Angelos Sikelianos: One of the most significant poets that lived and thrived here

Angelos Sikelianos was born in 1884 in Lefkada Island where he lived all his childhood. He was a dandy, raised with conservative principles and interest in culture. In 1900 he studied Law in Athens University but he never graduated.

When he abandoned Athens, he travelled to Rome and Paris where he managed to consort with the biggest personalities of literature and Avant garde culture. In Paris, Angelos met Eva Palmer, daughter and grandchild of American bourgeoisie. Eva was distinguished on her rich music culture and her deep knowledge of Ancient Greek Tradition and language. She and Angelos returned to Athens to continue their common lives.

In 1908 they travelled to Korinthos, and specifically to #Sykia. Enchanted by the pine forest and the landscape’s natural beauty, the decided to buy the plot where we are today. In 1912 the construction began. It was the first architectural attempt of Angelos and Eva.

The building had no specifical architectural pattern, but it combined characteristic elements from different eras. For example, the columns were from Ancient Greece, the windows were from the Byzantine era and the balconies had influences from Venice. The construction ended in 1916. Angelos, Eva and their son Glaykos lived happily here until 1930.

Great personalities of Greek poetry of the 20th century were also hosted here. Great names such as Palamas, Kazantzakis and Kariotakis. The big idea of the Delphic Fest was conceived here and was carried out in 1927 and 1929 at Delphous. In 1930 due to financial difficulties, the mansion was auctioned and Mr. Metaxas, Professor of Economics in Athens University, was the highest bidder.

During the 2nd world war, the mansion was Italian headquarters and through the civil war was taken by the rebels. In the late 50’s, Spyros Typaldos, determined by its cultural value, he would emphasize it together with the beautiful environment that surrounded it. Spyros and Charalampos Typaldos, known for the famous steamship line of Aegean, created here the very first organized company in Greece. In 1986, the minister of culture Melina Merkouri typified the mansion as an “artwork” and ”historical monument”.