What I can see

This role model industrial unit of the time was located on the outskirts of the city, when the area was sparsely populated. It contributed to the portrayal of Thessaloniki at the time as a modern urban centre. Today, the former factory is lost within the urban fabric. However, the chimney from the main multi- storey building stands out. We see the reconstructed factory of 1954, as it was previously destroyed by fire. Nevertheless, its architecture is the same as before the fire, because the plans implemented were of the architect Vitaliano Poselli. The complex has been intended for years to be used as a cultural space, but there has been no such development yet.

What I can't see

The original name of the company was Darblay-Allatini until 1889. Then, Darblay left and the Allatini family took over. The original factory was destroyed by fire and the Allatini commissioned Vitaliano Poselli to build a new one. Poselli promised to finish it in 80 days, as he did. The mechanical equipment was pending, which was also completed quickly, making the company an example to be imitated in the then industrial market. The inauguration was such a big event that was attended by the high society of the time. It was called the “largest mill in the East”, 200 workers were employed, produced 100 tons of flour per day and eliminated all smaller merchants. At that time, the complex was seaside, which favoured commercial movement. By having developed a network in London and Marseille, the Allatini Jewish family built a small empire and expanded into pottery, brewery and other sectors.

Info

• Address: G. Papandreou & N. Typa St.

Bibliography