The Ministry of Culture, through the Ephorate of Antiquities of Trikala, is proceeding with the restoration and maintenance of the structural material of the western arm and the northwestern tower of the acropolis of Ancient Pelinna.

The Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni said: “Ancient Pelinna is located about 16 km east of Trikala. It was one of the most important cities of Ancient Estiotida. Pellina flourished during the late classical and Hellenistic times due to its stable pro-Macedonian policy. During this period the site of the old city was transformed into an acropolis, and the fortress was extended into the plain and protected by a strong wall. Alexander the Great passed through Ancient Pelinna in 335 BC to invade Boeotia. The ancient sources and the architectural remains provide important evidence about the life of this city, especially in the 4th century BC, while many new facts are revealed in the course of the project. The acropolis, which was the original nucleus of the city until the arrival of the Macedonians and its subsequent expansion, is built in a naturally fortified position on the top of a hill overlooking the plain. The interventions to address the problems facing the north-western rampart of the citadel aim to preserve and enhance the monument and to make it accessible to the public by creating a safe, organised archaeological site, easily accessible and readable to visitors.”

On the north side of the citadel, a natural steep hollow is formed in the ground (dolini), probably due to the precipitation of the roof of the underground cave, which makes the site impregnable from this side. The wall is therefore formed as a trapezoidal enclosure in plan on the other three sides. The monument is facing problems due to both natural, due to chronic abandonment, and man-made factors. There is collapse of the superstructure due to abandonment and water ingress, deconstruction of the superstructure due to the removal of ancient material for use in newer constructions, and deliberate destruction by clandestine excavations. The action of rain combined with the poor soil, occasional dynamic stresses and dense vegetation result in cracks and stone deposits. Recent excavations have uncovered over 300 architectural features in the vicinity of the monument.

In the 6th and 5th centuries BC, the city was confined to the meridian slopes of the “Paleogardiki” hill, which later became the acropolis. The Macedonian domination of Thessaly ended with the defeat of Philip V in 197 BC. In 191 BC, during the Antiochian War, the Athamanians captured Pelinna, and the city was subsequently occupied by the Romans and fell into obscurity. During the Byzantine period, the settlement of ‘Gardikion’ was built on the acropolis of Ancient Pelinna, and according to the latest excavation data, settlement in the area continued until the early years of the Ottoman occupation, when the site was finally abandoned. From the medieval period, in the acropolis, repair interventions on the fortifications can be seen, as well as the remains of a three-aisled basilica.