MUNICIPALITY OF PYRGOS

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MUNICIPALITY OF PYRGOS

• THE PROFILE OF THE CITY

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POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF PYRGOS

• Pyrgos is the capital of the Prefecture of Elia,
  with population arising to 34.902 people. It is a
  modern city with a long and very interesting
  history.

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POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF PYRGOSLocal structure

• The Municipal Council of Pyrgos has 41 elected
  members and 3 deputes and operates as a
  decentralized pattern of service delivery and
  decision-making through 18 Municipal Departments.
  There are 18 Municipal Councilors who represent
  each of the 18 Municipal Departments. Three (3)
  of the 18 Departments has 3 elected members and
  the other 15 have 5 members, one president and
  four local Councilors. These members represent
  the opinion of the Departments and announce it to
  the Municipal Council.

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ECONOMICAL STRUCTURE OF PYRGOS

• In the 19th century, Pyrgos became an important
  transport, commercial, administrative and
  judicial center because of the raisin. About 1850
  Pyrgos was one of the best and most densely
  populated provincial cities. The breakwater in
  neighboring Katacolo was constructed then.
• The city reached a high economy and cultural
  standard because of the systematic export trade
  of the raisin.
• At those old good times rich merchants lived in
  wonderful neoclassical mansions and the works of
  the great Ernest Ziller, the theatre Apollo,
  erected in 1880, proved the prosperity of Pyrgos.
  The branch of the National Bank of Greece was one
  of the biggest in the country.
• Today Pyrgos is an agriculture area at 57 of its
  whole economy. A big percentage of the population
  has its income by the tourists. The main
  occupation in suburbs is the farming. Pyrgos
  consists of a big number of fields which produce
  cotton, corn, oil, oranges, melons, watermelons
  and raisin. This area is famous for the biggest
  watermelon exports, specially to Italy. Main
  occupation is also breeding.

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SOCIAL STUCTURE OF PYRGOS

• In recent years effort has been made to restore
  some of the houses and to bring back to life the
  glamour of the past. One of the jewels of the
  city is the central square of Sakis Karagiorgas,
  in memory of a very important university
  professor of the 20th century, who stood up
  against the dictatorship of the 21st of April
  1967.

Sakis Karagiorgas Square
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SOCIAL STUCTURE OF PYRGOS

• The big square, the imposing war memorial, the
  outstanding Latsio palace, a donation of the
  tycoon John Latsis and the pedestrian precinct
  are characteristics of a modern city, the actual
  capital of Elia.

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SIGHTSEEING IN PYRGOS

• Sites which make Pyrgos an ideal place to visit
  are
• - The seaport, Katakolo, a beautiful, picturesque
  resort. The area has Tourist paths, which lead
  you to the ruins of a small ancient castle,
  called Pontikokastro.
• In addition, there is an Art Gallery, where
  remarkable events and exhibitions take place all
  year long.
• Traditional taverns and tourist shops are located
  in Katakolo, where about 250 cruise ships from
  all around the world bring thousands of tourists
  every year.

KATAKOLO
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SIGHTSEEING IN PYRGOS

• There are organised beaches to the beautiful
  Ionian Sea, near Katakolo, Skafidia, Ag. Elias,
  Korakohori and Leventohori as well as five star-
  hotels.
• - An Olympic Centre of Philosophy and Education
  as well as the Municipal Camp of Hospitality for
  young people, are located in the greater area of
  Pyrgos, hosting international conferences and
  meetings.
• Finally, Pyrgos is the biggest and closest city
  for the holy area of Ancient Olympia.