Cultural Heritage Poles Sudy

CHORD
Cultural Heritage: Exploiting Opportunities for Rural Development
Cultural Heritage Poles Study
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 2 SWOT analysis of the Province of Benevento .................................................3 Cultural resources in the Province of Benevento ...........................................5
2.1 Artistic, natural, historic and archaeological resources ................................................................... 6 2.2 Local food products and traditional crafts ..................................................................................... 19 2.3 Events and festivals .................................................................................................................... 222
3
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6
Cultural poles ...................................................................................................24

Archaeological Pole....................................................................................................................... 26 History and Art Pole ...................................................................................................................... 27 Nature and Landscape Pole.......................................................................................................... 29 Villages and Crafts Pole ................................................................................................................ 30 Food & Wine Pole ......................................................................................................................... 31 Mediterranean areas involved in the project: cultural tourism themes.......................................... 32
The Cultural District: best practice .................................................................33

5.1 Terre di Faenza........................................................................................................................... 33 5.2 Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto .................................................................................... 334
A model for promoting cultural initiatives in the Province of Benevento .335

6.1 A model for organizing roadshows ................................................................................................ 36
Sources...........................................................................................................................38
22
1. SWOT analysis of the Province of Benevento

For the Campania Regional Government, tourism is one of the key policies for economic development and has been the main focus of planning tools for both the 2000-2006 and 2007-2013 planning cycles. Campanias major strengths are its wealth of outstanding natural and cultural resources as well as its vast heritage of museums and historic and archaeological sites. In addition, there are enormous untapped opportunities for tourism, especially in inland areas, where marketable tourism resources are to a large extent still underdeveloped. The regions weaknesses are, in contrast, the strong seasonality of tourist demand and the high concentration of tourist arrivals in coastal areas around Naples and Salerno. In this scenario, the inland areas of Campania, and consequently the Province of Benevento, should be considered as a strategic resource for regional tourism. These areas can relieve the impact of tourism on major coastal resorts and encourage harmonious tourism development in inland and coastal areas. Actions have already been put in place to promote tourism in these parts of the region and to position them on domestic and international markets as quality destinations for culinary, eco- and cultural tourists. Visitors can enjoy the local resources (culture, environment, food and wine) by utilizing accommodation providers that are strongly embedded in the area, such as farmhouses, bed & breakfasts and all other types of nonhotel establishments. The SWOT analysis clearly shows that across the board the Province of Benevento has major opportunities for tourism development, particularly in the culture and nature segments of the market. However, these opportunities are offset by a number of grey areas. Specific actions will need to be implemented in order to eliminate structural divides, thereby strengthening the areas ability to exploit opportunities associated with tourism development, and at the same time counteract the threats inherent in the competitive scenario. The following two tables summarize the results of the SWOT analysis of the Province of Benevento. The first table lists the areas strengths and weaknesses in relation to the cultural tourism market. The second table describes external factors that could either positively (opportunities) or negatively (threats) affect the reinforcement of the areas competitive positioning.
Figure 1 SWOT analysis summary Strengths Weaknesses
High quality environmental, historic, cultural, archaeological and religious resources that can be promoted to foster tourism development Major food and wine attractors, and increasing awareness of local products outside the region Well-developed system of events and food festivals Population mainly concentrated in towns and villages with distinctive historic centres of major cultural interest Unspoilt urban, architectural and environmental landscapes Vast undeveloped areas Reasonable supply of manpower Low population density
Little awareness of local resources outside the area
Poorly trained business owners and staff in terms of tourism Limited size and undercapitalization of most businesses Inadequate infrastructures and services for citizens and businesses Few inbound tourism operators Poor integration between the food and wine sector and tourist services Inadequate local transport structures and infrastructures, particularly railways, with almost no intermodal facilities
Opportunities Proximity to well-developed tourist areas and possibility of generating indirect tourism Growth in the demand for rural, cultural, and food and wine tourism Increasing appeal of minor tourist destinations as an alternative to large metropolitan areas Creation of tourism-related businesses in the commercial and service industries Low environmental impact of tourism development ICT technologies allowing for considerable improvements in information access in terms of time, cost and reliability Tendency towards the regeneration and preservation of historic centres
Threats
Increased competition from other areas in Italy
High standards of services offered by other strongly positioned areas in Italy
Inadequacy of local transport structures in relation to local needs
2. Cultural resources in the Province of Benevento

The Province of Benevento has a rich and varied heritage. Situated in inland Campania, visitors to the area can enjoy picturesque scenery, areas of unspoilt natural beauty, and numerous sites of historic and artistic interest. The provinces wealth of tourism resources is a result of the fact that the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Traces of the different civilizations that ruled over the area are often still visible in monuments and buildings. The many archaeological sites found throughout the province are a testimony to the particularly important role played by first the Samnites and then the Romans in local history. Other resources adding to the areas cultural heritage include the local customs and traditions belonging to the many villages scattered throughout the province. Over the course of time, traditional locally produced food products have come to the fore and gained visibility. Thanks to their high quality and distinctive character, many have been awarded official status both nationally and at EU level. The areas assets can be summarized as follows: historic sites and monuments, including churches and monasteries archaeological sites villages with distinctive architectural features sites of natural and scenic interest museums traditional food products crafts events and local traditions.
