On the slope of the hill, on the western side of the port of Hydra, stands out among the pines the Mansion of Georgios Kountouriotis, built in the early years of the 19th century.
Georgios Kountouriotis, brother of Lazaros, was one of the biggest shipowners of Hydra, the most important of the pre-revolutionary era. He was actively involved in politics during the Struggle and also in the years of Independence. He was born in 1782 in Hydra and died in 1858 in Athens.
He came from a rich and historic family, with a great maritime tradition and had a great education. He took part in the Second National Assembly in Astros and in December 1823, on the initiative of Alexandros Mavrokordatos, he was elected President of the Legislative Body in Messolonghi.
He had two children, Andreas and Maria, widow Mexis and later wife of Benizelos Roufos, while his grandson was Pavlos and his great-grandson was Theodoros Kountouriotis.
He was elected President of the Executive Council, from January 6, 1824 to April 12, 1826, when he was forced to resign.
In 1836, he was the first President of the Board of Directors of the “Friendly Educational Society”, which is today known as the Arsakeia Schools.
After the assassination of Kapodistrias, to whom he acted in opposition, he was elected Senator, President of the Senate, President of the Council of Ministers and Prime Minister of the Greek state from March 8, 1848 to October 15, 1848.
The Manor was inherited by another figure in the political life of the country, the grandson of Georgios, Pavlos Kountouriotis, who served as the captain of the fleet, Minister of Marines, Viceroy and President of the Republic during the interwar period.
In 1991 the three-storey building was bought by the Ministry of Culture and after restoration work it was turned into a Museum.
The Museum of Post-Byzantine Art and History of Hydra exhibits relics of the Kountouriotis family and exhibits from the Recent History of Hydra.
30°C