ANCIENT MESSENE: A model archaeological site thanks to the exemplary excavations and restorations carried out by Professor Petros Themelis and his team, through the substantial and effective contribution of the Society for Messinian Archaeological Studies (EMAS), which today ensures that it remains protected, clean, vibrant, and functional—exactly as described in the Memorandum of Cooperation between our Society and Minister of Culture L. Mendoni (April 4, 2024).
A few words about EMAS today: The Society for Messinian Archaeological Studies, within the framework of the aforementioned memorandum and by securing the necessary funding, a) focuses each year on cleaning and clearing vegetation inside and outside the monuments of the archaeological site, on creating firebreaks, on drainage and flood prevention projects, improving access routes to the monuments, repairs to the electrical and plumbing systems of the site and the museum, repairs and upgrades to its building infrastructure, and overall cleanliness, hygiene, and upkeep, while simultaneously providing support for the organization of all cultural and artistic events that take place each summer at the archaeological site, b) commissions and funds architectural studies for the stabilization, restoration, and enhancement of the ancient city’s monuments (such as the commission of the preliminary architectural study for the Roman Baths), c) acquires, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the parcels of land necessary for the redevelopment of the archaeological site (such as the acquisition of the former Kouvelakis property for the establishment and operation of new public service facilities (gift shop and ticket office), d) supports the scientific, research, and publishing work of Messene.
This is achieved thanks to the trust of the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Minister of Culture, on the one hand, and thanks to the trust and steadfast commitment of our sponsors to Messini’s work, on the other, who, even after the great loss of P. Themelis, continue to support EMAS in this new phase of its life. We express our gratitude to Ms. Fotini Livanos, the Ioannis F. Kostopoulos Foundation, the Captain Vasilis and Carmen Konstantakopoulos Foundation, AIGEAS AMKE led by Mr. Athanasios Martinos, the George and Victoria Karelia Foundation, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, and others for their love of this field and their steadfast, priceless, and decisive contributions to the realization of this major project, which helps preserve our cultural memory and identity, as well as the sustainable development of our region.
We must not forget the contribution of the local government, the Region, and all the involved and interested parties, especially our blue-collar staff, who have worked for this site all these years with love, faith, and dedication.