Some of the main tourist resources making up the vast heritage of the Province of Benevento have been identified. These resources cover a wide range of themes strongly associated with cultural tourism and are illustrated in the following sub-sections. Sub-section 2.1 describes historic sites and monuments, archaeological sites, villages, areas of natural and scenic interest, and museums. These resources are grouped by geographical location. Sub-sections 2.2 and 2.3 describe traditional food products, crafts and the main events of interest to tourists.
2.1
Artistic, natural, historic and archaeological resources in the Province of Benevento
In order to make it easier to identify the different types of resources and their geographical location, a list of the provinces cultural heritage attractions by area is given below. Since visitors enjoy cultural resources after having first identified and chosen geographical areas and destinations, the resources have been grouped by municipality. To make it even easier for potential visitors to discover and explore the Province of Benevento, the resources have been divided into four sub-areas based on the geographical distribution of heritage sites and resources and on the areas geomorphological features: Benevento and the Colline Beneventane Taburno Titerno Alto Sannio, Valle del Tammaro, Fortore.
Benevento and the Colline Beneventane

Benevento Type Archaeological site Resource Arch of Trajan and museum Description Built in AD 114 to celebrate the extension of the Appian Way from Benevento to Brindisi, the arch is richly sculpted with military scenes and scenes of the emperors achievements in times of peace. Constructed under the emperor Hadrian and inaugurated in AD 126, this huge theatre was built using the technique of opus latericium and could seat up to ten thousand people. The church was built during the Lombard period on the site of earlier Roman ruins and was the seat of a monastic complex between the VIII and XV century. It currently houses a multi-media exhibition illustrating the history of the Arch of Trajan. The church is part of the Benedictine abbey founded by the Lombards. Its XII century portal is flanked by two Roman columns, while the interior is decorated with fine VIII century frescoes. Dating from the Lombard period, the cathedral has conserved its original faade and massive bell tower, built in 1280 and decorated with Roman marbles and two Gothic double lancet windows. The beautifully frescoed crypt houses the Diocesan Museum. The XII century bronze doors have recently been restored. Commissioned by Pope John XXII, the castle was built in 1321. The interior is divided into three floors, mostly given over to the history section of the Museo del Sannio containing official documents from the Roman age up to the XIX century. Founded in 1873, the museum is housed in the XIV century Rocca dei Rettori Pontifici. It is divided into four sections (Archaeology, Medieval Studies, History and Art) and runs two research centres (Textual and Visual). Situated in the reconverted basement of the Palazzo della Prefettura in Benevento, the museum promotes culture and creativity as well as functioning as a learning laboratory, art factory, meeting place and centre for research. A permanent, open-air exhibition showcasing the works of renowned artist Mimmo Paladino. The sculptures are juxtaposed with fragments of Roman columns, capitals and broken pediments testifying to the ancient and multi-faceted culture of the Sannio region and the town of Benevento. The LEN, Laboratorio Europeo della Naturalit, is the first science and natural science museum to have been set up in the Province of Benevento. Visitors can discover more about scientific topics by taking an unusual learning tour. Responsible body Archaeological Heritage Dept. of Salerno, Avellino, Benevento and Caserta Archaeological Heritage Dept. of Salerno, Avellino, Benevento and Caserta Archaeological Heritage Dept. of Salerno, Avellino, Benevento and Caserta Archdiocese of Benevento
Archaeological site
Roman theatre
Architecture, history and art
Chiesa di SantIlario
Churches and monasteries
Chiesa di Santa Sofia
Duomo
Archdiocese of Benevento
Rocca dei Rettori
Provincial Council of Benevento
Museums / History
Museo del Sannio
Provincial Council of Benevento / Art Sannio Cultural Heritage Agency Provincial Council of Benevento / Art Sannio Cultural Heritage Agency Provincial Council of Benevento
Museums / Art
Arcos
Museums / Art
Hortus Conclusus
Museums / Science
GeoBioLab
Provincial Council of Benevento / Art Sannio Cultural Heritage Agency
Museums / Traditions
Musa
The Musa is a farming museum illustrating the history of the areas agricultural heritage and its cultural identify. Visitors can find out about farming machines, their inventors and family life in the country.
