This article attempts to discuss critically certain negative aspects of the refurbishing of the historic monuments of Athens. Change of usage of a historic building during restoration often destroys the building’s architectural potential, especially when the inner layout is thoroughly modified and when integral parts of the initial design are ignored. In Athens, where property is an investment, the issues of conservation of buildings, of their restoration and incorporation of traditional buildings into their surroundings must become the object of serious study. Where the current approach to the making-over of old buildings is concerned integration of a building or of a group of buildings into the town plan should be guaranteed for the more effective perpetuation of architecture as an element of self-knowledge for a nation.