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Reading Room

At the General State Archives (GSA), both at the Central Service and the Regional Services, a Reading Room operates to serve researchers.

All archival material held by the GSA is accessible. Material that is under processing or unclassified may be studied under certain conditions, such as the physical condition of the archive, its storage location, and the level of processing, which is determined by the type of research tool available.

These conditions also determine the time required to satisfy researchers’ requests.

The operation of the Reading Room is governed by the same rules across all GSA Services. Any differences observed are due to the infrastructure of each GSA Service throughout Greece.

As part of the development of an Electronic Reading Room, the GSA, following the implementation of digitization projects, provide the possibility of remote access to digitized archival material through the portal @rcheiomnimon.

Browse the digitized collection of the GSA and discover documents from our rich cultural heritage.

NOTE:
Public service is provided by appointment only.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH AT THE GSA

Please note that the Central Service of the GSA does not hold civil registry archives. By utilizing archival sources of the GSA (e.g. electoral registers, Valuation Committees for Exchangeable Properties of the Ministry of Agriculture), genealogical research is conducted under the responsibility of the users and under the guidance of the Reading Room & Archival Research Department.

Among the 58 Regional Services of the GSA across Greece, civil registry archives are preserved only in some of them.

Within the framework of the Recovery Fund digitization project, which will be completed in May 2026, digital copies will be made available online and are expected to significantly improve the handling of genealogical research requests.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING THE TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF ACCESS REQUESTS

Access requests related to research on the archive of the Athens Military Court are temporarily suspended, as the archive is currently under classification.

Exceptionally, only requests concerning access to the material for judicial use will be accepted.

In the General Archives of the State (G.A.K.), Central and Regional Services, it operates Reading room to serve the researchers.

The entire archival material of G.A.K. be accessible. The processed and the unclassifiedness material It can be studied under certain conditions, such as the physical state of the file, its storage space and the degree of its processing, which is determined by the type of research tool. The above conditions also determine the time of satisfaction of the researchers’ requests.

The operation of the reading room is governed by the same rules for all the services of the G.A.K.
Any differences observed are due to the infrastructure of each service of the G.A.K throughout Greece.

In the context of the creation electronic reading room, the G.A.K. After the implementation of the digitization projects, they provide the possibility of remote access to the Digitized archival material Through the gate @archeommeni.

Browse the digitized collection of G.A.K. And discover evidence of our rich cultural heritage!

NOTE:
– The service of the public takes place after a scheduled  appointment.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT THE GENERAL RESEARCH

It is clarified that the central service of the GAS does not have registry files. By utilizing archival sources of the GIS (e.g. electoral rolls, evaluation committees of exchangeables of the Ministry of Agriculture) Genealogical research is conducted under the responsibility of the users and under the guidance of the Reading Room & archival research.

In the total of 58 regional services of the GAS throughout Greece, registry files are kept in some of them.

As part of the Recovery Fund digitization project, which will be completed in May 2026, and through the huge volume of GAS files and collections, digital copies will be posted, which are estimated to be strengthened by the end of the project. servicing requests of genealogical interest. 

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE TEMPORARY SUPPORT OF SERVICE OF ACCESS REQUESTS FOR INVESTIGATION ON THE UNCORRECTED MATERIAL OF THE FILE

It is clarified that the service of access requests for investigation related to the archive of the Athens Military Court is temporarily suspended as it is under classification. will be servedException only to requests concerning access to the material for judicial use. 

Please note that researchers may visit the GSA Reading Rooms strictly by appointment only.

For information regarding the operation of the Reading Rooms of the Regional Services of the GSA, interested parties may contact the local Services by phone to receive details about the service procedure.

Access to archival material

Access and Opening Hours

Access to the archives preserved at the GSA is free, in accordance with the provisions set out in the new GSA Law (Law 4610/2019) (Article 194).

In cases where archival material containing sensitive personal data is studied, researchers are required to complete the relevant declaration form.

The study of archival material takes place exclusively in the Reading Rooms of the GSA.

Opening Hours

(excluding official public holidays)

Days Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 09:00 - 15:00
Tuesday, Thursday 09:30 - 16:30

In exceptional cases where the Reading Room is not operating, a relevant announcement will be posted on this GSA website (see Home Page section: Announcements).

