About Piraeus
On this page you will find useful information about Piraeus.
The office is located in the city of Piraeus and is easily accessible by public transport.
Τhe first evidence about Piraeus goes back some 4.600 years, since the area was settled for the first time around 2.600 BC. However, it is the dawn of the 5th century B.C. that marked the beginning of its presence in history, when Pericles selected it as the seaport of Athens of the Golden Age. Ever since then, the development of Piraeus followed the historical course of Athens. It was during that period, when the city acquired a safe naval haven as well as an excellent commercial port with an integral operational configuration, a remarkable organization and an efficient utilization. According to the historian Thucydides, the town was bustling with life and commercial activity being the "heart" of the Greek trade where “... anything was imported from all countries...” The most modem ships of that time were built in Piraeus, while its port had huge warehouses, trading places, as well as theaters, conservatories, temples and famous schools.
The office is located in the city of Piraeus and is easily accessible by public transport.
Τhe first evidence about Piraeus goes back some 4.600 years, since the area was settled for the first time around 2.600 BC. However, it is the dawn of the 5th century B.C. that marked the beginning of its presence in history, when Pericles selected it as the seaport of Athens of the Golden Age. Ever since then, the development of Piraeus followed the historical course of Athens. It was during that period, when the city acquired a safe naval haven as well as an excellent commercial port with an integral operational configuration, a remarkable organization and an efficient utilization. According to the historian Thucydides, the town was bustling with life and commercial activity being the "heart" of the Greek trade where “... anything was imported from all countries...” The most modem ships of that time were built in Piraeus, while its port had huge warehouses, trading places, as well as theaters, conservatories, temples and famous schools.
Its modern history begins in 1835, with the establishment of the Municipality of Piraeus. The diverse group of its citizens had no personal ties with Piraeus area by reason of their originating in various places of Greece. Nevertheless, their innate thirst for progress has contributed in making Piraeus the vivid cell of the modem Hellenic Nation. An economic miracle took place during the 19th century in Piraeus, where the foundations of the reconstruction of the modem Hellenic State were laid. The choice of this city was not random. Its favorable geographic location and its proximity to Athens have contributed to it becoming the focal point of the most active and productive Greeks. The industrial development of the area took place between 1860 – 1870. Its railroad linkage with Athens and the construction of the Corinth Canal in 1893 brought Piraeus at the epicenter of economic activity and maritime traffic and, by the end of 19th century; it became the most significant shipping Centre of the region, taking the lead from Ermoupolis port on Syros Island in Cyclades.
At the early 20th century the growth prospects of Piraeus were quite promising. Numerous Greek entrepreneurs opened offices and agencies of their business in the city. This resulted in the fact that by 1914, the operation of 62% of the Hellenic fleet capacity was conducted by shipping companies domiciled in Piraeus. This development was primarily attributed to the origin of its citizens in many Greek islands which strengthened the city's bonds with the sea.
At the early 20th century the growth prospects of Piraeus were quite promising. Numerous Greek entrepreneurs opened offices and agencies of their business in the city. This resulted in the fact that by 1914, the operation of 62% of the Hellenic fleet capacity was conducted by shipping companies domiciled in Piraeus. This development was primarily attributed to the origin of its citizens in many Greek islands which strengthened the city's bonds with the sea.
After World War I, the Greek-owned shipping companies continued using Piraeus as one of the two major operating centers (London being the second). The end of World War II, found Piraeus city destroyed and its infrastructure dilapidated. The cease-five caught the Hellenic fleet with terrible losses. The Hellenic merchant fleet had lost 70% of its pre-war capacity. Nevertheless, the foundation stone for the subsequent spectacular growth of the Greek shipping (characterized later as an important economic achievement) was laid by care of the Hellenic State.
Nowadays Piraeus is the main port of Greece and a major international shipping and financial centre. The majority of the Greek ship owners, shipping banks, shipping law firms, technical and financial consultants as well as shipping brokers are based at and operate from the Piraeus or nearby suburbs.
Among others the Ministry of Mercantile Marine, the Hellenic Coast Guard, P+I Club Greek offices, the Piraeus Port Authority, the Union of Greek Ship-owners, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the Piraeus Archaeological Museum, the Naval Museum, the Municipal Library and Gallery, the University of Piraeus, Public and Private Hospitals, and the Piraeus Courts, with a Division specialized in shipping cases, are located in Piraeus and are part of its dynamic business and cultural life.
131 Notara Street,
18536 Piraeus
Greece
tel. +30-210-4292942
fax. +30-210-4292948
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