Urban Policies and Planning During the Greek Dictatorship (1967–1974). Continuities and Ruptures in Post-War Development of the Greek City

Abstract

The Greek dictatorship of 1967–1974, often characterised more as a military and oppressive regime than a fully totalitarian one, combined Greek-Orthodox nationalism with a vague notion of economic modernisation. Acting as guarantor of capitalist growth, it promoted private-sector-driven development, particularly through the construction sector. An overproduction of legislative regulations weakened public control, fuelling land speculation and construction of dense urban fabric, industrial complexes, and large hotels in ecologically sensitive areas. Urban planning under the regime reflected contradictory ideological currents, ranging from superficial appeals to local identity to technocratic approaches. This paper investigates how the dictatorship shaped Greek cities and their built environment, and explores continuities and ruptures in urban space production compared to democratic periods. Drawing on public discourse, bibliographic sources, and planning projects, it analyses the role of planners and the scientific community, as well as the dictatorship’s legacy for post-1974 planning debates during democratic consolidation.