Provincial Council of Benevento / Art Sannio Cultural Heritage Agency
Buonalbergo Type Archaeological site
Resource Ponte delle Chianche
Eremo della Madonna della Macchia
Description The remains of this Roman bridge built in the II century AD are situated on an old pilgrimage route called the Via Sacra Langobardorum. The sixarched bridge is named after the stone paving slabs called chianche in the local dialect. According to legend, the hermitage was built on the site where a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary lost by Crusaders on their return from the Holy Land was discovered. The low-lying hill on which it stands is the perfect place to stop for a rest in the shade of mature elm trees. The wooden statue of the Virgin and Child dates from the XII century.
Responsible body Archaeological Heritage Dept. of Salerno, Avellino, Benevento and Caserta Archdiocese of Benevento
Pietrelcina Type Villages
Resource Places in the life of San Pio
Villages
Historic centre
Description Pietrelcina was the birthplace of San Pio and has become one of Italys most important pilgrimage sites. Today it is possible to visit the house where the saint was born and other places associated with his life. Pietrelcina lies on a plateau surrounded by low-lying hills that gently descend towards the Tammaro river valley. This pretty little village is full of lovely exposed stone buildings.
Responsible body Convent of the Frati Minori Cappuccini Padre Pio Pietrelcina Town Council
Taburno
Airola Type Architecture, history and art Resource Castello di Airola Description Built on the top of a hill called Monteoliveto, the castle must originally have been very large, with walls and defence towers. The ruins visible today date from the Norman period. The entrance on the northeast side is in an almost perfect state of conservation. Probably built between the XIV and XV century, the church is in the shape of a Latin cross with a nave, two aisles and 15 altars. Between the XVI and XVIII century it was decorated with frescoes, paintings, stuccowork, and sculptures in marble and wood. The monastery, with its rectangular layout and two cloisters, houses some very fine works of art. The faade of the church and its impressive bell tower, built out of large tufa blocks and exposed stone, look towards the town of Airola. Exhibits on display in the towns municipal museum of art and archaeology include a number of Roman findings. The museum is housed in the Struttura polivalente servizi culturali. Responsible body Aiola Town Council
Chiesa SS. Annunziata
Monastero di San Gabriele
Museums / Archaeology
Museo Civico
Diocese of Cerreto Sannita Telese Terme SantAgata de Goti Diocese of Cerreto Sannita Telese Terme SantAgata de Goti Aiola Town Council
Bonea Type Archaeological site
Resource Ruins of the Villa of Cocceius
Archaeological site
Torre del Vessillo
Description Mentioned by Horace in the description of his journey from Rome to Brindisi. The grandeur of the surviving structures and the discovery of a marble statue of a satyr with panther, currently housed in the Naples National Archaeological Museum, clearly indicate that this was once a sumptuous patrician villa. A Roman funerary mausoleum, the so-called Torre del Vessillo is a round tower tapering towards the top similar to a Doric column.
Responsible body Archaeological Heritage Dept. of Salerno, Avellino, Benevento and Caserta Archaeological Heritage Dept. of Salerno, Avellino, Benevento and Caserta Archaeological Heritage Dept. of Salerno, Avellino, Benevento and Caserta
Archaeological site
Roman cisterns
The Roman cisterns have four aisles and two parallel conduits, barrel vaults with wooden camber beams, and partially plastered walls.
