Historic Tatoi Estate to Return to Former Glory

Photo source: Wikipedia / Vasilofron

The Greek government recently announced plans to restore the 10,000 acre Tatoi Estate, northwest of Athens, to its previous glory. The estate was once the summer retreat of Greece’s former royal family and birthplace of King George II of Greece.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday met with Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni to discuss the details involving the project.

Photo source: Wikipedia / Vasilofron

According to reports, the aim of the project will be to showcase the former royal estate as a single cultural entity by using the grounds as a museum, highlight the historical identity of its buildings and to resolve any institutional issues in relation to regulations for land use.

Located 27 km from the city center of Athens, the estate, which has a history that dates back to the the 1880s, is home to 40 listed buildings, gardens and stables.

The Hellenic Society for the Protection of the Environment and the Cultural Heritage applauded the government’s decision to revive the estate.

According to the society, the Tatoi estate can be economically viable if managed correctly and at the same time be a cultural paradise for the people of Attica, as well as for visitors from all over the world.

The estate was listed as a conservation area in 2003, on the proposal made by the society, and in 2013 was included among the most endangered sites in Europe by Europa Nostra. It is also protected by the Natura 2000 network as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The area’s ancient and current official name is Dekeleia.