Supervisors info:
Σταύρος Μαμαλούκος, Επίκουρος Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Αρχιτεκτόνων, Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών
Πέτρος Κουφόπουλος, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Αρχιτεκτόνων, Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών
Πλάτων Πετρίδης, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής Βυζαντινής Αρχαιολογίας, Τμήμα Ιστορίας και Αρχαιολογίας, Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών
Summary:
The Venetian fortress on the top of the hill that rises above Zakynthos Town is located where, according to travelers' testimonies, there was the ancient acropolis. The archaeological research that has been carried out so far has revealed archaeological material dating from prehistoric to post-Byzantine times, highlighting the Castle as the most timeless settlement of Zakynthos. The first archival evidence of a fortress dates back to the 15th century, while the existing walls, which have been saved by the earthquakes, date back to the 17th century. Inside, a typical medieval settlement, with irregularly shaped, narrow streets, few free spaces, but a host of private homes, public buildings, temples, and many wells and tanks. The abandonment of the castle by its inhabitants began gradually from the 19th century and completed after the union of the Ionian Islands with Greece in 1864. Despite its age, its historical and architectural value, its relatively good conservation status and its location, the monument had not yet been cared by the way it worths. The abandonment image of the Castle and its facilities is immediately perceived, and the need for an integrated management of the archaeological site and its environment is becoming more and more imperative. Thus, the subject of this thesis will be the conservation and management of the Venetian Castle of Zakynthos. Taking into account both the historical data and the existing state of the monumental ensemble and its environment, the intervention consists of two main parts: a) the protection of the Venetian past of Zakynthos; and b) its connection with the modern life on the island. Through the proposal, it will be easy to read the recognition of the different building blocks of the complex's building facilities and their function both individually and as a whole. The visitors will be able to understand the structure of the complex, the techniques and building materials, the morphological features, and how they all came from continuous contacts of Zakynthian people with the West and other regions of Greece. The second main part concerns the unification of the contemporary town of the island with the Castle and its connection with the modern life of residents and visitors. In fact, this connection existed already in 1646 and was made with a paved road, which started from the main gate of the Castle and led to the centre of the town. Strada Giustiniana, or Sartzada as it was established in recent years, was not the only link, as the inhabitants were served by a wider network of secondary paths. Through the proposed configuration, a new use of these routes will be achieved and will give residents and visitors the opportunity to see the other side of the island, which has to do with history, culture, environment and traditions. Thus, the connection of the present era is attempted with one, not so far, distant past. Unfortunately, the few efforts made so far by both the state and the local community have failed to provide a complete and successful management of the archaeological site. Initially, the proposed work comes to support and address the static problems that Castro presents, both fortifications and buildings. Continued strain from the devastating earthquakes has caused serious and in many cases irreparable damage, making the need for strengthening and supporting construction particularly urgent. Undoubtedly, the achievement of this goal will help to save and preserve the monument, increase its life span and ensure its static proficiency. The safety of people visiting the archaeological site and wanting to go to its premises is also being sought. As far as visitors are concerned, the management of Zakynthos Castle aims at the perception of space through a course, presenting the function and the individual activities that took place there. Appropriate information materials, such as signs and representations, come to serve this visitor's need, ie to understand the place. The project, at the same time, aims to cover the needs of visitors that have to do with their service. Designing appropriate accesses, creating stops for visitors and parking the vehicles, and building other necessary facilities (eg sanitary ware, ticket office, shop, etc.) will enhance the proper functioning of the site. Finally, the management project aims to contribute and play an important role in the local society of the island. Through the connection of the archaeological site to Zakynthos Town, the Castle will be a continuation of the urban fabric and will be of particular importance for modern life. In addition to archaeological sites, the site has the potential to acquire a cultural character by organizing small events during the summer months and depending on the cultural life of Zakynthos. Thus, the use of space in this way will be a pole of attraction as well as a culture lung, with the ultimate goal of promoting education and learning about the local history and tradition of the island.
Keywords:
Venetian, castle, fortress, Zakynthos, monument, management, protection, conservation, design, visitor, culture, tradition, Εptanissa, Venetian domination, Ionian, island, architecture, morphology, archeology, visit, reuse, restoration
