What I can see

Inside this 1,000 square-metre green area, there are unusual constructions made from rough stones and bricks: a fountain, an arcade, a raised seating area, a cistern and a small gate that leads to the basement. The view of the city from this site is impressive in places, to say the least. This park is not fully cared for by the competent authorities and is sometimes closed to the public.

What I can't see

These free decorative constructions are among the sole surviving imaginative architectural ensembles in the country. They are somewhat reminiscent of the cocurrent works of Gaudi in Barcelona’s Park Guell. They were part of the large garden of the Agios Dimitrios hospital. More structures may have existed here, which have not survived. We know neither who its architect was nor where the name “Gardens of Pasha” comes from. During its construction, the then Ottoman administration put forward several modernizing and landscaping projects in the city, which at the time had a vibrant, cosmopolitan bourgeoisie. The area chosen for its construction was outside the city walls in the historic core of the city and was an airy open space which offered an opportunity for a stunning view to the city and the sea.

Info

• Address: Eleni Zografou St.

Bibliography