Greece might be known for its wonderful archeological sites that tell the story of the roots of western civilization. Not many people know, however, that Greece is not only dotted with archeological sites but also with hidden treasures in the form of interesting buildings, fairytale-looking estates and beautiful parks.
One of these great buildings of great architectural and cultural interest is the Anargyrios and Korgialenios School of Spetses which was established on the island in 1923. This was when its founder Sotirios Anargyros returned to his homeland of Spetses and made it a lifetime goal to help develop the island.
The benefactors
The school’s benefactors, Sotiris Anargyros and Marinos Korgialenios, had envisioned an educational institution that would shape and educate the leaders of modern Greece. Their vision was supported by important politicians of the time like Eleftherios Venizelos. The school was developed on the model of English Schools like Eton, had a humanistic approach and was meant to aim towards the shaping of the Universal Man.
The premises
The school’s area is right in front of the sea and spreads across nearly 30 acres of land. Pine forests, olive groves and gardens surround the school’s premises. The estate includes five buildings built in a neoclassical style, sports facilities and even an outdoor theater built to resemble the ancient theater of Epidaurus.
The five buildings include the “didaktirion,” also known as the school, where one can find an auditorium, classrooms, laboratories, a computer lab, ra estaurant and a canteen. There is also a leisure room with board games, a piano and satellite TV, ping-pong tables and a library with an astonishing collection of more than 5,000 titles.
The school’s cultural importance
The idyllic nature around it, the superb architectural design of the buildings, the amazing laboratories and classrooms along with the guidance of prominent educators turned the school into one of the most innovative educational institutions in Europe until the early 1980s.
Its mission today
The mission of the School of Spetses is to provide quality services in the field of education and life-long learning which is why it strives to cooperate with worldwide recognized institutes and organizations that share the same mentality and mission in the field of education.
In June 2022, for instance, the School will open the doors of its “didaktirion” to adult students from all over the world. These students will be arriving in Spetses to attend the Greek language Immersion Course hosted by the Greek Online School under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy. This summer immersion program is a chance for diaspora Greeks and philhellenes to learn Greek in Greece.
Find out more about the Greek language program and the School of Spetses on the Greek Online School’s website.
