Nikos Sifounakis

The architect Nikos Sifounakis was born in Rethymnon, Crete. Finished high school in Athens, studied Architecture in Genoa, postgraduated in Restoration of Monuments. Was a trustee at the cathedra of Environmental Architecture (Architettura Ambientale) in the Architecture School of the University of Palermo. Authored architectural studies for the preservation and restoration of monuments in many areas of Greece as Athens, Pylo, Rethymnon, Syros, Sifnos, Tinos, Mani, Lesbos, Lemnos a.o. Functioned as "Member of the Directorial Committee of the Architectonic Patrimony" for the European Council. In 1987 got rewarded by Europa Nostra for his contribution in the conservation of the architectonic inheritance in the Prefecture of Lesbos.

The documentary feature "ΕΛΑΙΑΣ ΑΙΓΛΗ" (approx.: "Importance of Olive's Trade"), based on his book "Industrial Buildings in Lesbos, 19th-beginning of the 20th Century, Olive Presses-Soap Factories", was awarded the First European Environmental Prize in 1987.

Articles he wrote on Architecture, Monuments and Environment got published in various newspapers and magazines.

He was a member of the "Greek Resistance" organization lead by Alekos Panagoulis, his close collaborator and friend until the death of the later.

Was Prefect of Lesbos between 1982-1986 and from 1986 till 1988 General Manager of ΕΡΤ (Hellenic Radio & TV Corporation). From 1989 is elected uninterruptedly as Lesbos's PASOK deputy in the Greek Parliament. He was nominated Minister of Tourism and of Culture under several governments of the late Andreas Papandreou.

Published Studies:

• Fortresses' Architecture in Mani
• A Folkloric house in Plaka
• The Castletower of Captain Giorgakis Capetanakis in Mani
• The Industrial Archeology

Books:

• Cobblestone Roads of Lesbos, 1984
• Industrial Buildings in Lesbos, 19th - beginning of the 20th Century, Olive Presses-Soap Factories, 1st edition 1986, 2nd edition 1994
• Enclosures in Lemnos and in other Northeastern Aegean Islands, 1993
• Imbros-Tenedos, the last Greek Days, 1996

Bibliography by Kastaniotis Editions S.A:

• Cobblestone roads, 1998