Nikolaos Stournaras

Nikolaos Stournaras (1806–1853) is one of Greece’s National Benefactors having used his wealth to donate large pieces of land to various Greek charities.

After completing his schooling in Metsovo, he went to Livorno, Grand Duchy of Tuscany, where he worked in the Tositsas family business.

His visits to the agricultural and industrial centers of Europe and his studies in European schools gave him the idea to use his vast wealth to subsidize common good projects that would contribute to the development of Greece.

His development plans included a railroad that would connect Athens to Piraeus and the establishment of a shipping company that would connect Piraeus with the Greek islands and coastal towns.

He was married to Henriette Isabella Thurnburn (1818-1895), daughter of Robert Thurburn (1784-1860), British consul in Alexandria, Egypt and his wife, Marizza Piozia.