Exploring the Enchanting Gardens of Athens Antiques Dealer Eleni Martinou
The history of Greece is a treasure trove of art, culture, and architecture that continues to inspire people today. One such gem in Athens is the Martinos antiques and art gallery located at 50 Pandrossou Street in Monastiraki. I still remember the first time I saw a 19th-century philhellenic plate honoring the battles of the Greek Revolution of 1821 at Martinos, and it left a lasting impression on me.
Recently, as I was reviewing a new book by photographer and author Miguel Flores-Vianna, I was thrilled to come across a chapter on the home and gardens of Eleni Martinou, whose family opened Martinos way back in 1895. The book, Haute Bohemians: Greece, explores the beautiful homes of famous Greek residents and collectors, along with other delights like sailboats and tavernas. But what particularly enchanted me was the section on the gardens of Eleni Martinou.
The artist Konstantin Kakanias first told me about Eleni’s garden in Pallini, and despite the scorching heat of July, I decided to make my first visit. The garden is an embodiment of Eleni’s imagination and her love for plants and nature. It is a vast and poetic space that is both intimate and dramatic. With the help of architect Charles Shoup, Eleni has created a botanical compendium filled with Mediterranean flora that thrives thanks to the age-old method of trial and error.
As we wandered through the rose-filled garden, Eleni shared the story of how she saw the land for the first time. It was cascading along a rocky slope looking south towards the Messoghia Plain and the Aegean Sea. The land was scorched and scarred, and once a pine forest that had been ravaged by wildfires. Eleni saw the potential and, with her accomplice, embarked on a journey to create a garden that is now a breathtaking sight to behold.
The garden is anchored by follies and fountains, and each garden room is a testament to Eleni’s imagination and dedication. From the Polyphemus Room, named after the cyclops in Homer’s Odyssey, to the summer sitting room that was designed by Charles Shoup, the gardens are a tribute to Greece’s history and culture.
Despite her reserved and quiet nature, Eleni’s demure steeliness provided the strength and focus she needed to create this magnificent garden. Today, a marble urn that was once abandoned at a demolition site stands at the center of the garden, enclosed by stone walls.
As I surveyed the garden’s immensity and beauty, I realized it was a mirage that perfectly reflected Greece’s love for art and nature. An oasis in the middle of a busy city, it epitomizes the best of Greek culture and history.
In conclusion, visiting the gardens of Eleni Martinou is an unforgettable experience. It is a reminder of the resilience and creativity of the Greek people, and how they have managed to preserve their cultural heritage throughout the centuries. I recommend adding this exquisite garden to your list of must-visit places in Athens.
