Nikolaos Lourantos was born on 9 March 1890 in Kalisperianika, Kythera, in a large family with eleven brothers and sisters. His parents, Panagiotis Lourantos and Angeliki Marselou, made sure to provide him with a good education, which he completed at the Primary School of Karvounades and the School of Chora. From a young age he worked in the summers in Athens in the aerated drinks industry of a relative, while in the winters he worked in the olive grove of his village.
In 1908, at the age of 18, he emigrated with his brother George to Australia, where he worked hard and quickly became a successful businessman, dealing with various profitable sectors of the economy. He married and had a daughter, but his heart always remained connected to his homeland, Kythera.
Lourantos became one of the great benefactors of Kythera, financing projects that left their mark. His most important contribution was the harbour works in Kapsali. A typical example of his dedication to the progress of the island is his financial support for the port of Kapsali. Lourantos contributed the respectable sum of 96,710 drachmas and £1,000 from Australia. When additional needs arose, he responded immediately, offering even more money to ensure the completion of the project. His generosity extended to other areas, such as the building of the new hall for the Kythera League.
The activity of Lourantos was not limited to Kythera. In Australia he was a pioneer in the establishment of the Chair of Modern Greek Studies at the University of Sydney, which bears his name, and he created the «Lourantos Village» nursing home for the care of elderly Greeks of the diaspora.
For his invaluable contribution to society, he was awarded the title of Knighthood by the Queen of England, which confirms the prestige and recognition of his work at an international level. Nicholas Lourantos passed away on 26 July 1980, leaving behind a great legacy. His donations and his works have contributed to improving the lives of both Kythera and the Greek community in Australia.
His name is indelibly linked to his island, and his contribution is still honoured today. There is a plaque bearing his name on the breakwater of Kapsali, as a sign of gratitude for his immense contribution to the development of the place. Nikolaos Lourantos will be remembered as one of the greatest benefactors of Kythera, whose vision and generosity contributed decisively to the development and prosperity of the island and the diaspora.
