What I can see

The largest villa in what is known as “Avenue of the countryside” (now Vas. Olgas Avenue), it follows the architectural trend of the times (i.e. the tripartite division of volume). It consists of three floors, which are separated by decorative bands of brick. The building manages to combine many elements of eclectic diversity. Its surfaces are of Renaissance style. The two wings, which were added later, do not change the building significantly. On the west side, there is a balcony with a view of the sea. From the interior decoration, only a few items have survived in the second floor. The surrounding space is also notable for being a rare green oasis in a densely-built city. Stone-paths, grass, benches, as well as deciduous and coniferous trees create a relaxing, natural setting. Moreover, in the near vicinity of the building there is Mοrpourgo villa, designed by the same architect (Vitaliano Pozeli).

What I can't see

It belonged to the Italian-Jewish banker and trader Charles Allatini. The Allatini family dominated the trade of the Ottoman Empire for over a century, through their famous company Allatini House. Several important European personalities were hosted in the villa. However, it became a prison for Sultan Abdul Hamid II, who was joined by his harem, hens and cows when the rebels of the Young Turk movement put him under house arrest. When the Sultan entered, he was shocked because the owners had become so “westernized” that there was no room with a hammam. He stayed there until shortly before the incorporation of Thessaloniki to Greece. In subsequent years, it housed a military unit, the Faculty of Philosophy, (i.e. the first faculty of Thessaloniki University) and, finally to this day, of local government services.

Info

• Address: 198 Vas. Olgas St.

Bibliography