HISTORY

HISTORY

THE PAVILION

Seamlessly incorporated in its natural surroundings, the Pikionis building or the Pavilion – as it is widely known – was constructed in Delphi in 1959.

Featuring a stone masonry shell, raised artistic elements on the walls and an impressive floor, it has been an outstanding example of Greek modern architecture. Designed by the architect Petros Pikionis, son of the famous architect Dimitris Pikionis, the Pavilion is considered as one of the most stunning terraces in Delphi.

Built on behalf of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, the tourist kiosk operated as an entertainment venue, canteen, cafeteria and bar. In the 1960s, several celebrities would come here to enjoy the majestic view, such as the Karamanlis couple, Maria Callas and Jackie Kennedy. By the end of the 1990s, it was abandoned, until the beginning of 2022, when it was reconstructed with the assistance of Polygreen.

Maria Callas and Tina Livanos in Delphi, 1959.
(Courtesy Υiannis E. Christopoulos collection)
The chapel of Saint Lucas that used to exist by the Pavilion (1950).
(Courtesy Υiannis E. Christopoulos collection)
Caresse Crosby along with the architect Dimitris Pikionis (in a hat) and Jim Gazis from Delphi in front of the Pavilion.
(Courtesy Υiannis E. Christopoulos collection)
Aristotle Onassis and Winston Churchill along with inhabitants of Delphi, 1959
(Courtesy Loukas Papalexandris collection)