SantAgata de Goti Type Resource Villages Historic centre
Chiesa di San Menna
Description One of the most picturesque fortified villages in the whole province, its narrow flagstoned streets, old palazzi with stone portals and grand churches are all perilously perched on the edge of a tufa rock cliff dug out by two rivers. The village has been awarded the Bandiera Arancione by the Touring Club Italiano for excellency in tourism, hospitality and the environment. Built as a castle chapel between 1102 and 1107 by Count Robert the Norman, son of Ranulf, the church is in the shape of a basilica, in the style of Monte Cassino. Believed until recently to date from the XVIII century, archival sources and the diligent work of the prior of the confraternity have brought to light a medieval structure with a typical basilica layout. The nave and two aisles are separated by pillars from the Lombard period with early Medieval capitals.
Responsible body SantAgata de Goti Town Council
Chiesa di SantAngelo Muncularis
Diocese of Cerreto Sannita Telese Terme SantAgata de Goti Diocese of Cerreto Sannita Telese Terme SantAgata de Goti
Solopaca Type Architecture, history and art
Resource Palazzo Ducale
Palazzo Cutillo
Ponte Regina Maria Cristina
Chiesa di San Martino Vescovo
Santuario Madonna del Roseto
Museums / Food and Wine
MEG
Description Built between 1672 and 1682 by Duke Antonio Maria Ceva Grimaldi, feudal lord of the area. The original faade, decorated with geometrical and floral motifs, is similar to that of the Chiesa del SS. Corpo di Cristo. The ducal palace was the scene of a number of historical events, including the Macchia Conspiracy in 1701. Constructed in 1826, the building has two entrances set at different heights. Inside the palazzo, visitors can admire the basement with its vaulted ceiling and arches, as well as frescoes in one of the rooms on the first floor. The belvedere affords spectacular views over the Calore river valley and Monte Taburno. This old bridge was almost completely destroyed during World War II. Today you can see the remains of one of Italys first iron suspension bridges. Built by the architect Luigi Giura, the bridge was inaugurated in 1835 by the Bourbon king Ferdinand II and his wife, Queen Maria Christina of Savoy. A commemorative plaque marks the occasion. Restored after the earthquake in 1980, the church has a Neoclassical faade with a typical double stone stairway. The interior is decorated with Neoclassical frescoes, three wooden Baroque-style niches, and holy water stoups in Carrara marble featuring the coat of arms of the University of Solopaca. The shrine can be reached by following a country road up to the gorge of Monte Palombella, at a height of 600 metres above sea level. From the first Monday in September until June, the sanctuary houses a XIII century wooden statue of the Virgin Mary. The Museo EnoGastronomico is an important part of the provinces museum network and is involved in teaching and outreach activities. It is also a research centre.
Responsible body Solopaca Town Council
Solopaca Town Council
Solopaca Town Council
Diocese of Cerreto Sannita Telese Terme SantAgata de Goti
Diocese of Cerreto Sannita Telese Terme SantAgata de Goti Solopaca Town Council / Art Sannio Cultural Heritage Agency
Foglianise Type Nature and landscape
Resource Parco Regionale del TaburnoCamposauro
Nature cave church
Eremo di San Michele
Description The Taburno Camposauro Regional Wildlife Reserve Park was founded in 1993. It lies to the west of Benevento and is located entirely within the borders of the province. The massif that gives its name to the park is known as La Dormiente del Sannio (the Sleeping Woman of Sannio). Seen from Benevento, the outline of the three peaks (Monte Taburno, Camposauro and Pentime) resembles a woman lying on her back. Standing on Monte Caruso, near the village of Foglianise, the hermitage offers lovely views over the Valle Vitulanese. Built inside a rock cave, it was dedicated to Saint Michael in the XVIII century, but was actually built much earlier during the Lombard period.
Responsible body Ente Parco Regionale del TaburnoCamposauro (Park Authority)
Melizzano Type Architecture, history and art
Resource Castello Caracciolo
Palazzo Bellocci
Description Particularly interesting from a historical and architectural point of view, the castle was built in the XVII century. Originally owned by the princes of Conca, it later passed into the hands of Bartolomeo Corsi and then the Caracciolo family. Dating from the XVIII century, the building is a typical example of Baroque architecture
Responsible body Caracciolo DAquara Family
Bellucci Family
Montesarchio Type Archaeological site
Resource Roman aqueduct
Description Traces of the ancient Roman aqueduct that once supplied the whole area with water from the Rivullo spring can be found in the village of Cirignano. The aqueduct was a magnificent feat of engineering. The VIII century medieval tower and castle are a testimony to the ancient Lombard domination of Montesarchio. Restored between 1947 and 1950, the castle is in a good state of conservation. It was donated to the Salerno Heritage Department to house a museum. Situated in the medieval area called Latovetere, the abbey was built between the XII and XIII century. It houses a wooden statue of the patron saint, Saint Nicolas. The Church and Convent of San Francesco are typical examples of XVIII century architecture. Inside the cloister there is a XV century fresco of Our Lady of Grace, an XVIII century oil painting on canvas depicting Our Lady of the Rosary, and a polychrome wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin. The church contains a particularly fine altar dedicated to Our Lady of Grace. Adjacent to the church is the convent, enlarged in 1480.