Note: Archival material is provided from 09:00 to 15:00.

As there may be minor variations in visiting hours at the Regional Services of the GSA, please contact the respective Service by phone and/or consult their official websites.

Copyright and Researchers’ Obligations

The GSA are responsible for safeguarding the copyright of the archival material in their custody.

Reproduction of GSA material, in any form, is provided for the personal use of researchers.

Any further reproduction or publication of archival material, advertising (including use on Internet websites), exhibition, or any other purpose requires prior approval from the Supervisory Board of the GSA, with simultaneous reference to the source of the material.

Researchers are required to deposit a copy of their work in the GSA Library if it relates to archival material originating from the GSA.

Library of the Central Service (C.S.) of the GSA

The Library primarily supports the bibliographic needs of the Service’s staff during the classification and indexing of archives.

It includes books and journals of historical content with emphasis on the history of the 19th century, archival studies (catalogues and indexes), and archival science as a discipline. A significant part of the material consists of donated publications resulting from the study of the archives preserved at the GSA. Particularly noteworthy is the collection of 250 rare editions dating back to the 18th century.

The Library’s holdings exceed 13,500 titles of books and journals and continue to grow through donations.

The completion of the ongoing classification and retrospective cataloguing of the Library’s material will allow researchers visiting the GSA to access it for on-site study, as a supporting tool for the archival research conducted in the Reading Room.

With the assistance of the staff, researchers may consult the Library’s electronic catalogue to search for books that support their research. In this case, the lending procedure is followed, while access to the Library’s journals and dictionaries is freely available.

The Library operates within the Reading Room and follows its operating regulations.

Borrowing books outside the premises of the GSA Library is not permitted.

Libraries of the Regional Services (R.S.) of the GSA

Information about the book collections held in the Regional Services of the GSA can be found on the respective websites of each Service.

Support for Persons with Disabilities (PWD)

  1. The Reading Room provides two workstations equipped with specialized assistive tools to support persons with disabilities.
  2. The supporting equipment includes:
    • switch mounting arms
    • external pressure switches
    • Braille display and printer
    • screen magnification device (CCTV)
    • text-to-Braille conversion software
    • speech synthesis software
    • virtual keyboards
  3. For technologies that may cause sound distractions, users are provided with headphones so that the quiet environment of the Reading Room is not disturbed.
  4. The accessible workstations are integrated within the Reading Room area.
  5. The Department serves persons with disabilities without requiring certification of their disability.
  6. Support is provided on an individual basis and library services are adapted to the needs of users, such as:
    • possibility of enlarging photocopies
    • study of more archival folders than the permitted limit
    • exemption from payment for photocopies
    • assistants accompanying persons with disabilities who conduct research on their behalf
    • reading services when persons with disabilities are unable to read or handle archival material
  7. During the use of archival material, supervision is provided by the staff to ensure the safety of both the archives and the assistive equipment.
  8. The library does not maintain alternative-format collections and the digitized material is not accessible to blind users.
  9. There is no staff member trained in Greek Sign Language or the Braille system.

Please note that access for persons with disabilities (PWD) may be limited in some Regional Services of the GSA.

Research Tools

The General State Archives (GSA), both the Central Service and the Regional Services, have developed various research tools to facilitate access to archival material.

For on-site assistance to researchers in the Reading Room, the research tools of the classified archives and collections of the GSA are available in printed and/or electronic form.

With regard to unclassified material, access to it is facilitated through a summary record of the material (Transferred Material Inventory – T.M.I.).

The General Archives of the State (G.A.K.), Central Service and Regional Services, have prepared various Research tools to facilitate access to archival material.

For the on-site service of researchers in the reading area, the research tools of the classified archives and collections  of G.A.K., in printed and/or electronic form.

With regard to the unclassified material, access to it is facilitated through a brief recording of the material (state of transported material – K.M.Y.).

Reading Room Statistics

The General State Archives (GSA), both the Central Service and the Regional Services, maintain annual statistical data concerning the individual operations of their Reading Rooms.

