Tatoi Palace

Tatoi (Greek Τατόι (n. sg. ) ), 20 km north of Athens in Dekeleia and was the summer residence, then the main residence and grave lay the former Greek royal family and birthplace of King George II The terrain is heavily wooded and is located on the southeast slope of the mountain " Parnitha " ( Parnes ).

The property

King George I bought the property in 1871 and constructed a palace modeled after the Tsar's palace in Peterhof (his wife Olga was born a Grand Duchess of Russia ). The Greek kings resided first in the Old Royal Palace in Syntagma Square in Athens (now Parliament) and then moved to the New Palace (now the residence of the President ). King Paul was for cost reasons also, and made ​​Tatoi their permanent residence. However, the palace is more like a large country house than a royal palace. The building is now in a very poor condition and is currently being renovated.

At the property also has a large farm; the butter of Tatoi was sold at the time of the Greek monarchy on the Athenian markets. Meanwhile, new wine, milk, meat and cheese were produced for own consumption on the farm itself.

Castle Park Tatoi, about one kilometer from the palace, is located on a wooded hill of pines and cypresses of the Royal Cemetery of Tatoi. The graves are located outdoors and are arranged chronologically. Currently, in the cemetery 21 people, including five kings buried.

The property was used by the royal family until the summer headquarters, after abandoning a castle in Syntagma Square as year-round seat. With the proclamation of the Hellenic Republic, the property was considered by the state as property.

When allegations in the public multiplied against this attitude, 1991, all items have been returned from the now locked lock on Constantine II. The confiscation of Tatoi and other assets of deposed King Constantine II without compensation payments resulted in a dispute before the Court of Justice. The ex- King argued that the property was at the time legally acquired by his ancestors, and therefore belong to the private property of the family. The Greek government replied that the property of the royal family was to exercise their state representation, and therefore automatically became public property with the abolition of the monarchy. The court decided on a compromise: Exiled King was compensated, but the estate remained in the ownership of the Hellenic Republic. According to press reports, buyers are looking for Tatoi as well as other Greek state-owned.

Airfield

Close to the property there is also the former airfield Tatoi, who once was the first Athens airport and now houses the Museum of the Hellenic Air Force.