08 Jan Kostas Simitis’ Visit to Venizelos’ Residence
The passing of Kostas Simitis has brought back memories of a key decision he made that helped solidify the National Research Foundation “Eleftherios K. Venizelos” in its early years.
During his visit to Chania on January 28, 2001, then-Prime Minister Kostas Simitis visited Venizelos’ Residence in Halepa. He learned about its history and realized how crucial it was to preserve this 1880 landmark for the historical memory of Eleftherios Venizelos.
This visit influenced Simitis’ decision to immediately proceed with the process of acquiring the historic residence from its last owner, Nikitas Venizelos, so that it could be transferred to the Foundation in 2002.
This move was strategically important, ensuring a permanent connection between Venizelos’ home and the Foundation, both symbolically and practically.
Today, the historic Residence operates as a modern, emblematic museum, welcoming tens of thousands of Greek and international visitors each year.