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History of the Hospital

The establishment of the hospital is directly associated with Queen Sophia, wife of King Constantine I, who embraced the vision of creating a specialized hospital exclusively for children. The hospital’s foundation stone was laid in 1896 and it began operating in 1901, becoming the first organized pediatric hospital in the country. From its earliest years, it developed significant charitable and social activity, laying the foundations for the development of modern pediatric care in Greece.

“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 to 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 also plays an important educational role as the home of university clinics, training new generations of physicians and nurses, while actively participating in international research programmes.

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

  • 1897 Establishment of the Hospital
      • The "Agia Sofia" Children's Hospital is founded in Athens.
      • It is the first pediatric hospital in Greece and the Balkans.
  • 1900 Royal Decree of January 9, 1900
      • The Founding Charter of the Children's Hospital «AGIA SOFIA» is ratified.
      • Its legal status as a Legal Entity is documented.
      • Management is exercised under the supervision of the ABD Princess Sophie.
  • 1901 Opening of Operations
      • Welcomes the first young patients.
      • Its original form was a small treatment center with few beds.
  • 1917 Law 808/1917
      • Establishment of a Patriotic Welfare Foundation in Athens.
  • 1922 Handling of the Asia Minor Crisis
      • After the Asia Minor Catastrophe, the hospital played a critical role in caring for refugee children.
  • 1929 Law 4062/6-3-1929
      • Establishment of the Patriotic Foundation for Child Protection.
      • Aim to coordinate actions for the protection of motherhood and childhood.
      • The Children's Hospital “Agia Sofia” is gradually integrating into a broader network of pediatric care and social welfare.
  • 1933 IF 19/11/1933
      • The Children's Hospital «AGIA SOFIA» is administratively governed by the Patriotic Child Protection Foundation.
      • The public and social character of the Hospital is being strengthened.
      • The reorganization contributes to the further development of its services for the benefit of the children of Greece.
  • 1933 August 7, 1933
      • Secret Will of Aglaia P. Kyriazou – establishment of the Children's Clinic «Panayiotou & Aglaia P. Kyriazou».
  • 1936 IF 23/1/1936
      • Rename the Patriotic Foundation to «Patriotic Foundation of Social Welfare and Perception».
  • 1939 IF 2014/12-10-1939
      • The AN 19/11/1933 is abolished.
      • Τhe Children's Hospital "H AGIA SOFIA" is merged with the Clinic "Aglaia P. Kyriakou".
      • A unified NPPD is established under the name: "CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL H AGIA SOFIA AND AGLAIA P. KYRIAKOU".
  • 1940 July 31, 1940 – ΑΝ 2473/1940
      • The LAW 2014/1939 is repealed.
      • The merger expires.
      • The Hospital "AGIA SOFIA" becomes a separate legal entity again.
  • 1940 Conversion to Military Hospital
      • Conversion of the Hospital into a Military Hospital.
  • 1943 Compulsory service by the occupying forces
      • Requisitioned by the occupying forces.
  • 1944 Reopening
      • Reopening as "Agia Sofia" Children's Hospital.
  • 1950 Construction of New Wings
      • New building facilities are being constructed,significantly expanding the hospital's capacity and services.
  • 1954 ND 3009/14-9-1954
      • The Hospital is defined as a self-governing Legal Entity of Private Law (LEPL).
      • It is under the protection of the reigning Queen of the Greeks.
  • 1957 5 February 1957 – Ratification of the Organization
      • Approval of the Hospital Organization.
      • Confirmation of non-profit status – Public Utility, Self-Governing Institution.
      • Purpose Definition: • Hospitalization of children up to 14 years old • Promotion of Medical Science • Training of doctors and nurses
  • 1958 Integration of a University Clinic
      • The hospital collaborates with the Medical School of Athens and acquires an academic character.
  • 1960 9 July 1960
      • Approval of the Internal Operating Regulations.
      • Detailed organizational structure of services (Medical – Nursing – Administrative).
  • 1970 27 May 1970 – Legislative Decree 572/27-5-1970
      • Approval of a new Organizational Structure (without any change to the hospital’s legal status).
  • 1982 Presidential Decree 586/1982
      • Conversion to a Legal Entity of Public Law (NPDL).
  • 1983 Law 1397/1983
      • Establishment of the National Health System (NHS).
      • The Hospital becomes part of the National Health System.
      • Its educational role is strengthened, and it becomes a major training center for medical students and pediatric residents.
  • 1987 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.
      • The current Organizational Structure is published.
  • 2003 Merged with «P. & A. Kyriakou
      • A unified administrative body is established for the two pediatric hospitals. 
      • Each hospital retains its distinct operational structure.
  • 2010 Launch of the Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit
      • The hospital acquires significant new infrastructure for the treatment of pediatric hematological malignancies.
  • 2020 Covid-19 Management in Children
      • The hospital establishes dedicated units for the treatment of pediatric COVID-19 cases. 
      • It plays a leading role in public health during the pandemic.
  • 2024 Launch of Digital Transformation
      • Modern digital tools are adopted for managing appointments, files, and services for parents and children.