These data allow the evaluation of the services provided to researchers and citizens who either visit the physical premises or make use of the GSA’s remote services.

The General Archives of the State (G.A.K.), Central and Regional Services, maintain Annual statistics concerning the individual functions of their reading rooms.

These data allow the valuation of the services provided to the researchers and citizens who either visit the physical space or make use of the distance services of the G.A.K.

Legislative Framework

  • Law 4610/2019 “Synergies between Universities and Technological Educational Institutes, access to higher education, experimental schools, the General State Archives and other provisions”, which constitutes the new legislative framework governing the operation of the GSA.
  • Law 1946/1991 “General State Archives and other provisions”, the legislative framework under which the GSA operated until the adoption of the new Law (see Law 4610/2019).
  • Law 2846/2000, Archives of the Prime Minister, Ministers, Deputy Ministers and General Secretaries of the Cabinet.
  • Law 1599/1986, Relations between the State and citizens.
  • Law 2690/1999, Ratification of the Code of Administrative Procedure.
  • Presidential Decree 28/2015, Codification of provisions concerning access to public documents and records.
  • Law 2121/1993, Copyright, related rights and cultural matters.
  • Law 4481/2017, Collective management of copyright and related rights.
  • Law 4212/2013, Transposition of Directive 2012/28/EU on certain permitted uses of orphan works.
  • Directive (EU) 2016/680, on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data.

Useful Information

  • Announcements are posted on the GSA website (see Home Page section: Announcements) regarding exceptional circumstances, as well as the period during which the Reading Rooms remain closed during the summer months.

USEFUL INFORMATION

* On the website of G.A.K. are posted announcement (See homepage section: announcement) for emergency cases, as well as for the time when the reading rooms remain closed in the summer months. 
Forms / Reading Records

Forms, applications and statements of researchers

1. Request a Researcher
2. Researcher Application Statement
3. Application for reproduction of archival material
4. Archival Material Reproduction: Application Form
5. Declaration of Confidentiality and Privacy
6. Confidentiality and Personal Data Protection Statement
7. Application for a certified copy
8. Application to the Supervisor
9. Responsible statement
10. Service Assessment Questionnaire
11. Court Records – Assessment Questionnaire

Important Information for Research

The Central Service does not hold civil registry records.

The Central Service provides sources of genealogical interest, while research is conducted exclusively by the interested parties.

  •  It is clarified that in the central service Registry records are not kept.
  • The Central Service has sources of genealogical interest. The investigation is conducted solely by those interested.

In order to facilitate future researchers in locating archival sources, as well as to assist the Reading Room staff of each GSA Service in the faster identification of archival material, the following citation format is recommended.

1) Classified material

Examples of citation

  1. GSA – Central Service, Archive of the Directorate of Technical Services of the Ministry of Education (1898 – 1986), A.S. 44
  2. GSA – Central Service, Archive of the Ministry of the Interior (Otto period), f. 120
  3. GSA – Archives of Rodopi Regional Unit, Archive of the Economic Gymnasium of Komotini, f. 42
2) Unclassified material

Example of citation

  1. GSA – Central Service, Archive of YEDE IV (unclassified), box 14, folder 13
Note: For unclassified archival material, the references may change.

In order to facilitate future researchers in the search for archival sources as well as the employees of the Reading Room of each GAS service, in terms of faster detection of the archival material, the following method is proposed referral:
A. classified material
    Reference examples:

  • GAK – Central Service, Archive of the Directorate of Technical Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture. (1898 – 1986), A.S. 44
  • GAK – Central Service, Archive of the Ministry of the Interior Othona Period, p. 120
  • GAK – Archives of N. Rodopi, Komotini Economic High School Archive, p. 42

b. Unrated material*
    Reference example:

  • GAK – Central Service, EYEDE D’ file (unclassified), i. 14, K. 13

* For the unclassified archive material, the indications may change.

Consultation of Archival Material

The consultation of archival material takes place exclusively in the Reading Rooms of the GSA.

