THE CITY OF PYRGOS

MUNICIPALITY OF PYRGOS

THE PROFILE OF THE CITY

THE CITY OF PYRGOS

POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF PYRGOS

Pyrgos is the capital of Pyrgos is the capital of the Prefecture of Elia, the Prefecture of Elia, with population arising with population arising to 34.902 people. It is a to 34.902 people. It is a modern city with a long modern city with a long and very interesting and very interesting history. history.

THE CITY OF PYRGOS

POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF PYRGOS

Local structure

The Municipal Council of Pyrgos has 41 elected members and 3 deputes and operates as a decentralized pattern of service delivery and decision-making through 18 Municipal Departments. There are 18 Municipal Councilors who represent each of the 18 Municipal Departments. Three (3) of the 18 Departments has 3 elected members and the other 15 have 5 members, one president and four local Councilors. These members represent the opinion of the Departments and announce it to the Municipal Council.

THE CITY OF PYRGOS

ECONOMICAL STRUCTURE OF PYRGOS

In the 19th century, Pyrgos became an important transport, commercial, administrative and judicial center because of the raisin. About 1850 Pyrgos was one of the best and most densely populated provincial cities. The breakwater in neighboring Katacolo was constructed then.

The city reached a high economy and cultural standard because of the systematic export trade of the raisin.

At those old good times rich merchants lived in wonderful neoclassical mansions and the works of the great Ernest Ziller, the theatre “Apollo”, erected in 1880, proved the prosperity of Pyrgos. The branch of the National Bank of Greece was one of the biggest in the country.

Today Pyrgos is an agriculture area at 57% of its whole economy. A big percentage of the population has its income by the tourists. The main occupation in suburbs is the farming. Pyrgos consists of a big number of fields which produce cotton, corn, oil, oranges, melons, watermelons and raisin. This area is famous for the biggest watermelon exports, specially to Italy. Main occupation is also breeding.

THE CITY OF PYRGOS

SOCIAL STUCTURE OF PYRGOS

In recent years effort has been made to restore some of the houses and to bring back to life the glamour of the past. One of the jewels of the city is the central square of Sakis Karagiorgas, in memory of a very important university professor of the 20th century, who stood up against the dictatorship of the 21st of April 1967.

Sakis Karagiorgas Square

THE CITY OF PYRGOS

SOCIAL STUCTURE OF PYRGOS

The big square, the imposing war memorial, the outstanding “Latsio” palace, a donation of the tycoon John Latsis and the pedestrian precinct are characteristics of a modern city, the actual capital of Elia.

THE CITY OF PYRGOS

SIGHTSEEING IN PYRGOS Sites which make Pyrgos an Sites which make Pyrgos an

ideal place to visit are:ideal place to visit are: - The seaport, Katakolo, a - The seaport, Katakolo, a

beautiful, picturesque resort. beautiful, picturesque resort. The area has Tourist paths, The area has Tourist paths, which lead you to the ruins of a which lead you to the ruins of a small ancient castle, called small ancient castle, called “Pontikokastro”. “Pontikokastro”.

In addition, there is an Art In addition, there is an Art Gallery, where remarkable Gallery, where remarkable events and exhibitions take events and exhibitions take place all year long. place all year long.

Traditional taverns and tourist Traditional taverns and tourist shops are located in Katakolo, shops are located in Katakolo, where about 250 cruise – ships where about 250 cruise – ships from all around the world bring from all around the world bring thousands of tourists every thousands of tourists every year.year.

KATAKOLO

THE CITY OF PYRGOS

SIGHTSEEING IN PYRGOS

There are organised beaches to the beautiful Ionian Sea, near There are organised beaches to the beautiful Ionian Sea, near Katakolo, Skafidia, Ag. Elias, Korakohori and Leventohori as Katakolo, Skafidia, Ag. Elias, Korakohori and Leventohori as well as five star- hotels. well as five star- hotels.

- An Olympic Centre of Philosophy and Education as well as - An Olympic Centre of Philosophy and Education as well as the Municipal Camp of Hospitality for young people, are the Municipal Camp of Hospitality for young people, are located in the greater area of Pyrgos, hosting international located in the greater area of Pyrgos, hosting international conferences and meetings.conferences and meetings.

Finally, Pyrgos is the biggest and closest city for the holy area Finally, Pyrgos is the biggest and closest city for the holy area of Ancient Olympia.of Ancient Olympia.