The restoration plans for the Aide-de-Camp’s Quarters and the Pigsty Complex at the former royal estate in Tatoi have received unanimous approval from the Central Council of Modern Monuments.

The Aide-de-Camp’s Quarters will house the estate’s main support functions, while the Pigsty Complex will be repurposed as a retail store.

Aide-de-Camp’s Quarters

The fundamental principle of the study is to preserve and maintain the historical integrity of the Aide-de-Camp’s Quarters while adapting it for modern use. The building’s morphology and typology will be restored, as well as its immediate surroundings. New functions will be integrated to meet contemporary needs and ensure universal accessibility across both levels of the monument.

The building consists of a ground floor and a first floor, covering a total area of 296 square meters, and is located near the Sturm House.

The Aide-de-Camp’s Quarters as It Stands Today

The building has suffered significant wear and alterations due to decades of abandonment and aging. Historically, it served two distinct functions—the Ballroom, used for the recreation of the royal guard, and the Aide-de-Camp’s Quarters, where duty officers resided.

Shortly after its construction in 1890-1891, King George I and Queen Olga took up residence in the Aide-de-Camp’s Quarters. Over the years, it was also used as a residence for the palace gardeners. On occasion, the Ballroom was repurposed for royal children’s school exams, and later, it housed the Tatoi telephone exchange.

Photorealistic Rendering of the Restored Aide-de-Camp’s Quarters

In a later phase, the building was used as a summer residence for royal guests. During the German Occupation, it was requisitioned by Nazi officers.

The Aide-de-Camp’s Quarters was also the setting for historical political events. In late November 1966, a secret meeting took place here between Georgios Papandreou, Panagiotis Kanellopoulos, and Ambassador Dimitris Bitsios, director of the king’s political office. This was the first of two secret meetings that led to the Tatoi Agreement, aimed at preparing the country for national elections.

Pigsty Complex

The Pigsty Complex is situated in the core of the estate, within the area known as the “Village”—a rural and agricultural residential zone—on the outskirts of the Cattle Barn and Stables.

This single-story building covers an area of 195 square meters and was originally designed with specialized functional typology, featuring separate compartments for housing and raising livestock. Inside the main structure, there are 16 pig stalls—eight on each side of the central corridor.

The Pigsty Complex as It Stands Today

The building exhibits typical structural deterioration due to disuse and lack of maintenance.

Respecting the industrial architecture of the structure, necessary modifications will be made to accommodate its new function. For example, the feeding troughs and railings within the stalls will be preserved and converted into sales points, while the open troughs will be adapted for restroom facilities.

The multiple courtyards along the eastern and western façades will be highlighted and integrated into the new use of the complex. Emphasis is placed on preserving the building’s existing morphology and typology, showcasing its significant architectural features, restoring its surrounding environment, and properly reintegrating it into the broader estate.

3D Rendering of the Pigsty’s Exterior and Interior After Restoration

The adaptation of new functions within the existing spaces will align with modern requirements and accessibility standards. External modifications will ensure safe access for individuals with mobility impairments.

Mendoni: Priority After Completion of Works on the Stables and Cattle Barn

Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni stated:

“The Ministry of Culture is systematically advancing the restoration and enhancement of the Tatoi Estate. The restoration of the Aide-de-Camp’s Quarters—which remained in use until 1967—and the Pigsty Complex is part of the second phase of preserving the estate’s historical buildings. These structures represent key elements of both the palace and agricultural sectors and are being repurposed to meet the modern needs of visitors. The Aide-de-Camp’s Quarters, despite modifications over the years, remains one of the finest examples of Romantic-period architecture. Meanwhile, the Pigsty Complex reflects the expansion of agricultural and livestock production, alongside the Cattle Barn and Dairy. Built in 1948, it serves as evidence of the estate’s post-war recovery following its extensive destruction in 1944-1945.”

“Interventions on these historic buildings are carefully designed to respect and preserve all authentic historical elements while removing later modifications that compromise their aesthetic integrity. The buildings’ original morphology is maintained, and their surrounding areas are restored to ensure a cohesive connection with the rest of the estate’s structures. The restoration of the Aide-de-Camp’s Quarters and Pigsty Complex will become a top priority once work on the Stables and Cattle Barn is completed.”