One of the first telescopes of the National Observatory of Athens, the 'Dorides' telescope, is yet again at the disposal of those who wish to enjoy the Attica sky from the Hill of the Nymphs, right across the rock of Acropolis. Greek telecommunication companies sponsored the restoration work for the telescope and the revamping of the building in which it is housed.

The telescope is named after D. Dorides, a French citizen of Greek heritage who funded the manufacturing of one of the first Athens Observatory telescopes. It featured a 40 cm-in-diameter lens and was used for the first time during the solar eclipse of August 30th, 1905. It was the largest telescope in Greece until 1959, when it was replaced by the Newall telescope, with 62.5 cm-diameter lens, which was installed at the Penteli Astronomical Station.

See also @GreekNewsAgenda: Newall Telescope Restored @ National Observatory of Athens