Ioannina Castle Developing into Culture Park Accessible to All

Works are set to begin soon on the Castle of Ioannina, the fortified old town of Ioannina in Epirus, northwestern Greece, to make it more accessible to visitors.

Specifically, the project involves accessibility improvements on the northeastern Acropolis of the castle, valued at 1.2 million euros and funded by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility.

According to an announcement of the Municipality of Ioannina, the works are part of a broader initiative to develop the castle into a Culture Park, based on an agreement between Ioannina Mayor Thomas Bengas and Culture Minister Lina Mendoni made in mid-January.

The specific project involves upgrading the walkway path network, public squares, and public use facilities within the castle, enhancing accessibility from the southern entrance of the Acropolis and accommodating people with mobility issues. As a result, all visitors will be able to reach the Aslan Pasha Mosque, the nearby Madrasa building (ancient othoman school), the public use facilities of the castle, and the Hestia building.

Ioannina Mayor Thomas Bengas (center) signing the latest agreement for the accessibility improvements at the northeastern Acropolis of Ioannina Castle. Photo source: Municipality of Ioannina

The upgrade of the Northeastern Acropolis also includes the creation of new pathways for visually impaired people, connecting them with existing paths. Additionally, an open platform elevator will be installed to lift people with mobility limitations to the courtyard in front of the madrasa building.

According to Mayor Begas, the castle is a landmark in Ioannina and a point of reference for the culture and history of the city.

“With the completion of the first projects, as well as those that are being planned, the castle will be upgraded to a Culture Park, worthy of its fame and importance for the preservation of our heritage and the development of Ioannina,” he said.

Castle of Ioannina. Photo source: Travel Ioannina

The Culture Park project, with a total budget of 4.5 million euros, includes the following works:

– Renovation of the Ottoman baths to make them accessible to visitors.
– Protective, preservation, and enhancement measures for the Ioannina Municipal Museum–Aslan Pasha Mosque–Northeastern Acropolis.
– Protective, preservation, and enhancement of the Ottoman Library, transforming it into a promotional center for local heritage using multimedia.
– Interconnection, gentrification, and upgrading of public use facilities, the existing path network, public roads, and squares.

Ioannina Municipal Museum. Photo source: Travel Ioannina

With studies for the renovation of the Aslan Pasha Mosque, the Madrasa building, and the Ottoman Library already underway, all projects included in the castle funding scheme will soon be tendered, fully upgrading the historical monument.