A major green redevelopment is planned to upgrade and reshape a public space near the seafront in Thessaloniki. The project centres on the creation of a "Garden of the Righteous", funded through a €1.4 million donation from the Gariwo Foundation and approved by the city council.
The planned park will cover around 12 stremmas (1.2 hectares) and be developed on a site bounded by the streets Megalou Alexandrou, Lysimachou, Regkou Polykleitou, and Petrou Syndika. Thessaloniki mayor Stelios Angeloudis is due to visit Milan, where the foundation is based, to sign the donation agreement and discuss implementation steps, as well as broader tourism cooperation between the two cities.
According to the municipality, the donation will initially fund the necessary studies, which are expected to be completed by the end of 2026, followed by construction works. The project is estimated to be completed in the first half of 2027, creating a new open public space accessible to both residents and visitors.
The redevelopment will include a thematic park and an inclusive children's playground. Plans also include strengthening lighting and irrigation systems. All equipment will meet European standards and Greek legislation, and installations will be designed to ensure accessibility.
Deputy mayor for Green and Environment Vasilis Diamantakis stated that the site is currently in poor condition and will be transformed into a functional and attractive space through the donation.
The "Garden of the Righteous" forms part of an international initiative promoted by the Gariwo Foundation (Gardens of the Righteous Worldwide), which honours individuals who defended human dignity and saved lives during genocides, persecutions or authoritarian regimes, "because the memory of Good is a powerful driving force for change".
According to the donation agreement, the project "aims to create a monumental garden that will function as a lasting space of memory, education and reflection in the city of Thessaloniki, fully aligned with the values of human dignity, responsibility and solidarity that the 'Garden of the Righteous' represents". The foundation has supported the creation of more than 300 such gardens worldwide.
Image source: gariwo.net / The Garden of Milan
by Katia Gerakaritou - adapted from Greek by Vassia Barba
