A second auction has been launched for Villa Tzeborga, one of Thessaloniki's most striking yet neglected historic mansions, as the Italian embassy in Greece renews its efforts to find a buyer. The property, located at Leof. Vasilissis Olgas 20, owned by the Italian state, has stood abandoned since 1984, falling into severe disrepair.
Set on a 1,838 sq m plot along the city's eastern waterfront, the three-storey villa presents a rare but complex investment opportunity. It is officially listed as a historic building, which imposes strict restoration constraints, and the auction notice describes its current condition as "very poor". Interested bidders can arrange external inspections of the property in the presence of embassy officials, with offers due by 8 May.
Despite its deterioration, the villa holds considerable cultural and architectural significance. Built in 1878 for a French-Jewish merchant and designed by prominent architect Xenophon Paionidis, it is a notable example of neo-baroque eclecticism. Over time, it became widely known as Villa Salem, after a later owner, and served as the Italian consulate until the 1978 earthquake.
The building has also left its mark on popular culture. It featured in Theo Angelopoulos' film "Eternity and a Day" and later gained international visibility when its façade appeared in promotional material for the third season of "American Horror Story".
In 2019, an auction took place to sell the property, but it was not transferred to businessman Leonidas Zisiadis, who was reportedly planning to turn it into a luxury hotel. The sale was blocked due to the seller's significant debts to the Greek state.
