Gazing upon this sculpted face what stories do you think it could tell? This is the Alexandros Papadiamantis Bust. It stands here as a tribute to one of Greece’s most important writers.
Alexandros Papadiamantis was known as the “saint of Greek letters”. He was born on the island of Skiathos in 1851. His work often featured the island. His father was a priest and the family was poor.
Papadiamantis moved to Athens to study. However, he never finished his studies due to money problems. He became a writer to support himself. He wrote journalism, short stories and serialized novels.
Later in his life, his writings gained popularity. Newspapers and magazines paid him well. Yet, Papadiamantis did not care about money. He spent it without thinking. He was a recluse who cared only about writing and chanting at church. People called him “kosmokalogeros” meaning “a monk in the world”.
During his time in Athens, Papadiamantis lived in the poor Psyri neighborhood. His stories were influenced by Skiathos and the areas of Psyri and Monastiraki. He lived a simple life even when he became famous.
Once, Papadiamantis took refuge in the church of Agioi Anargyroi because he could not pay his rent. He lived in a small room in the churchyard. He wrote some of his most important works there including “The Murderess”. He also sang in the church services. The room has been renovated and is open to the public.
Papadiamantis lived for twelve years on Aristophanous Street in Psyri. He lived in a poor room near the church of Agios Athanasios. The room was in bad condition with rotten walls.
Papadiamantis often visited the grocery store and tavern of Kachrimanis. He ate there alone or with friends. The owner gave him food and wine. Papadiamantis used paper bags from the store to write his stories.
In Monastiraki Square, Papadiamantis spent hours observing people. He watched workers, craftsmen and prisoners. He met Father Nikolaos Planas at the church of Agios Elissaios. He sang in the vigils with his cousin Alexandros Moraitidis.
Papadiamantis attended the Varvakeios School. Later, he met Vlasis Gavriilidis who invited him to write for the Acropolis newspaper. Gavriilidis supported him like a father.
In 1906, Papadiamantis moved to Lycabettus near Dexameni Square. He frequented the cafes there. He sat outside Barbayiannis cafe and asked for a fire to light his cigarette. Pavlos Nirvanas took his famous photograph there.
This Relief Portrait of Alexandros Papadiamantis dates back to 1923. The sculptor Thomas Thomopoulos created it. It shows the author at old age with a tired expression.
In 1908, friends organized an event to help him financially. He paid his debts and returned to Skiathos. He died there in 1911.
Papadiamantis’ life was one of devotion to his craft. He captured the essence of Greek life. This bust reminds us of his contribution to literature. It also reminds us of his simple life.