Saripolou Square is one of the most popular spots in the center or Limassol. Though it is mainly known as a place for fun and entertainment, the Saripolou area was once an area of commercial prominence in the city. What is not widely known, however, is that the then-name of the street and the current name of the square forms a link between Limassol and the Athens Law School.
This connection is due to the historical significance of the role played by Nikolaos Saripolos, a legal professional and constitutionalist from Limassol, in the establishment of the Modern Greek state. Saripolou’s mother, Chrysida (Tsikinetta) Pelendridi was the daughter of a prominent Limassol family, though he himself was born in Larnaca in 1817. The family was targeted by the Ottoman authorities due to their involvement in the 1821 revolution, and fled to Trieste, Italy.
Nikolaos Saripolos graduated from the Greek Community School in Trieste, and continued his studies in Paris in 1836, where he enrolled in the Medical School of Paris, but eventually transferred to the Law School. In 1845, he served as special secretary to the Prime Minister Ioannis Kolettis, and in 1846, he was appointed lecturer at the Law School of the University of Athens.
Saripolos married in 1847 and had 9 children. The family is pictured in a work of Athina Saripolou.
In 1852 he was dismissed from the University due to his political activity and became actively engaged in the law. From 1854 until 1860 he was a legal advisor to the Ministry of Interior. He returned to the University of Athens in 1862, where he remained until 1875.
The mansion of the Saripolos on Patision Street in Athens, which was demolished in the 1960s.
One of the highlights of his career was his participation in the Second National Assembly in Athens, where he was the rapporteur of the Constitution of 1864. He is considered to be the father of the Greek constitutional and state law. The Saripolos Amphitheater in the Old Building of the Athens Law School is dedicated to him and his father.
Saripolou Square in the mid-20th century.
Saripolou Square in the mid-20th century.
From Saripolou Street, facing south and north, respectively.
Saripolou Square in the mid-20th century.Saripolou Square in the mid-20th century.Saripolou Square in the mid-20th century.
Saripolou Square in the mid-20th century.Saripolou Square in the mid-20th century.Saripolou Square in the mid-20th century.
Saripolou Square in the mid-20th century.Saripolou Square in the mid-20th century.Saripolou Square in the mid-20th century.
Saripolou Square in the 21st century.
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