The Soap Factory
The Inside of the old Soap Factory in 1953. Seated is George Zervos, the owner with his dog
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The Soap Factory is a unique place in Athens, a complex of charming old buildings from the 19th century, surrounded by 4 acres of beautiful gardens which is part of the Zervos residence. The original factory 'Elefas' or elephant, run by the Zervos Bros, that produced a famous green soap, was bombed in Piraeus during WWII. George Zervos moved some of the equipment to his newly bought estate and installed a makeshift factory which operated from 1942 till 1954. After closure of the soap factory, the premises were left intact but slowly deteriorated.
Since November 1996, the Soap Factory has been taken into use again and has lent itself wonderfully to a variety of events. The buildings have been gradually restored and improved and the Soap Factory has been perceived by visitors as a magical venue. In addition to holding cultural events the Factory maintains an archive of young Greek artists. Information about the artists and the archive can be accessed at www.c3a.gr If you are interested in doing an event at the Factory, you can contact the Athens Centre or for reservations, click here...
The Soap Factory and the surrounding gardens have recently been declared a historic site by the Greek Ministry of Culture.
The gardens around the factory
surrounding greenery
Factory outside area
Despite this protection, the Greek Ministry of Education, Department of School Buildings, OSK, have expropriated the property with the intention of constructing school buildings. This action is in direct opposition to the directive of the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Environment, as it will destroy one of the last remaining green areas in this part of Athens and despoil the trees, gardens and vegetation. If you would like to lodge your protest against this action please email/ fax your name and address ,stating your opposition to the confiscation to:greekciv@ath.forthnet.gr
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