • It is designated as the Regional General Children’s Hospital “AGIA SOPHIA”, a Public Law Legal Entity (NPDD).
      The current Organisation / Statute is published.