Τάφος Οικογένειας Παυλίδη

Rumors swirl around Tafos Oikogeneias Pavlidi, whispers of a miserly undertaker’s ghost roaming with a wreath around his neck. This isn’t a tale of that ghost. This is the story of Athens’ First Cemetery, a place of tranquility and historical significance, where Tafos Oikogeneias Pavlidi resides. Established in 1837, shortly after the birth of the modern Greek state, this cemetery became the final resting place for prominent figures. It’s an open-air museum, adorned with unique sculptures and monuments crafted from Pendeli Mountain marble. Tafos Oikogeneias Pavlidi rests among these grand memorials, a testament to the Pavlidis family’s legacy. The cemetery’s creation stemmed from a practical need. During Ottoman rule, burials within city churches were prohibited. Each municipality had to establish a cemetery at least 100 meters outside the city center. The First Cemetery, built by Tinos craftsmen renowned for their marble sculpting, became a significant landmark. It expanded during the 1940s to accommodate Protestants, Catholics, and Jews, growing to an impressive 222 square kilometers. Within this vast necropolis, Tafos Oikogeneias Pavlidi finds its place. Among the many notable figures interred here are Melina Mercouri, the actress and politician, and her husband, film director Jules Dassin. Former Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou and philanthropist Georgios Averof also rest here. Tafos Oikogeneias Pavlidi stands in the company of these influential figures, within a cemetery that transcends a simple burial ground. It’s a place of art and remembrance, where sculptures like the “Sleeping Maiden” by Yannoulis Halepas and the “Mourning Angel” by Ioannis Vitsaris evoke powerful emotions. Even the tomb of Heinrich Schliemann, the archaeologist who discovered Troy, resembles an ancient Greek temple. Tafos Oikogeneias Pavlidi, the family grave of the founder of Pavlidis Chocolaterie, is a part of this rich tapestry of history and art. The First Cemetery, open from 8:00 to 20:00, invites you to explore its tranquil paths and discover the stories etched in stone. It’s a journey through time, where the ancient and modern intertwine, offering a unique experience you won’t forget.