The buildings of Thessaloniki: Longos Mansion (Kokkino Spiti)

The buildings of Thessaloniki:
Longos Mansion (Kokkino Spiti)

Standing on Agias Sofias Street, Kokkino Spiti, or Longos Mansion, is one of Thessaloniki’s most striking historic buildings. Once abandoned and rumored to be haunted, it has now been fully restored, blending its rich past with modern life. Explore with us the history of Longos mansion, from its construction after the Great Fire of 1917 to its decline, the myths surrounding it, and its transformation into a vibrant part of the city once again.

If you have ever walked down Agias Sofias Street in Thessaloniki, you have likely noticed the impressive Longos Mansion, more commonly known as Kokkino Spiti, which translates to “Red House.” Once a neglected and deteriorating building, it has now been beautifully restored and is home to new residents. The ground floor houses ‘Kokkino Spiti‘ Restaurant, offering visitors a chance to dine in a place filled with history and architectural beauty.

The History of Longos Mansion

Commissioned by the Longos family in 1926, this historic mansion was part of the effort to modernize Thessaloniki after the devastating Great Fire of 1917. While it does not adhere to a specific architectural style, it features eclectic elements with influences from Byzantine architecture, including its red brick façade and decorative columns. Its location next to the Holy Church of Hagia Sophia, one of the oldest churches in Thessaloniki and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, further enhances its historical significance.

Before World War II, the ground floor housed the Naousa Textile Exhibition, where Gregorios Longos was a key stakeholder. After the war, it became home to Kafeneio Ermis, a popular café that was one of Thessaloniki’s most famous gathering spots. Interestingly, the café’s signage remained intact until the recent restoration of the building.

The Haunted Legend of Kokkino Spiti

The Longos family faced financial struggles after a fire in 1939, and the subsequent war wiped out their remaining wealth, leaving the mansion abandoned. While the café on the ground floor remained a lively social hub, the upper floors fell into decay over the years. This neglect led to rumors of the mansion being haunted, with multiple attempts to reoccupy it ending in failure. For decades, this once-magnificent building stood as a ghostly relic in the heart of Thessaloniki’s city center.

The Restoration of Longos Mansion

After several failed attempts by the Ministry of Culture to transform the mansion into a cultural site, it was finally purchased and restored by Ivan Savvidis. Due to the historical and architectural significance of Longos Mansion, its restoration was carried out under strict preservation guidelines, ensuring that its original character remained intact.

The Revival of Agias Sofias Square

Over the past few decades, Agias Sofias Square suffered due to the long-term construction of the Thessaloniki Metro, turning the area into a construction zone. However, with the restoration of historic buildings like Longos Mansion, the redevelopment of the square and Agias Sofias Street, and the upcoming completion of the metro, this once-neglected area is now becoming one of the most vibrant and exciting places in Thessaloniki.

Today, visitors can explore the square, admire its blend of history and modernity, and enjoy some of Thessaloniki’s best coffee and street food from hidden gems in the area. Whether you are a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or foodie, a visit to Kokkino Spiti and Agias Sofias Square is a must when exploring Thessaloniki, Greece.