Landscaping and Public Installations in Archaeological site of Nisyros | Anna Apostolou

Architectural study-supervision: Anna Apostolou, MSc architect engineer

Reconstruction consultant: Kostas Zampas, Dr. civil engineer

Responsible archaeologist: Melina Filimonos

The wall of Nisiros, named Palaiokastro, constitutes the fortification of the ancient city (4th century b.c.). The fortification wall crowns the hill over the present settlement, the Mandraki. It is one of the best saved ancient fortifications in the Aegean region and is distinguished for its robust and impressive structure made of volcano black stone, the basaltic andesite. It is dated from the 4th century b.c. with subsequent additions mainly during the Hellenistic period. The long-lasting abandonment of the wall had lead to its collapse in many sections, while the access to the wall was impossible, due to the native plantation.

Within the framework of the reconstruction and enhancement program for the ancient wall of Nisiros 2003-2013, three towers and three curtain walls along the fortification wall have been reconstructed with authentic material, the sections that were in danger of collapse have been restored and the wall has regained, in many sections, its imposing height. In total, six studies were undertaken, which were approved by the Ministry of Culture and were implemented in the monument.

The enhancement of the archaeological site comprised extended cleaning and removal of soil with the process of systematic excavation, whose objective was the revelation of stones as well as parts of the wall. Finally, the configuration was based on landscape design by designing paths and various accesses, stone-made discrete installations for the customer service, while it was completed with the study of lighting, the installation of informative signs and the planting of the area.

The project for the reconstruction and landscaping of the ancient wall of Nisiros has been praised by the Europa Nostra in 2010.