(early 1800s)
, my ancestor(early 1800s)
,my ancestor
Daniel Philippides, my ancestor, was born here in 1755.
Daniel Philippides received early schooling locally, but poor teaching quality drove him to travel as a cleric to other parts of Greece and then on to Vienna, Paris, and Moldavia.
Greece at the time was under occupation by the Ottomans. Influenced by the European Enlightenment,
Daniel Philippides envisioned a liberated country with well-educated people.
He was one of the three founders
of the legendary School of Milies in 1814,
(«Μηλιώτικη Σχολή»)
a higher education institution,
in line with the ideas and practices
of European Academies.
The School’s library numbered
more than 10.000 books.
He was one of the three founders of the legendary School of Milies in 1814, («Μηλιώτικη Σχολή») a high education institution, in line with the ideas and practices of European Academies. The School’s library numbered more than
10.000 books.
Being in contact with European intellectuals,
Daniel Philippides translated important European handbooks of science and philosophy.
In 1791, together with his cοusin Grigorios Konstantas,
he wrote the Modern Geography, (Γεωγραφία Νεωτερική),
a work that placed him among the most important Greek scholars.
(late 1800s)
, my great grandfather(late 1800s)
,my great grandfather
Argyris Philippides, my great grandfather, proposed the extension of the railway line
from Volos to Milies in 1903.
Argyris Philippides, my great grandfather, proposed the extension of the railway line from Volos to Milies in 1903.
As a Member of Parliament for Magnesia, he believed that the rail link of the Pelion
villages to the port city of Volos would bring regional economic development.
As a Member of Parliament for Magnesia, he believed that the rail link of the Pelion villages to the port city of Volos would bring regional economic development.
The presence of the train
transformed Milies into
the most important commercial
center of the region attracting
trade, merchants and travelers
from the neighbouring
communities and from
farther afield.
The village experienced
a period of great prosperity
and buzzed with life,
a small town in full bloom.
The presence of the train transformed Milies into the most important commercial center of the region attracting trade, merchants and travelers from the neighbouring communities and from farther afield.
The village experienced a period of great prosperity and buzzed with life, a small town in full bloom.
Argyris Philippides, lived here with his wife Maria and their seven children.
Today the little train (affectionately known
as “Moutzouris”), operating along a route
of natural beauty, is one of the reasons
Milies has become a favourite tourist destination.
Today the little train (affectionately known as “Moutzouris”), operating along a route of natural beauty, is one of the reasons Milies has become a favourite tourist destination.
(early 1900s)
, my father(early 1900s)
, my father
Kostantinos Stamatis, my father, was an internationally known architect. His projects ranged from residential houses and hotels to skyscrapers.
Following the same fate as many other houses in Milies, our family house was burned down during
the retaliatory attack on the village by the occupying forces in autumn 1943 in the Second World War.
My father undertook its renovation in 1990.
Following the same fate as many other houses in Milies,
our family house was burned down during the retaliatory attack on the village by the occupying forces in autumn 1943 in the Second World War. My father undertook its renovation in 1990.
He designed in detailed drawings all the parts of the building, the kitchen and bathroom fittings,
the fireplaces, doors, windows, iron security bars, wrought iron and wooden railings, and the wood
paneling for the ceilings. He supervised tirelessly the local craftsmen throughout construction.
He designed in detailed drawings all the parts of the building, the kitchen and bathroom fittings, the fireplaces, doors, windows, iron security bars, wrought iron and wooden railings, and the wood paneling for the ceilings.
He supervised tirelessly the local craftsmen throughout construction.
He notes in his diary “I wanted to make a house in which one enjoys living”.
We had many happy memories as family here in all seasons until 2014.
(early 1900s)
, my mother(early 1900s)
,my mother
Eleni-Fay Stamati, my mothers aim was to showcase the local history, crafts, and traditions.
She envisioned and created
in 1982 a local museum,
functioning as an educational center.
She envisioned and created in 1982 a local museum, functioning as an educational center.
Eleni-Fay Stamati is the author of two books. “The Pack Saddle”, describes all the stages of this traditional craft.
"Milies, a village on Mount Pelion”, presents local history and details everyday life in the second half of the 20 th century. Both books illustrate a world that fades away.
the eight generation of this family, myself
Eva Stamati, your host,
I am a graphic designer by trade and served as the director of the Museum of Greek Children’s Art in Athens from 2007 to 2017.
I now manage the Milies Historic Chalet and look forward to welcoming you.
I now manage the Milies Historic Chalet and look forward to welcoming you.
