Home of Greek Poet Nikos Gatsos to Become a Landmark

The home of Greek poet Nikos Gatsos in Asea, Arcadia. Photo source: Ministry of Culture

The home of one of Greece’s greatest poets, translators and lyricists, Nikos Gatsos (1911-1992) is set to become a landmark, the culture ministry announced this week.

Known particularly for his collaboration with Greek composers and friendship with Manos Hadjidakis and Nana Mouskouri, Gatsos was born in Asea, Arcadia in the Peloponnese.

Nikos Gatsos and Manos Hatzidakis. Photo source: Ministry of Culture

Referring to the significance and influence of Gatsos’ work on modern Greek poetry and music, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni presented a proposal tabled by the Athens and Attica Asea associations calling for the poet’s home to be declared a national landmark.

The municipality and Arcadia Region have agreed to convert the building into a museum, the ministry said.

“His is a valuable work that inundates us with its quality, tenderness, beauty. It is the obligation of the state to protect and showcase the house where the poet was born,” said Mendoni.

Photo source: Ministry of Culture

Besides his literary translations of world famous plays including Federico García Lorca’s “Blood Wedding” and Eugene O’Neill’s “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” and his poetry, which left an indelible mark on Greek culture, Gatsos is also known abroad for his lyrics to Elia Kazan’s “America-America”, among others.