The unknown and instructive history of the famous grove of Ampelokipi, at the intersection of Alexandras, Kifissias and Vasilissis Sofias Avenues, in front of which we all pass but only a few of us know
As we reach Ampelokipi, on the left side of Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, there is a small grove. It is a real oasis in this gloomy and noisy junction.
This grove, which was significantly larger in the past but was limited after the war due to traffic needs, has its own history. A really interesting story which proves that, when there is the will, all obstacles can be overcome.
The area now covered by the grove was until the mid-1930s a barren land crossed by a deep stream. This area was claimed by many people who, following the well-known time-consuming method (objections, judicial appeals, etc.), had been obstructing the final settlement of the case for years.
Indeed, as the area was crossed by a road, Sakharov Street, it was obvious that there was a plan for building and commercial exploitation, and the risk of its implementation was immediate. For almost a decade, this case was hampered.
Fortunately, at that critical moment, the then Minister of Administration, Kostas Kotzias, intervened as a Deus ex machina. It was Saturday, 3rd to 4th December 1939, when Kotzias decided to act decisively. He was politically powerful, as he enjoyed the trust of then Prime Minister, Ioannis Metaxas. But those interested in the “exploitation” of the disputed area also had strong connections. One morning, the residents woke up to the noise of machines that were working intensively. The “operation” had been studied in detail so that no one could prevent the planting of trees. That is why it was chosen to take place on a Saturday, when the courts were not open and there was no possibility of court officials appearing to stop the project! A little later, the Athenians who passed by this point were surprised to see… that a whole grove with large trees had sprouted! Thus, was born the “one-night grove”, as the Athenians characteristically called this green miracle.
The story is excerpted from Kostas Hatziotis’ book "Vasilissis Sofias Avenue - The chronicle of the most beautiful street in Athens. History-Residents-Routes". Parissianou Editions. Thank you to the author for granting a republication license.
