The historical "Xenia" Hotel in Sparta
The historical "Xenia" hotel ("Xenia" E.O.T. programme) was built in 1959-1960 according to the plans of the great architect Aris Konstantinidis and executed by the architect H. Bogatsos. It dominates Sparta Hill, where, according to the findings, the potters' quarter was located in ancient times and is now abandoned.
The former pride of the city is "Γ" shaped and divided into two independent sections. In the reception area (directly opposite the entrance), the mural painted in 1960 by the distinguished painter, engraver and sculptor Nikos Nikolaou is still preserved (although vandalised by graffiti).
"Xenia" Sparta enjoyed great prosperity during the 1960s, contributing the most to the increase in the tourist traffic of Sparta. It ceased to function in the early 1980s, and for a short time (until 1990), the administrative services of the General State Hospital were transferred to it. In 2016, the Ministry of Culture designated the hotel as a preserved monument, passing into the ownership of the Municipality of Sparta. Today, it is included in an NSRF programme to upgrade and restructure the building so that it can function as a multi-purpose space for cultural and tourist activities.
(source: www.notospress.gr -20/08/2018)