ΧΑΪΔΑΡΙ ΧΑΪΔΑΡΙ - ΣΥΝΑΝΤΗΣΗ ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ | Page 219

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The restoration and promotion of the Palataki tower
and the «N. Gyzis» building
T
he Battle of Chaidari in the area of Palataki
brought about the strategic ingenuity and bravery
of general G. Karaiskakis, and the value of the
Philhellene officer C. Faviere. Both are annually honoured
in Palataki by the Chaidari Municipality.
Active interest for the rescue of Palataki started only
in 1955. Mayors D. Giachnis and D. Skampas acted to
rescue the park and K. Nteniakos bought the buildings
for the Municipality and attended their restoration. In
1976, Palataki became a listed building. In 1985 the area
passed on to the Chaidari Municipality. The architect Y.
Igglesis did the enhancement study.Works took place
in 1987-1993. Th. Varagkis provided the furnishing and
equipment for the tower. Palataki today houses the
administration of the Municipal Cultural Centre and hosts
public events.
Ministry of Culture. G. Rizopoulos, sculptor and architect
did the study. The area was formally opened by mayor
K. Nteniakos on 26 July 2006. The Four Seasons room is
devoted to N. Gyzis only. The rest of the building houses
the Municipal Library. With the acquisition of the Palataki
area the Chaidari Municipality has combined cultural
heritage and local history upon the same landscape.
The new Town Hall
The new Town Hall is being built opposite Palataki.
The area was bought by the Municipality in 1992 and
2002 after public re-action to plans that would harm the
quality of life.
The historical pedestrian way of Stratarchou
Karaiskaki Street
Restoration works at Palataki
The restoration teams worked for five years with special
care and devotion. Necessary materials, such as marble,
iron nails etc., were particularly selected, so as to match
the originals. The ceiling paintings were uncovered
and restored to their original vividness. The same
process was followed for the exterior stone walls and
embrasures.
The «N. Gyzis» neoclassical building
In 1985-2001 the Municipality bought the neoclassical
building and a surrounding area of 5000 sq.m. Its
restoration was carried out in co-operation with the
Stratarchou (Marshal) Karaiskaki Street connects the
Sacred Way and Palataki. It has two levels since the
19th century, one surfaced for vehicles and one with
pine trees for pedestrians. The Municipal Council has
declared the road a listed monument. Its architectural
enhancement was attended by mayors D. Giachnis, D.
Skampas, K. Nteniakos and K. Speliopoulos, in 1977-1998.
The street features the busts of Th. Kolokotronis and
E. Venizelos, Iroon Square, which is the place for all
official celebrations, the listed villa of E. Kaloumenos, and
Demokratias Square with a sculpture to Pontic Greeks by
Kapantais. Today Str. Karaiskaki Street is the economic
and commercial centre of the town and also a regional
recreation node.
The «N. Gyzis» neoclassical building and the surrounding area after their restoration
and enhancement by the Municipality of Chaidari.