Three iconic monuments of Epirus—the Kaloutsiani Mosque, located in the urban center of Ioannina, the Ottoman Baths at the Ioannina Castle, and the Kiafa Castle in Souli—were handed over to the local community by the President of the Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, following their restoration and revitalization by the Ministry of Culture.

These interventions ensured the protection and long-term preservation of three monuments of exceptional historical and architectural value, which are being reintegrated into public life as cultural spaces, indisputable witnesses to the region’s rich historical continuity and collective memory, thereby contributing to increased visitor numbers and the sustainable development of the area.

The completion of these projects is part of the Ministry of Culture’s broader strategic plan for the protection and sustainable management of Epirus’s cultural heritage. As part of the Ministry of Culture’s strategy for interventions at monuments from all historical periods, the Ministry is strengthening the preservation of historical continuity and leveraging culture as a driver of regional development and social cohesion.

The Kaloutsiani Mosque

Built in the 18th century, the Kaloutsiani Mosque, a historic listed monument, is one of the most important monuments from the Ottoman period in Ioannina. Its restoration, with a budget of 2,200,000 euros from the Recovery and Resilience Fund, was carried out by the Directorate for the Restoration of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Monuments, in collaboration with the Directorate for the Conservation of Ancient and Modern Monuments and the Ioannina Ephorate of Antiquities. The work involved restoring the monument to its original form, conserving the frescoes, wooden, and plaster decorative elements, and removing later alterations that had altered its character. During the work, significant archaeological remains were uncovered, which were highlighted and incorporated into the visitor area. The monument is now presented to the residents and visitors of Ioannina as a new cultural attraction that enriches their experience and enhances the character of the historic city.

Ottoman Baths – Ioannina Castle

Located within the historic complex of the northeastern acropolis of Ioannina Castle, the Ottoman Baths are one of the earliest surviving monuments from the Ottoman period and an integral part of a unique monumental complex. The restoration and enhancement project, with a budget of 1,900,000 euros, was carried out by the Ioannina Ephorate of Antiquities, with funding from the Regional Operational Programs “Epirus 2014–2020” and “Epirus 2021–2027.” The work included stabilization and restoration of the building, as well as upgrades to infrastructure and accessibility. With the completion of the project, the Ioannina Castle gains yet another well-organized visitor area, which enhances the visitor experience and expands the possibilities for the cultural utilization of the monumental complex.

Kiafa Castle – Souli

Kiafa Castle, inextricably linked to the Souliotes’ struggle for freedom, is one of the most important fortification monuments in modern Greek history and a premier landmark of collective historical memory. Its restoration is part of the comprehensive strategic plan for the protection, promotion, and sustainable development of the historic site of Souli, which was drawn up within the framework of the Programmatic Agreement for Cultural Development between the Ministry of Culture, the Region of Epirus, and the National Technical University of Athens. The completion of the project marks a significant step toward the implementation of the overall plan, which aims to establish Souli as a site of historical memory, culture, and sustainable development.

The work included extensive stabilization and restoration of the walls, maintenance of the stonework, reconstruction of stone arches, and restoration of specific architectural elements, all carried out with the utmost respect for the monument’s authenticity and historical character.

Upon completion of the project, Kiafa Castle will be fully open to the public, highlighting a site that symbolizes modern Greek history and creating a new hub of culture, historical memory, and development prospects for Souli and the wider region.