In the heart of Volos, Greece, stands a monumental structure with a rich tapestry of history and architectural significance – the Kitrini Apothiki, or Κίτρινη Αποθήκη in the local language. This iconic building, originally serving as a tobacco warehouse, has witnessed a myriad of transformations and historical moments since its construction in the early 20th century.
The Kitrini Apothiki was built between 1926 and 1930 for the America Tobacco Company. Designed by the architect Yiannis Dimou, this five-story warehouse was a bustling hub of activity, employing around 1,000 workers before the outbreak of World War II. Its primary function was to store and process tobacco, a vital commodity for the region's economy.
During the German occupation of Greece in World War II, the Kitrini Apothiki took on a much more sinister role. It was repurposed by the EASAD and EEE, local collaborationist organizations, as a place of imprisonment, torture, and execution of Greek resistance fighters. Hundreds of brave individuals met their fate within its walls, marking this building as a somber reminder of the atrocities of war. The warehouse's grim history during this period is a poignant chapter in the story of Volos and Greece as a whole.
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After the war, the Kitrini Apothiki resumed its role as a tobacco warehouse. However, in 1955, the building was significantly damaged by earthquakes. To ensure its structural integrity, it was reinforced with a concrete mantle, a testament to the resilience and determination to preserve this historical edifice. In 1965, the warehouse was purchased by the National Tobacco Organization, continuing its legacy in the tobacco industry.
In 1993, the Kitrini Apothiki was declared a preserved monument, recognized for its industrial architectural style and its deep connection to the economic and historical fabric of the region. This designation helped protect the building from potential demolition and highlighted its importance as a cultural and historical landmark.
As the tobacco industry evolved and the warehouse's original purpose became obsolete, various proposals emerged for repurposing the Kitrini Apothiki. One notable suggestion was to house departments of the University of Thessaly. However, due to the building's low ceiling heights, this plan was not feasible. In 2005, the building was transferred to the municipality of Volos, with the aim of transforming it into a hub for the Municipal Center for History and Documentation. The vision included creating offices, a library, an archive, and a center for processing and digitizing historical documents.
In July 2018, a significant milestone was reached with the signing of an agreement to repurpose the Kitrini Apothiki as the home for the University of Thessaly's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit. This ambitious project, funded by the Public Investment Program of the Ministry of Economy and Development, aims to restore the warehouse and breathe new life into its historic walls. With a budget of 10 million euros, the restoration project promises to preserve the building's architectural integrity while adapting it for modern use.
The Kitrini Apothiki occupies nearly half a city block at the intersection of Anthimou Gazi and Vassani streets. It features a distinctive P-shaped design, with a basement, ground floor, and four upper floors, each covering an area of 1,268 square meters. The building's height reaches 19.5 meters, and its roof is a metal structure covered with sheet metal. The exterior walls, made of stone masonry, are 60 centimeters thick, while the interior structure is reinforced concrete.
Originally painted in a yellow ochre color, which gave the building its name, the facades are simple yet elegant, with symmetrical windows framed by decorative plaster moldings. The triangular pediments at each end of the P-shaped structure add a touch of classical architectural flair, and the circular windows within these pediments provide a unique visual element.
Today, the Kitrini Apothiki stands as a symbol of transformation and resilience. From its origins as a bustling tobacco warehouse to its dark days during World War II, and now its promising future as a center for innovation and entrepreneurship, this historic building embodies the spirit of Volos. As it undergoes restoration and repurposing, the Kitrini Apothiki continues to be a focal point of the city's cultural and historical landscape, inviting visitors to explore its storied past and witness its bright future.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, the Kitrini Apothiki offers a unique glimpse into the multifaceted history of Volos. Its walls, steeped in stories of resilience and transformation, stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of this vibrant city. So, when you find yourself in Volos, make sure to visit the Kitrini Apothiki and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of its past and the exciting promise of its future.
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