Prince Constantine (left) listening to the historical presentation alongside Ms Angeliki Katrisioti and distinguished guests at the Damalas Mansion in Ermoupoli.
On Saturday, 27 June 2026, as part of the bicentennial celebrations commemorating the naming of Ermoupoli, a special historical presentation titled "The Damalas Mansion Narrates – From its construction to today" was held within the walls of the historic family residence on Apollonos Street.
The event offered an immersive journey through the history of the Mansion, presenting rich archival material, original documents, and poignant references to the prominent figures connected with its construction and habitation over the centuries. As the speakers highlighted, the history of the Damalas Mansion is inextricably bound to the history of Ermoupoli itself—a testament to the people who lived, worked, created, and left their indelible mark on the capital of the Cyclades.
Prince Constantine attended the evening as the guest of honour, bringing a profound sense of continuity to the gathering. The presentation was expertly guided by Ms Angeliki Katrisioti, a philologist and dedicated archivist at the General State Archives (GAK) of the Cyclades, alongside the acclaimed actor Mr Giorgos Michalakis.
During the event, a highly touching and symbolic moment occurred when Ms Valentini Potamianou presented Prince Constantine with a historic portrait of the legendary actress Sarah Bernhardt and Aristides (Jacques) Damalas. The gift added yet another tangible link, connecting the modern Damalas dynasty directly to its vibrant 19th-century European cultural heritage.
The official invitation for the bicentennial presentation at the Damalas Mansion.
Following the primary historical presentations, Prince Constantine was invited to address the attendees. The Chancery has provided an official English translation of his spoken remarks below.
"I immediately understood the profound gravitas that is Ermoupoli..."
"Allow me first to extend my deepest gratitude for your presence this evening. As you have heard, we are reflecting upon a great history—one that belongs not merely to my family, but to the very fabric of this city. My forebear, Ambrosios, enacted a legacy of civic duty whose echoes we still feel today; his works remain visibly woven into Ermoupoli.
"Prior to my first journey to Ermoupoli, my understanding of the city was shaped by archival photographs and historical texts. Yet, the moment I stepped onto the port, I immediately grasped the true weight and profound gravitas of this place. There is nowhere else in Greece quite like it. One cannot gaze upon Ermoupoli and fail to understand that there is something remarkably distinct here.
"I have been deeply moved by this city and by the exceptional warmth of its people. During my initial visit, I was accompanied by my wife and my son, Martino. On our first evening, as we walked the historic streets nearby, my wife turned to me and said, 'I can see our children running here.' In that moment, I was overcome with a profound emotion. Words often fail to capture the depth of such a connection, but I believe you understand exactly what this city has come to mean to us.
"To stand and sit within the walls of this Mansion is to step back into the living history of my lineage. It is deeply humbling to realise that the monumental events we have discussed tonight unfolded precisely where we are gathered.
"In closing, I wish to extend my profound thanks to Mr Michalakis and Ms Katrisioti for bringing this vision to life. Angeliki, the meticulous research you have conducted to make this evening a reality is nothing short of miraculous. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you."
Greek Press Coverage
The historical presentation was published in regional news media: