The way is opened for the promotion and utilization of the Archaeological Site of Thermopylae, its thermal spring and its building facilities
The will of the Government, for the promotion – utilization of the archaeological site of Thermopylae, the thermal spring and its building facilities, is expressed by the coordinated action of the Ministries of Culture & Sports and Finance.
In particular, with the unanimously positive opinion of the Central Archaeological Council (KAS) on the updated study “Improvement Interventions of Mild Regeneration – Promotion of the Archaeological Site of Thermopylae”, as well as b. With the approval of the Special Spatial Development Plan of the Public Real Estate (ESCHADA) and the Strategic Environmental Impact Study (SPE) of the Thermopylae Spa Source by the Central Council of Public Property Management (KSD), the road is opened for the and the utilization of the thermal spring, building facilities and unstructured land.
The study for the archaeological site is a modification of the complete study of the project “Study of Improvement Interventions of Mild Regeneration – Promotion of the Archaeological Site of Thermopylae”, which was examined by the KAS on December 15, 2020. The updated study, in October 2021 services of the Ministry of Culture based on the Decision No. 455340 / 09-09-2021 of the Ministry of Culture and Sports.
The main objectives of the study are to highlight the historical topography of the area and the expansion of the archaeological site to be visited with the inclusion of hot springs, located near Anopaia Atrapos on Mount Kallidromos. In this context, the redesign of the space is attempted, simplifying the previous sub-configurations, in order to result in a freer movement of visitors.
The modified study, among other things, includes adjustments to the terms of the sidewalks, the paths of the disabled, the planting and the lighting, in order to have a clearer orientation. The design of a digital application for smartphones and tablets is also foreseen, through which the ancient topography of the area will be presented and information will be provided about the historical events that took place in it, but also about the accesses to the monuments.
In particular, the study concerns the regeneration of the Middle Strait or Middle Gate of the archaeological site, which is located in the area of ​​Kolonos hill where the last phase of the battle of Thermopylae took place, based on the reports of Herodotus during the story of the battle of 480 BC. .Χ. The area, significantly transformed geomorphologically today, has a special symbolism. However, the only visible ancient monument it offers today is the wall of Phocaea, which is located parallel to the passage of Thermopylae, behind which was set up the camp of 300 Spartans. The hill of Kolonos itself is the site of the last fallen 300 Spartans and 700 Thespians, who were destroyed by a storm of Persian arrows on the last day of the battle. There, according to the testimony of Herodotus, the stone lion must have been placed in honor of Leonidas and the polyandry of the Three Hundred must have been formed.
From the side of the Ministry of Culture and Sports through the Ephorate of Antiquities of Fthiotida, the project “Restoration and fixing of the wall of Phocaea in the archaeological site of Thermopylae (phase)” is also being implemented. In the same context of highlighting the site, the Ephorate is in contact with the Municipality of Lamia, in order for part of the Histopylon Historical Information Center to be granted to the Ministry of Culture for the creation of a permanent archaeological exhibition with findings concerning the archaeological site of Thermopylae and the eponymous battle.
For its part, the Ministry of Finance is investigating the possibility of financing the above project in the archaeological site from the Recovery Fund, and assists the HRDH in the utilization of its assets in the area (thermal spring, land area with buildings).
Regarding this utilization, the Special Spatial Development Plan of the Public Real Estate (ESHADA) and the Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (SES) were completed and audited by the HRDH project team.
The proposal of spatial destination is determined taking into account the directions of the overhead development and spatial planning, in combination with the structural properties of the space that concern the specific location, ie the existence of the natural thermal resource and the archaeological site of Thermopylae.
Thus, it can be concluded that the most appropriate investment identity – spatial destination of the property concerns its development as a Pole (Center) of Spa and Historical Tourism not only nationally, but also at European – international level. The main goal is the provision of high quality spa tourism services, with a promoted connection with the historicity of the place and the possibility of integrating medical tourism, but also cultural facilities.
In this way, the needs of fiscal sustainability are met, as well as the efficiency and effectiveness of the investment, by contributing to regional development and the local economy. At the same time, the character of the property as Loutropolis is preserved, with the simultaneous protection, preservation and utilization – highlighting the unique identity of the natural and cultural environment and the landscape that are treated as a whole.
The ESHADA and SMPE studies were approved today, following a relevant request by the HRDH, by the Central Council of Public Property Management (KSD), which met under the chairmanship of the Secretary General of Tax Policy and Public Property of the Ministry of Finance Athina.
Finally, within the framework of the working group set up jointly by the two co-competent Ministries, the feasibility of new traffic technical works or interventions – regulations in the archaeological site of Thermopylae is investigated and relevant actions are planned.
Following the above developments, the Minister of Culture and Sports, Lina Mendoni, stated:
“Methodically, and in coordinated action with the Ministry of Finance, we cooperate on the basis of a holistic approach to highlight the internationally prominent archaeological site of Thermopylae, utilizing, at the same time, the neighboring thermal springs that are a wealthy resource of the region. As part of our joint working group, we are in direct coordination with all stakeholders so that the world-famous archaeological site of Thermopylae, a place of sacrifice and virtue, acquires the glory it deserves. At the same time, we satisfy the timeless request of the local community for the promotion of the archeological site. We invest in sustainable projects, of a developmental character, that highlight the cultural reserve and the natural environment of the specific area. By creating and promoting cultural goods, we create the critical conditions for the tourist and economic development of the place “.
On his part, the Minister of Finance Christos Staikouras stated:
“The Ministry of Finance, in full coordination with the co-responsible Ministry of Culture & Sports and the HRDH, is accelerating the procedures that concern it. The decision of the Central Board of Directors and the investigation of the possibility of financing projects in the archaeological site through the Recovery Fund are important steps in the effort. Within the framework of the working group set up by the two co-competent Ministries, the overall progress of the project is closely monitored, based on the holistic approach of the project. With rationality and method, we work so that the world-famous archeological site of Thermopylae acquires the shine it deserves and the adjacent wealth resource is utilized quickly, expanding the productive base of the region and the country “.
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