Family of former Italian leader returns gifted ancient Greek vase to Greece

·

An ancient vase, gifted over 70 years ago by the Greek government to an Italian prime minister, has been voluntarily returned to Greece by the former leader’s grandson.

According to ekathimerini.com, Greece’s Ministry of Culture commended Paolo Catti De Gasperi for his “courteous gesture” in returning the artifact. His grandfather, Alcide De Gasperi, served as Italy’s prime minister from 1945 to 1953.

The Greek ministry said the vase dates back to the mid-to-late 5th century BC and was originally presented to De Gasperi by Greek Prime Minister Alexandros Papagos during a 1953 state visit to Athens. The gift symbolised gratitude for De Gasperi’s significant role in ceding the Dodecanese islands to Greece, a territory Italy surrendered following World War II.

The large terracotta vase, known as a crater, is decorated with red figures on a black background. Craters were traditionally used by ancient Greeks to mix wine with water, as it was uncommon for them to drink wine undiluted.

Paolo Catti De Gasperi returned the artifact to Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni during a ceremony at the Greek embassy in Rome. The Greek government has been actively seeking the return of its cultural heritage from museums and private collections worldwide, with a particular focus on recovering the Parthenon Sculptures from the British Museum. However, Mendoni emphasized that this situation was unique.

“We are particularly grateful, because, while [Catti De Gasperi] held [the crater] completely legally, he felt the need and had the generosity to return it to Greece,” Mendoni said. “It’s a family heirloom that’s linked with the modern history of both Greece and Italy.”

Source:ekathimerni.com

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘Compassion, community and purpose’ define the 2025 Jenny Souris Foundation Gala

The Jenny Souris Foundation Gala returned on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, with heart and purpose, drawing around 300 guests.

Thousands attend inaugural Brunswick Greek Festival

Thousands of people attended the Brunswick Greek Festival which was organised and run by the St Eleftherios Albion Street Brunswick parish.

St John’s church in Carlton hosts annual celebration for Patron Saint of police officers

The annual celebration of Saint Artemios’ feast day is one of the key events on the Victoria Hellenic Police Association (VHPA) calendar.

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos strengthens ties in Adelaide visit

Greece's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Loverdos, is visiting Adelaide, South Australia.

Ex-Collingwood captain sues former manager Jason Sourasis for $3 million

Former Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury has filed a $3 million lawsuit against his former manager and long-time friend Jason Sourasis.

You May Also Like

Archbishop Makarios of Australia responds to The Project’s Jesus joke

Archbishop Makarios of Australia issued a statement on Saturday in response to a joke about Jesus Christ made on The Project on Channel 10.

The Battle of Dervenakia: Greeks claim victory over the Ottomans

On this day in 1822, one of the most important battles of the struggle for Greek Independence was fought - that is, the Battle of Dervenakia.

Greek Orthodox schools in Victoria exempt from government’s payroll tax change

The Victorian government has backtracked on an election plan to hit hundreds of independent schools with payroll tax.