The Baron Michael Tossizza Foundation was founded in 1947, dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Metsovo and fostering the economic development of the region. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the Foundation carried out an extensive programme of projects and initiatives, generating new employment and lasting opportunities for the local community.
History
Baron Michael Tossizza, a distant relative of the eminent national benefactor from Metsovo, Michael A. Tositsas, was born in Livorno, Italy, and later settled in Lausanne, Switzerland. Estranged from his family’s homeland, he spoke no Greek and had never visited Greece. A cultured, idiosyncratic man of considerable wealth, he remained unmarried, had no children and lived alone.
Evangelos Averoff, seeking support for his ancestral village, began corresponding with Baron Tossizza in 1937. Their extensive correspondence lasted ten years before the two men ever met in person. Over time, this exchange grew into a genuine friendship. In 1947 they finally met for the first time in Lausanne.
By then, Baron Tossizza had resolved to leave the greater part of his estate to a charitable foundation bearing his name, dedicated to supporting the development of Metsovo – the land of his forebears. The Foundation’s deed of establishment was drawn up in June 1947. Evangelos Averoff was appointed President for life and committed to appending “Tossizza” to his family name. Baron Tossizza died in 1950, never having visited Greece.
Projects
In the years that followed a series of landmark projects gradually transformed Metsovo and the surrounding region, funded by Baron Tossizza’s estate and guided by Evangelos Averoff’s vision and initiative:
- More than one hundred single-teacher schools were built across the prefecture.
- Traditional buildings, churches, and monasteries were restored.
- Public fountains and cobbled streets were constructed.
- Major reforestation and landslide-prevention works were carried out.
- The Tossizza Student Residence was established in Athens.
- The derelict Tossizza family manor house was restored and transformed into the Metsovo Folk Art Museum.
- A Wood-Processing Factory, a Traditional Folk Art Shop, and an Embroidery School were established.
- A model cattle farm and the Tossizza Cheese Factory were founded.
- The Tossizza Hospital was built to serve the region.
- In 1968, one of Greece’s first ski centres was established in the Metsovo area, at Karakoli.
Today, the Foundation continues to pursue its founding mission, honouring its original objectives while responding to the evolving needs of Metsovo and the wider region.