Castle and tower
Responsible body Archaeological Heritage Dept. of Salerno, Avellino, Benevento and Caserta Archaeological Heritage Dept. of Salerno, Avellino, Benevento and Caserta Archdiocese of Benevento
Abbazia di San Nicola
Convento di San Francesco
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Titerno
Cerreto Sannita Type Resource Nature and Rupe della landscape Leonessa Description This calcareous rock cliff known locally as the lioness towers over Cerreto Sannita, a picturesque hilltop village situated in the heart of the Titerno river valley. Founded in 1992, the museum of ceramics is located in the cellar rooms of the cloister of the grand Palazzo SantAntonio. This former monastery of the Conventual Fathers is currently the seat of the town council. The collection of exhibits illustrates the history of the art of ceramics in Cerreto Sannita. Built at the beginning of the XVIII century on the wishes of husband and wife Giuseppe Giamei and Elisabetta Biondi, the church currently houses the Museo Civico di Arte Sacra. The collegiate church you can see today was designed by royal engineer Giovanni Battista Manni and built between 1688 and 1730. It has a nave and two aisles, and houses numerous paintings, sculptures and other interesting works of art. Seat of the Curia of the Diocese of Cerreto Sannita Telese-SantAgata de Goti, the bishops residence was built between 1689 and 1696. The portal bears a stone coat of arms by De Bellis and a late XVII century wooden mascaron. The entranceway opens onto an enormous courtyard paved with flagstones. Responsible body Cerreto Sannita Town Council
Museo della Ceramica
Cerreto Sannita Town Council
Chiesa di San Gennaro
Collegiata di San Martino
Episcopio
Diocese of Cerreto Sannita Telese Terme SantAgata de Goti Diocese of Cerreto Sannita Telese Terme SantAgata de Goti Diocese of Cerreto Sannita Telese Terme SantAgata de Goti
San Lorenzello Type Resource Science Parco dei Dinosauri
Chiesa Maria Santissima della Sanit
Palazzo Massone
Description The park features a display of over ten life-size fibreglass dinosaur models, including Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Apatosaurus, Allosaurus, Kritosaurus, Velociraptor, Protoceratops and Hypsilophodont. Commissioned by Fra Ruffino da Napoli, the church was built at the beginning of the XVII century. Adjacent to the church is a confraternity of lay brothers ("Congrega"). The walls inside the church are decorated with four XIX century frescoes by Rullo. Situated in the town centre, the building is a typical example of XVIII century architecture. Inside the palazzo is a courtyard with characteristic XVIII century cobblestones and the stone coat of arms of the Massone family.
Responsible body San Lorenzello Town Council
Diocese of Cerreto Sannita Telese Terme SantAgata de Goti Lombardi D'Aquino Family
Cusano Mutri Type Nature and landscape
Resource Gole di Caccaviola
Nature and landscape
Forre del Titerno
Villages
Historic centre
Museums / Traditions Churches and monasteries
Museo Civico
Chiesa SS. Pietro e Paolo
Description The gorge between Monte Civita di Cusano and Monte Civita di Pietraroja was carved out of the calcareous rock by the power of the water. A nature trail passes through areas of outstanding natural beauty, with crystal-clear waterfalls, natural pools, mighty rock walls and lush vegetation. This series of deep gorges can be reached via the old road that goes from Cerreto Sannita to Cusano Mutri. The force of the water has gradually chiselled its way through the living rock, creating some impressive sculptures. The mountain village of Cusano Mutri has recently (December 2006) been made a member of the Club dei Borghi pi Belli d'Italia". Clinging onto a rocky spur in the middle of the Valle Telesina, the village has conserved its original medieval layout with buildings and stairways in local stone. The Municipal Museum is housed in the town hall and is divided into two sections: Farming Culture and Geo-Palaeontology. Founded in 490, the church has a particularly beautiful high altar standing in front of a wooden Baroque reredos by Domenico De Luca. The XIV century church you can see today was built on the site of the medieval Chiesa di San Pietro.
