Urban modernization and national renaissance: Town planning in 19th century Greece

Abstract

The development of the modern Greek state in the 19th century went hand in hand with intensive activity in the sphere of town planning. This policy, far from being incidental, became a fundamental aspect of the formation of the state. Its aim was to induce the appearance of an urban way of life in a predominantly agricultural country, and to reinforce the links with the advanced western countries, so as to bring Greek society up to date. This article presents the main aspects of state intervention in city affairs, over more than three quarters of a century, in terms of new planning agencies and legislation, design prototypes, and planning regulations and building codes. It also describes the various categories of towns that were planned and founded, and appraises the impact of planning on the physical form of the city. Finally, it argues that the emergence of the modern Greek city was the product of both political volition and the actual capacities of Greek society.