Continuing her tour of the Regional Unit of Florina, Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni conducted a series of on-site inspections of monuments and archaeological sites in Amyntaio and Florina, launching a comprehensive program of initiatives, with a total budget of over 15,000,000 euros, aimed at protecting, restoring, and promoting the region’s cultural heritage, from antiquity to modern times.

The focus is on the Roman villa and the new Diachronic Archaeological Museum of Amyntaio, as well as the restoration and enhancement of the city’s significant modern and Ottoman monuments.

These interventions form a cohesive plan that combines the protection and restoration of monuments with modern museum infrastructure, the creation of new cultural and research hubs, and the meaningful connection of cultural heritage with the local community, education, and visitors.

Roman Villa

The Roman villa at Amyntaio was uncovered in 2017 and is an exceptionally large and complex structure covering approximately 5,100 square meters, dating from the 2nd to the 5th century AD. Strategically located near the Egnatia Highway, the villa is arranged in five wings surrounding courtyards and comprises approximately 175 rooms, including luxurious halls, bath complexes, workshops, and storage areas. The rich decoration, featuring approximately 610 square meters of mosaics and murals, highlights the significance and exceptional architectural and artistic value of the monument, which was linked to the economic and productive organization of the wider region. Significant deterioration and the loss of structural material make it necessary to stabilize, restore, and effectively protect the monument. The basic principle of the intervention is the creation of a protective shell around the mansion, which will ensure a controlled microclimate and protect the monument from environmental conditions. At the same time, the space will be organized so that visitors can tour and appreciate the monument, its architecture, and its historical significance, while incorporating museum functions and exhibition spaces where the findings from the excavation will be presented in direct relation to the monument itself.

Archaeological Storage Facilities of the Florina Ephorate of Antiquities

In Agios Panteleimon, the Minister of Culture toured the facilities of the Florina Ephorate of Antiquities, which include research and conservation laboratories and storage areas created as part of a collaboration with the Public Power Corporation (DEI) for the rescue excavations in the region. The goal is to create a unified center for archaeological research, conservation, and preservation by consolidating the scattered storage areas and acquiring the property, while also utilizing part of the facilities as a visitor center for schools, researchers, and the general public.

“Diethnes” Hotel

This historic hotel in the center of Florina, was built between 1924 and 1927 and is a designated monument of special cultural significance, as the café of the same name is associated with director Theodoros Angelopoulos and the films shot in the area. During the Minister of Culture’s on-site inspection, it was decided to proceed with the process of expropriation or direct purchase of the property, with the aim of restoring the building for use as a cultural hub.

Ottoman Monuments

During her visit to Florina, the Minister of Culture visited the three surviving Ottoman monuments in the city’s historic center, for which she initiated the necessary measures for their protection, restoration, and harmonious integration into the modern urban fabric. Regarding the surviving section of the Kule, once the investigation into its ownership status is complete, the necessary studies and restoration work will proceed. As for the surviving minaret of the Tarsi Mosque, located on property owned by ELTA, efforts will be made to transfer the property to the Ministry of Culture in order to enable the restoration and scientific investigation of the monument and the site’s earlier construction phases, where the existence of a Christian church has been documented. Regarding the Ottoman bathhouse, a monument from the early Ottoman period (14th century), plans are underway to immediately include the project in the Ministry of Culture’s National Development Program so that restoration work can begin by 2026, as the monument has sustained extensive damage.

Lina Mendoni concluded her visit to Florina with a meeting with Mayor Vasilis Giannakis, during which she provided him with a detailed update on the projects that have been launched, and they discussed opportunities for further cooperation and coordination on cultural matters.

The Minister of Culture was accompanied on her tour of Florina and Amyntaio by the Secretary General for Culture, Olympia Vikatos, Stavros Papasotiriou, Member of Parliament for Western Macedonia; Anastasia Gadolou, Head of the Directorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities; Ioannis Liasis, Mayor of Amyntaio; The Director of the Restoration of Ancient Monuments, Themistoklis Vlachoulis; the Director of Conservation, Maria Mertzani; the Superintendente of Antiquities for Florina, Christina Ziota; as well as a delegation of officials.