11, Thessalonikis Street

An outstanding example of Romantic Neoclassicism, the Tsahakis House is among the most elegant buildings in the city of Heraklion. It was designed by the architect Dimitrios Kyriakòs, who appears to have been strongly influenced by the architectural solutions of Ernst Ziller. The residence was inaugurated on 25 April 1912, as attested by an inscription carved on its secondary wrought-iron courtyard gate.

The building is of stone construction, rises over two storeys and is covered by a timber-framed tiled roof. The composition of the façades is organised along strict axes of symmetry. Particular emphasis is placed on the junction of the two streets, where a polygonal chamfer is formed and the courtyard gate is set within a small forecourt. At this point lies the main entrance, opening beneath a balcony of semicircular plan.

The remaining architectural and morphological features are equally noteworthy: the semicircular balcony is supported by Doric columns; the corners of the façades are articulated by piers; and the crowning of the building is given special emphasis. A wealth of decorative elements—such as pilasters, pediments, niches and ceramic architectural details—combine to produce a composition of refined aesthetic coherence. The ceilings of certain interior spaces are adorned with painted decoration.