THE HISTORY OF HATZI MANSION
A number of circumstances which were far from coincidental led the Hatzi Family, a historic family originating from Smyrna to acquire this property; an excellently situated hilltop which lies a plateau with astonishing views to all sides and especially to the west towards the Saronic Gulf and the valleys of Anavyssos.
The atmosphere up there has a special clarity, a very attractive “aura” and intense energy, to use terms which are au courant. As those in charge of the family were sensitive to such vibrations, as well as being art lovers and fans of the Byzantine tradition, they were immediately convinced that this place was the ideal spot to build their life’s dream; that is to say, to construct a cultural centre whose very shape would remind one of everything Greek – probably a Byzantine castle or a post-Byzantine mansion to host art lovers and in general people engaged in intellectual and spiritual quests expressed through the fine arts.
The owners believed that this new and unique Cultural Centre [which was probably the only one of its kind] should – through a process of reserved eclecticism- integrate elements that referenced ancient, Byzantine and post-Byzantine Greece, without the building becoming a mish-mash of different architectural morphologies.
The traditional and rare materials, the symbolic and bewitching reliefs and murals, the walls made of warm wood-stone and the floors made of marble from ancient quarries, lit by large windows with a unique view, the open layout and the proportion of outdoor and indoor spaces render the Cultural Centre at Hatzi Estate an exceptional aesthetic experience and the perfect ‘backdrop’ for events well worth seeing and experiencing.
Hatzi Mansion, surrounded by cobbled paths and an olive grove featuring 250 year old sculpture-like trees, with flower beds and antiquated fountains, takes the visitor on a journey back in time, while teaching the young the values of what it means to be Greek that often get lost in the maelstrom of the modern materialistic world.
Highly skilled marble workers from Skyros and Chios and stone masons from Epirus, roofers from Mt. Pelion, ceramists from Sifnos, traditional carpenters, masons, fireplace fitters and numerous other very carefully selected craftsmen worked with pleasure, love and patience to achieve an authentic, remarkable result. This composition reminds one of palaces and country villas of Tuscany, such as Villa Trissino in Vicenza, Villa Pisani or Villa Godi built by Palladio, Villa Cetinale in Siena or even Palazzo Farnese, however, the true source of inspiration is the gallery of the Virgin Mary at the Church of Hosios Loukas or the Monastery built around the Cathedral Church of Mystras.
Special attention was paid to the texture of the interior walls that were made of stone with chestnut wooden-frames and to the finishes of old bricks to showcase them as relief artistic compositions, thus adding a strong character with references to tradition in every space.
Was the vision of the Hatzi Family for a fairytale castle realised? As the years roll by, the Cultural Centre is becoming increasingly magical, as it fills with new life and activities. Its talented managers share it not only with art lovers and artists but also with those who surrender themselves to the charm of this place and the special glow it emits, and choose it to celebrate the most significant moments of life there.
Hatzi Estate address:
Kamariza-Keratea Ave., 19001 Keratea
