Title:

Restoration and Enhancement of the Castle of Mila, Messenia

Region:

Peloponnese, Regional Unit of Messenia, Municipality of Oichalia

Operational Programme:

“Peloponnese 2014–2020”

Implementing Authority:

Ephorate of Antiquities of Messenia

Budget:

€450,000.00

Fund:

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

Description:

The objective of this project is the restoration and enhancement of the Castle of Mila, one of the most important fortifications of the Frankish period in the Peloponnese.

The Castle of Mila has been identified with Châteauneuf, founded by Isabella of Villehardouin between 1297 and 1301. It is a small fortress built in a strategically significant position for controlling the wider region and its medieval routes, exhibiting similarities to castle-residences of Western Europe.

The main fortification has an irregular quadrilateral plan, reinforced along its perimeter by three massive towers. To the north, a lower outer enclosure of rougher construction extends, while to the northwest, the remains of a small gate have been located a few dozen metres away.

Within the framework of the project, general cleaning and removal of debris are being carried out to uncover buried sections of the fortifications. At the same time, structural consolidation and morphological restoration works are performed on the damaged sections of the main castle.

Benefits:

Upon completion, the project will address the structural and stability issues of the monument, ensuring its preservation and safe accessibility to the public. Informational signage will be installed to guide and inform visitors, while the archaeological findings uncovered during the works will be documented and published in reputable academic journals.

Furthermore, the promotion and enhancement of the archaeological site will contribute to the development of cultural tourism and the revitalization of local entrepreneurship, thereby supporting the broader socio-economic growth of the region.