The final resting place of one of the world’s most successful businessmen and shipping magnates, Aristotle Onassis, has long been a topic of interest for many.
Onassis, who amassed a fortune through his business ventures, was laid to rest on a private island in the Ionian Sea. The island, which he purchased in 1963 and turned into a millionaire’s paradise, was also the site of his marriage to Jacqueline Kennedy.
In this article, we will explore the details surrounding Onassis’ burial and the legacy he left behind.
Where Is Aristotle Onassis Buried
Aristotle Onassis was buried on his private island in the Ionian Sea, which he purchased in 1963. The island, known as Skorpios, was a lavish retreat for Onassis and his family. It was also the site of his marriage to Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968.
Onassis passed away on March 15, 1975, at the American Hospital of Paris in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. He died of respiratory failure, a complication of the myasthenia gravis from which he had suffered in the last years of his life.
According to his wishes, Onassis was buried on Skorpios Island next to a small white chapel dating back to the 18th century. He chose a spot next to the chapel where his only son, Alexander, who died in a plane crash in 1973 at age 25, was already buried. A wing was built to shelter Alexander’s body, and an identical wing was constructed later to house Onassis’ body.
On the day of his burial, Onassis’ coffin was placed in a simple concrete sarcophagus under the shade of a cypress tree that he had asked his architects to preserve. The burial was a private affair attended only by family and close friends.
Aristotle Onassis: A Brief Overview Of His Life And Legacy
Aristotle Onassis was a Greek shipping magnate and one of the wealthiest men in modern history. He was born in Smyrna, Turkey, in 1906, to a wealthy family. However, his fortune was entirely self-made and he became known as a true visionary in the world of business.
Onassis began his career in shipping at a young age, working for his father’s company before starting his own business in the 1930s. He quickly gained a reputation for being an astute businessman and made several smart investments that helped him grow his wealth.
In the 1950s and 60s, Onassis became one of the most famous Greeks in the world. He was known for his lavish lifestyle, his love of yachts and private islands, and his high-profile relationships with some of the most famous women of the time.
Despite his wealth and fame, Onassis faced several personal tragedies in his life. His only son, Alexander, died in a plane crash at age 25, which reportedly devastated him. He also suffered from myasthenia gravis in his later years, which contributed to his death at age 69.
Onassis’ legacy lives on through his charitable foundation, the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation, which was established in memory of his son. The foundation received 45% of Onassis’ estate, while the remainder was left to his daughter Christina. Christina’s share has since passed to her only child Athina, making her one of the wealthiest women in the world.
Onassis’ private island of Skorpios remains a testament to his wealth and extravagance. He purchased the island for a mere 3.5 million drachmas (which would be equivalent to less than $20,000 today) and transformed it into a lush oasis with a family compound, farmhouse, helicopter pad, boat quay, and even imported sand for the beaches.
Today, Onassis is remembered as a larger-than-life figure who made a significant impact on the world of business and left behind a lasting legacy through his philanthropic efforts.
The Private Island: Skorpios And Its History
Skorpios Island was a barren piece of land when Onassis purchased it for the equivalent of $14,000 in 1963. He transformed the 205-acre island into a luxurious retreat, importing 200 different types of trees and bringing sand from the island of Salamina to create beaches. Onassis also built a family compound consisting of three residences, a helipad, and a small marina, as well as harbor facilities to accommodate his beloved yacht, the Christina.
Skorpios Island was the site of numerous high-profile parties during Onassis’ ownership. Most famously, Onassis and Jacqueline Kennedy exchanged their vows in a small Greek Orthodox ceremony in front of 40 guests before boarding the Christina for the reception. The island was also the site of scandal when Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was photographed nude by an Italian paparazzo on a Skorpios beach in 1971.
