It is one of Europe’s 53 historic cafes, 5 of which are in Greece – in 2022 it joined Greece’s national index
The “Great Cafe” is one of Europe’s 53 historic cafes, 5 of which are in Greece and in 2022 it was included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Index of Greece. George Kourdis visited it and talked to his owner and the Vice Mayor of Culture Eleni Karountzou.
The iconic “Great Cafe” in St. Basil’s Square in the center of Tripoli, with a function starting in 1840, is one of Greece’s oldest and most historic cafes. He was his favorite aristocracy and his coffee was enjoyed by doctors, lawyers, maids and members of the high society of the city. While many personalities of politics, arts, sport and journalism have passed through his imposing lounge. Its decoration was commissioned by a French decorator while all furniture was ordered by Vienna by the manufacturer’s factory Michael Tonet (1796 – 1871) such as wooden round tables with marble in the center, red velvet sofas and characteristic wicker. But what stood out in the interior decoration was the huge mirrors with their elaborate carved frames that gave him the bourgeoisie he was known. The heavy velvet curtains that covered the glass windows added to the magic of the atmosphere. Pre -revolutionary the building of the Grand Cafe belonged to Theodoros Theodoropoulos, a fighter hanged by Ali Tsekouras. The café was inherited by his grandson, John Pyrlas, a medical philosopher and one of the prominent figures of Tripoli in the early post -revolutionary times. It often served as a place of hosting theatrical performances while the “Grand Cafe” was also played the first film in the silent cinema in the early 20th century. Many of his later owners, however, Mimis Athanasiadis in whose hands he met glory, with a handicapped will inherited it to the municipality of Tripoli. After many adventures, the café was rescued and restored by respecting every detail where it was possible. In 2022, the “Great Cafe” joined the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Index of Greece, in recognition of its history and its cultural value for the city of Tripoli. Items of invaluable historical value such as weapons of the Greek Revolution are exposed to a special showcase to admire and inform the visitor while around consoles and walls, museum value decoration such as engravings, old photographs and manuscripts, pieces from the history of the café.
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Source: Skai
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