From Mansion to Modernity: The Story of Athens’ Oldest Apartment Block

The gathering represents a modulation from the neoclassical mansions of the 19th period to the modern municipality living. Credit: Greek Reporter

In the bosom of Athens, adjacent Victoria Square, stands the oldest flat artifact of the Greek capital.

Constructed betwixt 1922 and 1923, the residence astatine 5, Heiden Street is recognized by architectural historians arsenic the archetypal existent “polykatoikia” successful the capital.

Designed by the pioneering designer Vasilios Tsagris, the gathering represents a modulation from the neoclassical mansions of the 19th period to the modern municipality surviving that defines Athens today. Unlike the azygous factual blocks that would predominate the metropolis decades later, this gathering is simply a masterpiece of Eclecticism, blending Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and adjacent Gothic elements.

Key features of Athens’ oldest flat block

It remains a “living” portion of the city, lodging some residences and nonrecreational spaces. Credit: Greek Reporter

When it was built, it wasn’t intended for the masses but for the Athenian elite. The apartments featured precocious ceilings, oak floors, and intricate plasterwork.

It was 1 of the archetypal buildings to utilize a cardinal staircase and a “light well” (fotagogos) to supply earthy airy and ventilation to each floor—a revolutionary conception astatine the time.

While galore surrounding humanities buildings were demolished during the “antiparochi” operation roar of the 1950s and 60s, 5 Heiden Street survived, yet being declared a listed monument by the Ministry of Culture.

The gathering doesn’t conscionable correspond architectural history; it represents a societal shift. It marked the infinitesimal Athenians began moving from single-family homes into shared, multi-story vertical communities.

A “living” portion of the city

Today, it remains a “living” part of the city, lodging some residences and nonrecreational spaces, lasting arsenic a soundless witnesser to a period of Athenian history.

While astir radical subordinate the Athenian “polykatoikia” with the grey factual sprawl of the post-war era, 5 Heiden Street reminds america that the conception began with architectural ambition and European elegance.

It remains a uncommon illustration of however the metropolis intended to modernize earlier the pressures of overpopulation took hold.

Related: The Greek-American Guardian of Neoclassical Athens