Responsible body Cusano Mutri Town Council
Cusano Mutri Town Council
Cusano Mutri Town Council
Cusano Mutri Town Council Diocese of Cerreto Sannita Telese Terme SantAgata de Goti
Pietraroja Type Museums / Science
Resource Paleolab
Description The Paleolab is a geology and palaeontology museum that shows what the area around Pietraroja would have been like about 110 million years ago. This is when the world-famous locally discovered little dinosaur hatchling belonging to the species Scipionyx samniticus would have been alive. The area around Pietraroja is particularly important for its deposits of fossiliferous limestone dating from a period of time spanning 200 million years, from the Triassic until the present day.
Science
Parco Geopaleontolo gico
Responsible body Archaeological Heritage Dept. of Salerno, Avellino, Benevento and Caserta / Art Sannio Cultural Heritage Agency Archaeological Heritage Dept. of Salerno, Avellino, Benevento and Caserta
Faicchio Type Archaeological site
Resource Ponte Fabio Massimo
Archaeological site
Roman aqueduct
Monte Acero
Castello ducale
Description The bridge named after Fabius Maximus spanning the Titerno river dates from the III century BC. It was originally built to facilitate communications with Monte Matese and Monte Erbano. Legend has it that Hannibal and his troops crossed the bridge during the II Punic War (216 BC). Also named after Fabius Maximus, the aqueduct is thought to date from the III century BC. It went from east of the village of Fontanavecchia, on the road to San Lorenzello, to the centre of Faicchio, after running for more than 1 km underground. This majestic calcareous cone-shaped mountain rises to a height of 736 metres in the Telesina plain. The Samnites built one of their most impressive forts on the summit. Built in the XV century, the ducal castle has all the typical architectural features of the period: high walls with four corner towers and a drawbridge. Standing right in the centre of the village, the castle is similar in appearance to its famous elder brother in Naples, the Maschio Angioino. The church was mentioned by monsignor Savino as early as 1589, when it is known to have had five altars. A number of side chapels appear to have been added in 1685. The interior of the church is typically Baroque, with XVIII century frescoes and gilded stuccowork. The coffered ceiling is decorated with the same colours and patterns found on the walls. The hermitage dedicated to Saint Michael lies at a height of 492 metres above sea level and was built out of a natural cave. It can be reached via a footpath starting in Fontanavecchia. Just a few metres from the entrance to the cave a stairway dug out of the rock leads up to a chapel decorated with XII century frescoes.
Responsible body Archaeological Heritage Dept. of Salerno, Avellino, Benevento and Caserta Archaeological Heritage Dept. of Salerno, Avellino, Benevento and Caserta Titerno Mountain Community
Private residence
Convento di San Pasquale
Nature cave church
Grotta di San Michele
Guardia Sanframondi Type Resource Architecture, Norman castle history and art
Wildlife sanctuary
Chiesa dellAssunta
Chiesa di San Sebastiano
Description The original building, presumably built by the Norman Raone in 1139, was altered several times over the centuries. In 1469 the castle passed into the hands of the Carafa family, who kept it until 1806. Restoration work only began in the XX century and so far two large rooms have been renovated, currently housing a butterfly museum. The sanctuary covers an area of over 30 hectares crossed by a network of old footpaths on the top of Monte Ciesco. Following reforestation of mainly conifers and repopulation of the fauna, the sanctuary has become an open-air laboratory and is very popular with school children and nature lovers. This Baroque church is built in the shape of a Latin cross with a nave and two aisles. The faade is very simple, while the interior is richly decorated. At the end of the nave and aisles there are three chapels dedicated to the Holy Sacrament, Saint Philip Neri and Our Lady of the Assumption. Commissioned by solemakers in the XVI century, the church was later enlarged and enriched with decorative elements. Today the church has an XVIII century feel with a sumptuous Baroque interior full of gilded stuccowork, frescoes by De Matteis and paintings by local and Neapolitan artists.
Responsible body Guardia Sanframondi Town Council
Titerno Mountain Community
Diocese of Cerreto Sannita Telese Terme SantAgata de Goti Diocese of Cerreto Sannita Telese Terme SantAgata de Goti
San Salvatore Telesino Type Resource Archaeological Ancient site Telesia: walls
Description Remains of the ancient walls originally surrounding the I century BC Samnite city and built using the technique of opus reticulatum still survive.
