Ioannina Castle on its Way to Become a Cultural Park

Ioannina in Epirus, Greece.

The Ioannina Castle, the fortified old town of the city of Ioannina in northwestern Greece, is undergoing restoration works to open its doors to visitors as a cultural park.

The project includes the restoration of the building that houses the Ottoman baths, which was declared a monument in 1925. It is one of the earliest Ottoman structures of the Ioannina fortified old town that is directly connected to the northeastern acropolis.

Budgeted at 1.25 million euros, the project will be carried out by the Ioannina Ephorate of Antiquities with funding by the Epirus 2014-2020 Operational Program.

After its restoration, the building will cover an area of ​290m2 and feature a stone-paved surrounding space.

The project also foresees the cleaning of the area; the reconstruction of parts of the site; the construction of access corridors for the public, including for people with disabilities; and promotional activities including events.

Photo Source: @Travel Ioannina

In an announcement, Ioannina Mayor Moses Elisaf expressed his confidence that the project would begin soon.

“The Castle is a living part of the history and culture of Ioannina. We must promote it. This is the beginning of a project that will lead to the creation of an open and active cultural park,” he said.

The project has also secured 2.5 million euros in funding by the Epirus 2014-2020 Operational Program for the interconnection, renovation, upgrading and promotion of public spaces, existing network of sidewalks, public streets and squares in the Castle of Ioannina.