Restoration work at the historic Tatoi Estate, once the summer residence of Greece’s former royal family, is advancing as scheduled, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni confirmed during a recent inspection visit to the site, located 21km northwest of Athens at the foot of Mt. Parnitha.
The project, which aims to convert the estate into a vibrant cultural, environmental, and recreational destination, is on track to deliver full museum infrastructure by 2026. According to the Culture Ministry, the multi-layered works include the restoration of buildings to be used as museums, landscaping of the surrounding areas, installation of support infrastructure, and the documentation and conservation of movable royal heirlooms and artifacts.
Mockup of the garden area in the former royal estate at Tatoi, Greece, after restoration. Photo: Greek Culture Ministry
The restoration of the estate is budgeted at over 70 million euros, funded by national and EU sources, along with significant private sponsorships, including contributions from the A.C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation and the AEGEAS non-profit civil company of the Athanassios & Marina Martinos Foundation.
Minister Mendoni emphasized the national significance of the project, noting that “the protection, restoration, and public access to the historical core of the former royal estate in Tatoi is a project of national importance, transforming the estate into a dynamic, visitable cultural and environmental site.”
She added that the goal is to complete major construction by the end of 2025 and officially open to the public the following year.
Among the restoration efforts currently underway are the Stables of George I, which will house the Museum of Royal Carriages, and the Mausoleum located opposite the Church of the Resurrection. The infrastructure for water supply and sewage has also been completed, while landscaping continues in the Palace Gardens.
Destruction to buildings in the Tatoi Estate after the devastating fire on Mt. Parnitha. August 7, 2021. Michalis Karagiannis/Eurokinissi
The estate, which served as the birthplace of King George II of Greece, suffered significant damage during the wildfires that struck Mt. Parnitha in 2021. In response then, Minister Mendoni committed to rebuilding and reforesting the area, equipping the estate with modern fire detection and protection systems.
In addition to state-driven restoration, the Friends of the Tatoi Estate Association has played a key role in supporting the estate’s preservation and public engagement through fundraising and guided tours.
Tatoi is recognized under the EU’s Natura 2000 network for its ecological value and was listed among Europa Nostra’s most endangered heritage sites in Europe in 2013.
The redevelopment project is part of a broader 130-million-euro initiative announced by the Culture Ministry in 2021 to transform the estate into a multi-purpose tourism and culture hub, including future infrastructure for museums, a hotel, and spa facilities.
“Tatoi is a legacy project for future generations,” said Mendoni. “We are not just restoring monuments; we are re-establishing a historic landmark as a model space for culture, environment, and recreation.”
Source: Tovima.com
