The Mansion at 51, Michail Livanos Str. in the capital city of the island of Chios, houses the headquarters of the ΄΄Maria Tsakos΄΄ Public Benefit Foundation – International Centre for Maritime Research and Tradition. The proximity of Chios to Smyrna; the direct and regular contact of the two cities and with Constantinople; the existence of significant Chian communities in thriving European cities of the 19th century, such as London, Odessa, Alexandria, Livorno, Marseille, Liverpool, Trieste and Manchester and other relevant factors exerted a strong influence on the architectural character of the City of Chios.
The plot of land, on which the edifice of the Mansion was built, belonged to a prosperous Chian shipowner Georgios Michalenos, who gave it as dowry to his daughter Marietta. The construction began around 1888, the year Marietta married Theodosios Zygomalas, son of the Chian merchant and shipowner Mike Zygomalas. Theodosios Zygomalas initials artistically appear on the ceiling fresco of the dining room.
The Ionic propylon and the superb, semi-circular staircase of Penteliko marble of the Mansion are features that bring to mind the Neo-classicism of Athens and the European eclecticism of the time. The ground floor consists of stone-framed openings, whose low arches have prominent keystones and are fronted by ornate balustrades; while, on the upper floor, the openings have neo-classical features and proportions. The framing of the windows is provided by pilasters reaching floor level while the openings are crowned with a cornice.
Coming to the interior of the upper floor, four marble fireplaces emit an air of aristocratic refinement, with their exceptional construction featuring cast-iron grates for coal burning and neoclassical-inspired frames of inner hearth panels enhancing the image of the overall space.
In mansions of the same period, due attention was also given to the living and working areas of the catering staff. Striking features here are the innovative intercommunication system between the floors, the interior well and laundry room with water-heating system.
According to archives preserved, in 1916 the Mansion was sold to Michail G. Livanos eldest brother of the famed shipowner Stavros Livanos. In addition to the needed repair works, a north-facing terrace was added, characterized by arches with emphatic scotia, moulding in red Chian stone from the Latomi area of the island. The innovative carriage depot on Kokkali Str. and a greenhouse were also added.
During the German occupation, the house found itself within the “triangle” of the military barracks, was requisitioned and used as the residence of the German commanding officer. After the war, around 1949, the new owner, Georgios Michail Livanos, bought the adjoining plot of land adding a courtyard and gardens. Following the death of Georgios Michail Livanos in 1964, the mansion was bequeathed to his sister Evgenia, married to the famous entrepreneur Anast. Papastratos.
The history and the beauty of the architectural features of the mansion allured Captain Panagiotis N. Tsakos and his wife Dr. Irene Saroglou-Tsakos, who bought it in 2004. No expense was spared for the thorough renovation of this iconic building, which, for the past two centuries symbolized nobility and prestige among Chians, which was undertaken with the utmost respect for its history. The restoration work was duly recognized by Europa Nostra, through a special citation announced during the 2014 European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage awards ceremony.
The “Maria Tsakos” Public Benefit Foundation International Centre for Maritime Research and Tradition, was established by Captain Panagiotis N. Tsakos and his family in 2010 in memory of his daughter Maria. As an expression of gratitude for the blessings and prosperity the sea bestows on those who live out of it, the Foundation aims at promoting Greek shipping, the advancement of technological research, the preservation and study of matters relating to seamanship and maritime traditions, the protection of the marine environment and the promotion of seafarer welfare.
Inspired by Captain Panagiotis N. Tsakos’ vision for the preservation and promotion of Greek shipping and seamanship by means of a relentless encouragement to youngsters to take up a shipping profession, the house of his daughter Maria, in Kardamyla has been transformed into an educational and cultural campus. “Maria’s Home” has, ever since, grown to an institution promoting learning and progress, one that encourages and directs its boarders, from all over Greece, to advance in life and eventually become good professionals and useful community members.
A further token of Captain Panagiotis N. Tsakos’ determination to fulfill his vision is the establishment in Chios of the first ever private, non – profit Model Vocational High School in Greece, the “Tsakos Enhanced Education Nautical School” (TEENS). In TEENS, young boys and girls follow a high quality educational and technical syllabus designed to foster and develop professional skills and abilities enabling them to worthly join the ranks of Greek shipping and, through shipping, benefit Greece as a whole.