In order to ensure the smooth operation of the Reading Rooms, to maintain a quiet and appropriate study environment, and to safeguard the protection of archival material, users are required to follow the guidelines for handling archival material .

the Study of archival material is carried out  exclusively in the area of the readings of the GAS. For their smooth operation, ensuring a comfortable and quiet environment for study as well as protecting the material, users are obliged to follow the Instructions for handling archival material.

Reading Room Equipment

The Reading Room of the Central Service (C.S.) is equipped with the following:

  • Four Electronic Reading Room workstations, providing access to the entire digital library of the GSA.
  • Two workstations equipped with specialized assistive tools for persons with disabilities (switch mounting arms, external pressure switches, Braille display and printer, CCTV screen magnification device, text-to-Braille conversion software, speech synthesis software and virtual keyboards).
  • One digital reader-printer.

The equipment of the Reading Rooms of the Regional Services of the GSA varies depending on the infrastructure of each Service.

The Reading Room of the Central Service (KY) has the following equipment:

  • four Electronic Reading Workstations which provide access to the entire digital library of the GIS
  • Two workstations with specialized aids to support the disabled (switch support arms, external pressure switches, Braille plate and printer, CCTV screen enlargement device, text to Braille software, composition software voice and virtual keyboards).
  • A digital reader-printer

The equipment of the reading rooms of the regional services of the GAK varies according to the infrastructure of each service.

Central Service

tel. Address: Dafnis 61, P.O. 154 52, Psychiko, Athens

Telephones: 210-6782 208, 6782 209, 6782 211, 678201 214
E-mail: anagnostirio@gak.gr
Opening days: Monday to Friday (except public holidays)
Opening hours: 09:00 – 15:00 
For how to access the service, see here.

Central Service

1) Phone: 2106782208
2) Phone numbers: 2106782 209, 6782 211, 678201 214

tel. Address:

Δάφνης 61, Τ.Κ. 154 52, Ψυχικό, Αθήνα e-mail: anagnostirio@gak.gr

Operating days:

Παρασκευή (εκτός των επίσημων αργιών), Ώρες λειτουργίας: 09:00 - 15:00

Regional Services

Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες σχετικά με τα τηλέφωνα, τα e-mail, καθώς και τις μέρες και ώρες λειτουργίας των Περιφερειακών Υπηρεσιών, παρακαλούμε επισκεφτείτε τις κατά τόπους Υπηρεσίες των ΓΑΚ.

Regional Services

For more information about the telephone numbers, e-mails, as well as the days and hours of operation of the regional services, please visit the local   services of the GAS.

Announcement Regarding Judicial Archives

Within the framework of the Recovery Fund digitization project implemented at the Central Service of the GSA, the archives of the Single-Member Misdemeanor Court of Athens and the Three-Member Misdemeanor Court of Athens will not be served on the same day, but within 1–2 days following the receipt of requests from interested parties.

The General State Archives (GSA) provide, upon request of the interested party, simple or certified copies from the judicial and notarial archives held by the Service (Central and Regional Services of the GSA).

At the Central Service (C.S.), the Reading Room and Archival Research Department provides, upon request of the interested party, simple or certified copies from judicial (civil procedure or criminal procedure ) and notarial archives.

The GSA constitute an autonomous public service reporting directly to the Minister of Education, Research and Religious Affairs (Law 4610/2019, art. 169).

The Central Service of the GSA is not a branch or department of the Athens Court of First Instance or any other judicial authority and is not staffed by judicial officers.

The staff of the Reading Room and Archival Research Department is responsible for managing the judicial archives transferred to the Central Service of the GSA and for providing certified copies to the public, provided that the requested material is clearly identified by the interested party. Under no circumstances does the staff provide legal guidance.

For judicial / notarial archives preserved at the Central Service of the GSA, the public is kindly requested to contact the staff of the Service’s Reading Room directly, as repeated incorrect referrals to the Service have been observed from external bodies and institutions.

The complete set of judicial archives of the Central Service available for historical research can be consulted through the Archives and Collections .

Procedure for issuing certified copies

Court Orders

With regard to judicial decisions, the physical presence of the interested party, a legal representative, or another authorized person at the Central Service (C.S.) of the GSA is required, along with the completion of the relevant application and confidentiality declaration .

In particular, in cases of adoption:

  • it must be demonstrated that the interested party is the adopted child.

