Republic of Venice
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Ioannis Kapodistrias
Corfu (Ionian Islands), Republic of Venice
Archival Overview
First Governor of independent Greece (1828–1831) and former Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire who drafted the Swiss Federal Constitution, founded the modern Greek state, modern agriculture, and public education.
Biographical Record
Count Ioannis Kapodistrias (1776–1831) was an aristocratic diplomat from Corfu who served as joint Foreign Minister to Tsar Alexander I of Russia. At the 1815 Congress of Vienna, Kapodistrias secured the independence, neutrality, and modern cantonal constitution of Switzerland, revered today as a benefactor of the Swiss Confederation.
In 1827, the Greek National Assembly at Troezen elected Kapodistrias as the first Governor of liberated Greece. Arriving in war-devastated Nafplio, Kapodistrias introduced potato cultivation (cleverly guarding the fields to make them seem precious so peasants would steal and plant them), established the Hellenic Military Academy, quarantined plagues, and founded public orphanages and schools.
Key Life Milestones
Drafting of the Swiss Federal Constitution
Secured international recognition of Switzerland's perpetual neutrality at the Congress of Vienna.
Inauguration as Governor of Independent Greece
Established the central administrative, military, and educational institutions of the newborn Greek state.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialCorfu, Greece