Home of Greek poet Nikos Gatsos, set to be declared a monument

The house in Asea, Arcadia, where prominent 20th century Greek poet and translator Nikos Gatsos was born, will be declared a monument.

The Minister of Culture and Sports Lina Mendoni sent a letter to the ministry’s Secretary General of Culture Giorgos Didaskalou, so that the house obtains this status based on the provisions of the law regarding the protection of antiquities and cultural heritage.

Gatsos has received great acclaim for his work, with his long poem, “Amorgos,” considered a major contribution to contemporary Greek poetry, for its combination of surrealism with traditional Greek folk poetry motifs.

"He used language as poetry, in every form of his work, in song and translation. Valuable work that floods us with its quality, tenderness, beauty. It is the duty of the State to protect and highlight the house where the poet was born," Mendoni said.

His lyrics were also used in songs by major Greek composers including Manos Hadjidakis, Mikis Theodorakis and Stavros Xarchakos.

Gatsos passed away in Athens on 12 May 1992.

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