In cases where a legal representative of the applicant is present:

  • either the signature and official stamp of the lawyer on the applications is sufficient,
  • or the presentation of the lawyer’s professional identification and a verbal declaration that they are the authorized representative of the client concerned by the case.

In cases of research centres or non-profit organizations:

  • submission of an official document confirming representation of the organization is required,
  • which must be renewed annually,
  • as well as a copy of the organization’s statutes.

Public documents issued in a foreign country are accepted only if they are translated through the Greek consular authorities, lawyers, or notaries.

Digitized foreign public documents sent via e-mail are not accepted. Clear photocopies of foreign documents are accepted provided that they have been certified by a lawyer.

For the issuance of copies of civil or criminal decisions, the legitimate interest of the applicant must be demonstrated through the presentation of a public document.

If the interested party is unable to appear in person, another person may submit the request on their behalf by presenting the relevant authorization.

With regard to the court orders, the physical presence of the interested party or legal representative or other authorized person in K.Y. is required. of the G.A.K., the completion of the relevant petition and confidentiality statement.

In particular, in the cases of adoptions, apart from the above, it should also be proven that the person concerned is the adopted child.

In the cases of the presence of the applicant’s legal representative, either the signature with the lawyer’s seal on the applications is sufficient, or the presentation of his legal identity card as well as his oral declaration that he is the attorney of the principal, to whom the case is concerned.

Also, in cases of research centers or non-profit organizations that undertake adoption investigation cases, it is necessary to present a relevant document representing the body, which should be renewed on an annual basis and a copy of the articles of association his.

Public documents issued in a foreign country are accepted only if they are translated through the consular authorities of Greece, lawyers or notaries. Digitized foreign public documents by e-mail are not accepted. Clear photocopies of foreign documents are accepted, provided that these documents have been validated by a lawyer.

For the granting of copies of political or criminal decisions, the applicant’s legitimate interest should be proven (by showing a public document). In case of inability to be present, it is possible to request another person instead by presenting a relevant authorization.

With regard to the wills archive, in order to obtain certified copies the applicant must know:

  • the publication number of the requested will
  • as well as the name of the testator.

Otherwise, since the accompanying indexes have not been transferred to the GSA, the interested party must first contact the Athens Court of First Instance – Wills Department (phone: 213 2155865, contact hours: 09:00–13:30) in order to obtain the relevant information and then request the copy from the GSA.

The Central Service (C.S.) of the GSA holds the Wills Archive for the period 1854–1954.

Regarding the wills, for the granting of certified copies, the applicant must be aware of the publication number of the requested will, as well as the Name of the testator. Otherwise, since the accompanying indexes have not been delivered to the G.A.K., the interested party should first contact the Court of First Instance of Athens, Department of Wills (tel: 213 2155865, contact hours: 9:00-13:30), so that he can receive the relevant information and then request the copy from the G.A.K.
In K.Y. of G.A.K.  has been delivered, the Period Archives 1854-1954.

A limited number of notarial archives from the Athens, Piraeus, Megara, and Lavrio regions have been deposited and are preserved at the Central Service of the General State Archives (G.S.A.).

NOTE:
In order to obtain certified copies, it is necessary to complete the relevant application, a confidentiality declaration, and to demonstrate a legitimate interest.

To establish legitimate interest, either the authorized lawyer or the interested party must provide documents linking them to the requested record. Indicative documents may include: certificate of next of kin, certificate of family status, property contracts, etc., from which photocopies will be retained.

The GSA do not issue certificates. For any type of certificate, interested parties should contact the relevant issuing authorities.

Central Service Regional Services
Telephone: 210-6782 208, 210-6782 211 For more information regarding telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, as well as the operating days and hours of the Regional Services, please visit the respective GSA Services.
E-mail: anagnostirio@gak.gr

Opening Hours (excluding official public holidays)

Days Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 09:00 – 15:00
Tuesday, Thursday 09:30 – 16:30

General State Archives

Address

61 Dafnis St., Psychiko, Athens 154 52, Greece

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 9:00 – 15:00
Phone 2106782200
Email archives@gak.gr

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