An unprecedented donation, a sign of love and offering for the native city took flesh and bones in the last days in Heraklion, a sign that in an era of individualism, alienation and privatization, there are still benefactors in this city who deserve to be honored and set an example!

This is Mrs. (with capital K) Maria Lyritzakis, originally from Petrokefalo (by her father) and Archanes (by her mother), who made it her life’s goal to give back, with donations and concessions, that society generously gave her all these years.

PhD in Archeology herself, while her husband found himself in the highest offices – for years at the helm of the European Union as secretary general of the Council of Heads of State. M. Lyritzaki loved everything that had value and could be a symbol of culture for her beloved homeland.

The “mediator” in this relationship with her hometown is the architect engineer Iraklis Pyrgianakis, also a rector of Culture, who was the one who was informed that the neoclassical building on Thessaloniki Street in the center of Heraklion was looking for a buyer.

Neoclassical donation

The dilapidated building had been bought to become a boutique hotel, the attempt was unsuccessful and then Mrs. Maria was found as a “mother from heaven”!
When he was informed that the historic building was looking for a new owner, he decided to proceed with its purchase (a purchase that exceeded 520,000 euros), while he undertook the studies for its renovation as well as its maintenance!
In fact, the original as a fact is that for the first time in history a benefactor makes a purchase for a donation at the same time and at the same time undertakes the granting process. Its only condition is that the Conservatory of the city of Heraklion be housed in the unique property of Heraklion and in general that it house cultural infrastructures, such as for example becoming the headquarters of the New Crete Orchestra.

One property… A whole story

But what is the property in question? What is the story behind its walls and basements? It is worth remembering!

It is a building of 254 square meters, 165 square meters on the ground floor and 136 square meters on the first floor. It was considered preserved in 1964 and inside it, on its ground floor, there is part of the Church of Saint Paul of the Order of the Servites, dating from 1501.
Then the temple was “transferred” to the Dominican order, before it became a residence by the Turkish conquerors.

It has a water tank while the walls that enclose it are also remarkable. Yes, Ms. Lyritzaki
– which is not unknown as a donor in Heraklion as it has bought and renovated the old house of the mayor of Heraklion Krasadakis in Petrokefalo, where municipal services are currently housed – has already sent the money to carry out the studies and to issue the building permit, while today (Monday) morning, in a special ceremony in Loggia, the donation will be signed between representatives of the donor and the mayor of Heraklion, Vassilis Lambrino.

Speaking to Cretalive, the architect engineer Iraklis Pyrgianakis, did not hide his emotion for this great offer of Maria Lyritzakis, at the same time pointing out the special importance of her act.
“Congratulations to the donor deserve all the more. In an era characterized by violence and dehumanization and in the effort to obtain money, human values ​​are violated, there are people who remind us that not everything has been leveled. And they remind us the old big donors, who helped Greece stand on its feet” said Mr. Pyrgianakis.