The research program prepared by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki for the prioritization and methodology of the restoration interventions of Didymoteicho Castle for its protection and its functional connection with the urban environment has been completed. In the first phase of the research program, applied research was carried out for the analysis, mapping, and the historical, architectural documentation of the entire monument and its pathology was examined at the level of the whole and the individual parts. In the second phase, the priorities were identified, based on a costed strategic plan, for the planning of the required interventions to highlight the monument, with an emphasis on the sections with the most critical structural problems, but also the reconstruction of the area by restoring the routes and its immediate surroundings .

After the presentation of the research program at the meeting at the Ministry of Culture, Minister Lina Mendoni pointed out: “We now have a strategic plan for the protection of the monumental complex of the Didymoteicho Castle and the highlighting of its timeless and contemporary relationship with the urban fabric that surrounds it . The restoration and promotion of the Castle is an extensive project with a horizon of completion over a long period of time. But now, based on the results and conclusions of the project, we are launching the program of interventions required by the monument, giving priority to the entrances of the Castle, the routes inside it and its surrounding area. Our goal is the protection, morphological restoration and functional integration of the monument into the fabric of the city. The rescue and promotion of the cultural identity of Didymoteichos, in its long history, is a priority for the Ministry of Culture, in the context of the Government’s general strategy for the reconstruction and development of the uncritical regional unity of Evros. The project of restoring the Didymoteicho Castle is part of the planning of cultural projects that we are planning in the region in collaboration with the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, according to the priorities that have been jointly set. Taking advantage of the historical background of the Castle, our intention is to highlight the intangible cultural heritage of the place, the history and legends that have been connected to the Castle, in order to highlight its importance, but also to enrich the visitor’s experience. After the restoration of the Church of Agios Athanasios in the Castle, the start of work on the restoration of the Bayazit Mosque, and the three post-Byzantine churches in the wider area of ​​Didymoteicho, the Ministry of Culture prioritizes the Castle of the Twin Walls, which dominates the area from in the time of Justinian. A constant demand of the local community is satisfied. As we have committed, at the beginning of 2025 the results of the program will be presented in Didymoteicho.

Castle in Didymoteicho

Based on the results of the program, immediate interventions are launched at the two gates: Bridge Gate and Market Gate, and at four towers: Π1, Π2, Π3, Π4. The stone pavement on the routes between the two gates is being restored with the aim of improving mobility within the Castle, the caves are preserved, partial restorations are made to the walls with priority in the sections where stonework collapses are observed, a standing and viewing area is created towards Tower 1, the so-called and Vassilopoula Tower. At the same time, some expropriations and the management of abandoned structures are necessary.

The Castle of the “Twin Walls”, the most important in the territory of Thrace, is located on the top of Kale hill, which dominates the city of Didymoteichos and is built on dozens of carved caves. In its current form, it dates from the 6th century. A.D. In the Byzantine Empire, Didymoteicho was an important commercial, administrative and military center. Its great geostrategic position had already been pointed out since ancient times. Its strong fortification, with walls of great thickness that formed its enclosure, also contributed to this. Today, the Castle is preserved in its greatest length. In the perimeter of the walls, 1,300 meters long, there are a total of 24 towers. Inside the castle grounds there are scattered carved caves, which were used as parts of houses. According to historical sources, the walls of Didymoteichus were rebuilt under Justinian and strengthened in 751 AD, under Constantine V and later in 1303. In 1713-14, King Charles II of Sweden resided in the Castle of Didymoteichus in semi-captivity ‘. Inside the Castle enclosure there is a small stone naidrium and the current Armenian church of Agios Georgios (Surp Kevork). It was built on the site of the Byzantine church of Agios Georgios Palaiokastritis, where on October 26, 1341, John V Kantakuzenos was crowned emperor.