Culture Ministry Leads Major Restoration Projects in Kastoria

Minster Lina Mendoni during the opening ceremony of the Tsouka Monastery. Photo source: Culture Ministry

With a budget of 5.5 million euros, the Greek Culture Ministry launches extensive restoration projects to promote Kastoria’s historical monuments and showcase its rich cultural heritage.

The project encompasses restoration at the Monastery of Tsouka, the frescoes of the Monastery of Virgin Mavriotissa, the Kursoum Mosque, and the Taxiarches of the Metropolis Church, along with the creation of a cultural route network integrated with digital tours, expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

“Every cultural project…serves as a crucial development resource for any region, generating work cycles, fostering interconnected economies, and creating new jobs,” Lina Mendoni emphasized during her visit to Kastoria for the opening of the Tsouka Monastery.

The Monastery of Tsouka

Monastery of Tsouka. Photo source: North Tzoumerka Municipality

The monastery complex, founded at the end of the 13th century, is built on three levels atop a rocky terrain.

Funded with 1.1 million euros, the project focused on restoring the library, redesigning the surrounding area to provide accessibility for people with disabilities, and ensuring proper lighting and heating for the monument.

The ministry has identified the completion of the monastery’s restoration as a top priority, alongside the restoration and promotion of Kastoria’s Madrassa (Ottoman school) and the Justinian walls.

Monastery of Virgin Mavriotissa. Photo source: Culture Ministry

During her visit, Mendoni also oversaw the preservation works at the Monastery of Mavriotissa, where the Kastoria Ephorate of Antiquities is carrying out a major restoration project for the frescoes, funded with 300,000 euros.

Afterwards, she visited the Kursoum Mosque, where works is underway to improve accessibility for visitors with disabilities.