After Onassis’ death, Skorpios Island was passed down to his daughter Christina and then to his granddaughter Athina. In 2013, Athina sold the island to Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev for $153 million. Rybolovlev plans to turn Skorpios into a luxury resort with a 5-star hotel, villas, a farm and vineyard, a spa, a sports complex, an artificial lake, a larger harbor to accommodate more yachts, an amphitheater, and a helipad. Weekly rentals are expected to start at $1.2 million.
Today, Skorpios Island remains a symbol of wealth and luxury, with its history intertwined with that of Aristotle Onassis and his family.
The Onassis Family Burial Site: Where Is It Located?
The Onassis family burial site is located on Skorpios Island in the Ionian Sea. The island was purchased by Aristotle Onassis in 1963 and was turned into a millionaire’s paradise. It was also the site of Onassis’ marriage to Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968.
The burial site is situated next to a small white chapel dating back to the 18th century. Onassis chose a spot next to the chapel where his only son, Alexander, who died in a plane crash in 1973 at age 25, was already buried. A wing was built to shelter Alexander’s body, and an identical wing was constructed later to house Onassis’ body.
The island is a private property and is not open to the public. The burial site is a private area reserved for family and close friends of the Onassis family. The island is accessible only by boat, and visitors are not allowed without prior permission from the family.
The Onassis family burial site is a peaceful and serene location, surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the beautiful Ionian Sea. It is a fitting final resting place for one of the most successful businessmen of his time and his beloved family members.
The Funeral: Details Surrounding Onassis’ Burial
On March 18, 1975, the day after Onassis’ death, his body was flown from Paris to Greece aboard a Boeing 727 of his own airline, Olympic Airways. His widow, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and his daughter, Christina, accompanied the body. They arrived at Orly Airport in Paris from Athens and then flew to the northwest coast of Greece.
From there, the funeral entourage traveled by helicopter or boat to Skorpios Island. The Greek Orthodox service was held in the island Chapel of the Holy Virgin, where Onassis had married Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968. Archbishop Meletios, the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of France, visited the chapel and blessed and prayed over the body.
Onassis’ daughter Christina arrived on the same flight as the Kennedy children and Mrs. Auchincloss. The group drove in limousines to Nidri, opposite Skorpios Island. At Nidri, they boarded motor launches for Onassis’ 325-foot yacht named after his daughter, which was expected to ferry the mourners and Onassis’ body to Skorpios Island. The yacht’s Panamanian flag was at half-mast as the party walked up the gangway, and crew members wore black.
About 100 relatives and friends wept at Christina Onassis’ burial on Skorpios Island on November 19, 1988. She was buried next to her father and brother in the family mausoleum adjacent to the tiny chapel where her father had married Jacqueline Kennedy. The mourners attended a private Greek Orthodox ceremony followed by her burial.
Onassis’ legacy lives on through his family and philanthropic foundation, which he established before his death. The Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation supports education, culture, and social welfare projects around the world.
Skorpios Today: Visiting The Island And Onassis’ Legacy
Today, Skorpios Island remains a private retreat owned by the Onassis family. While the island is not open to the public, it is still possible to catch a glimpse of the island from the nearby town of Nidri on the mainland. Visitors can take a boat tour that will take them around the island and give them a chance to see the Onassis family’s former home and other landmarks on the island.
Onassis’ legacy continues to live on, not only in his vast fortune but also in his impact on the shipping industry. Onassis was known for his innovative business practices, which helped transform the shipping industry and make him one of the wealthiest men in the world. He was also known for his high-profile relationships, including his marriage to Jacqueline Kennedy, which made him a cultural icon.
Despite his wealth and fame, Onassis remained deeply connected to his Greek heritage and was proud of his roots. He was known for his philanthropy, particularly in Greece, where he supported various causes throughout his life.
In conclusion, Skorpios Island remains a symbol of Aristotle Onassis’ life and legacy. While it may be a private retreat for the Onassis family, visitors can still appreciate its beauty from afar and reflect on the impact that Onassis had on both the shipping industry and popular culture.
