Hellenic Post

ELTA (Greek ΕΛΤΑ for Ellinika Tachydromia Ελληνικά Ταχυδρομεία, Greek Post Office ') is a formerly state-owned Greek postal company, which today has a dominant position in Greece.

The company was founded in 1828 as authority by a decree of Ioannis Kapodistrias, initially with four offices: in Nafplio, Syros, Tripoli and Epidavros.

By 1900, a nationwide network has been deployed by post offices. From 1919 to 1949, the post office was connected the telegraph and the telephone network, this was spun off with the founding of OTE. 1970 was followed by the conversion of the postal authority in a state-owned company in 1996 in a private majority state-owned. In 1982 the current postal code system has been introduced. The TT Hellenic Postbank has now been outsourced.

Among the most famous stamp issues include the Hermes heads and the special links to the Olympic Games in 1896. Latter contributed significantly to the financing of the Games.

The company also operates two post offices of Mount Athos, the expending with the permission of the UPU own stamps. The ELTA also maintains the Postal Museum (Athens).