Half a century after construction began, the spectacular opening of one of the most iconic buildings, the Piraeus Tower, took place on Tuesday 4 June.
The event was attended by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who along with everyone enjoyed the magical fireworks display in honor of the completion of the landmark project. The first green digital skyscraper in Greece rises 88 meters above sea level. Kyriakos Mitsotakis noted, speaking at its opening ceremony:
“Completion of a landmark project that was first conceived more than 50 years ago. And I would say that this project that we see today is in its own way a symbol of a city that is changing, and a symbol of a country that is confidently moving into the future. This project became a reality thanks to the forward-thinking approach of the municipality and those who developed it, taking on business risks at a time when the country was emerging from a serious crisis.”
The mayor of Piraeus, Yiannis Moralis, spoke of a “historic day” for the city during his speech:
“It is with joy and pride that we open the Piraeus Tower. The opening dragged on for 50 years, half a century, that’s how much time has passed since its construction, but since then it has not been used. This building, the second tallest in the country and owned by the municipality of Piraeus, remained unused for decades. The abandonment has led to the appearance of a ghost in the heart of the country's largest port, and now the largest port in the Mediterranean.
Pyrgos was the sleeping giant of the port. Many of us present here perceived this tower as a corpse made of concrete and glass. There was a giant advertisement on her face, hiding her deformity. We've heard various theories about the tower having static problems, that the tower is leaning, that it's falling, and other similar urban myths. However, today Pyrgos is here. This is a modern building, an example of bioclimatic design and environmental impact.
This is the first green skyscraper in Greece and, oddly enough, it is located in Piraeus. Its shining façade, which reflects the sky and sea of Piraeus, illuminates not only the city, but, I think, the hearts of the townspeople. The development of the tower is truly one of the achievements that not only I, but our entire municipal team is proud of. As a municipal government, we have proven that the impossible becomes possible. Through planning, persistence and most of all hard work, we have created a special attraction with a unique aesthetic.”
Mr. Moralis did not fail to refer to 2019, quotes his publication newsbeast.gr:
“After three years of serious research, we decided to proceed with the use of the tower through an international tender. The direction was clear. To make the Piraeus Tower a landmark not only for Piraeus, but also for Attica in a broader sense. The tower came to life. Piraeus became taller. This landmark project, in addition to the financial benefits the municipality receives from its use, contributes to the further development of the city. New investments are in the works in Piraeus. In the construction sector, in the hotel sector, in the tourism sector. For us, Pyrgos symbolizes the extroversion, growth and progress that Piraeus has achieved over the last 10 years.”
During the speech of the mayor of Piraeus, who, addressing the Prime Minister, mentioned the urgent need of the city for underground lines of ΗΣΑΠ, the response of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis followed that the government views the specific project very positively, and procedures are already underway to find funding, so that it can be implemented immediately.
Let us remind you that the construction of the unique building began in 1972, but remained unfinished for 47 years. The locals called him the sleeping giant. The opening ceremony of the tower ended with a spectacular show of dozens of drones that painted the sky with bright colors.
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