Historical background of the Gazi area 

Not all of Athens is Classical or neoclassical… Athens Technopolis is related with the industrial revolution of Greece, one century ago, so Gazi area’s name comes from the “gas” factory constructed there in 1857 by Francois Theophile Ferald. The company had many financial problems, that the creditor confiscated the distribution network. At 1887 Serpieri bought the company and named it Société hellénique du gaz d’Athènes.

At 1938 the factory’s management passed officially to Municipality of Athens.

From industry to a museum. Technopolis gives a different note to classical Athens for sure!

 

Greek Industrial History Tips

Serpieri gave his name to a neoclassical building in Athens, but also Serpierite, a rare, sky-blue coloured hydrated sulfate mineral, discovered in 1881 in Lavrion mines.

Lavrion mines were also a cause of another Greek crisis two centuries ago. In 1873 the Lavrion Minerals company was sold and its stocks created a bubble that was over in 1874. Andreas Syggros, the banker who was involved in the exchange, was said to be “Lavrio-eater” (Lavriofagos in Greek). In 1881 Syggros established a new Bank, issuing banknotes of the Greek state.

Both Serpieri and Syggros are buried today in Athens First Cemetery, located at Mets or Pagrati. You can walk there from the center of Athens.

 

Gazi today 

Gazi and nearby Kerameikos are a reason (two of the many reasons) to select Athens for your trip. It is a weird combination of urban landscape with low -roof houses, but also rooftops and great restaurants and bars. Technopolis is a city landmark that you have to visit and explore one modern side of the city of Athens.

Next to Gazi there is Metaxourgeio and Petralona, that offer really nice options for food (as the rest of Athens).