Archaeological site
Ancient Telesia: amphitheatre
Fragments of roads and an amphitheatre can be found inside the ancient city walls.
Sinkholes of Monte Pugliano
Walking up Monte Pugliano (202 m) takes you past karst craters and sinkholes (traditionally called i puri by the local people for some unknown reason), and a pre-historic sheep pen.
Responsible body Archaeological Heritage Dept. of Salerno, Avellino, Benevento and Caserta Archaeological Heritage Dept. of Salerno, Avellino, Benevento and Caserta Titerno Mountain Community
Telese Terme Type Archaeological site
Resource Ancient Telesia
Description Founded by the Caudine Samnites and originally called Tulosiom, the town became an important Roman colony.
Hot springs
Terme di Telese
Hot springs
Sulphurous waters
The Parco delle Terme di Telese is set in extensive grounds with lush vegetation and mature trees. There are two thermal pools (Pera and Goccioloni) fed by water from the hot springs, a garden bar, amphitheatre, restaurant and play area for children. The sulphurous springs originated after the earthquake of 1349. The active ingredients contained in the water make them an effective treatment for disorders in many branches of medicine: rheumatology, angiology, otolaryngology, gynaecology, dermatology and gastroenterology. Telese spring water is rich in mineral salts.
Responsible body Archaeological Heritage Dept. of Salerno, Avellino, Benevento and Caserta Impresa Minieri S.p.A.
Impresa Minieri S.p.A.
Alto Sannio, Valle del Tammaro, Fortore

Colle Sannita Type Nature and landscape Resource Decorata Lake and Wood Description The Decorata Lake lies at a height of 820 metres near the village of the same name. It is surrounded by 80 hectares of woodland complete with a footpath (with handrail), information panels and picnic areas. One of the most picturesque villages in the Samnite Apennines, Colle Sannita stands at a height of 729 metres above sea level. The streets radiate out from the centre of the village, which spreads around the hill in the shape of a pyramid. The mother church is situated at the top of the hill in the old part of the village. Originally a small, late medieval church, it was first restored in the XV century and later enlarged in 1590, when it became the most important church in the area. The church was built on the site where Jacopo Caldora died in 1439, as a token of thanks for the end of the siege. Damaged by the earthquake of 1962, the church was rebuilt and decorated with mosaics designed by Veroi inspired by the historical events associated with the construction of the church. The oldest building in Colle Sannita, the church dates from the XIV century and has preserved its original layout. The interior is richly decorated with sculptures, altars, tabernacles and XVI century paintings. Responsible body Alto Tammaro Mountain Community Colle Sannita Town Council
Villages
Historic centre
Chiesa di San Giorgio
Mosaics Chiesa di Santa Maria della Libera
Chiesa dellAnnunziata
Fragneto Monforte Type Resource Architecture, Palazzo ducale history and art dei Montalto
Chiesa della Santissima Croce
Description The ducal palace belongs to the heirs of the Montalto family. It has been restored several times and is in a very good state of conservation. Early restoration work was carried out at the beginning of the XVII century by Massimo, first duke of Fragneto. The building has an impressive XVIII century portal whose keystone bears the familys coat of arms with emblems of the Caracciolo dynasty. Originally dating from the IX century, the church stands next to the ducal palace. After suffering damage on several occasions, it was rebuilt on its current site between 1856 and 1879 by the archpriest Mastrogiacomo.
Responsible body Montalto Family
Montefalcone di Valfortore Type Resource Architecture, Castle ruins history and art
Museo della civilt contadina
Description The area around Montefalcone was the site of ancient settlements. The ruins of the castle and the urban layout are a testimony of the villages expansion during the Middle Ages. This farming museum features a display of exhibits associated with different facets of the world of farming: agricultural cycles, family life, customs, traditions and religion. The museum also boasts some very rare pieces, such as the centimolo, an old tool once used for grinding corn made in 1741.
Responsible body Montefalcone di Valfortore Town Council Associazione Museo della civilt contadina (Museum Association)
Morcone Type Villages
Resource Historic centre
Castle
Porta San Marco
Chiesa del San Salvatore
Casa Sannia Samnite Museum and Library
Description The village of Morcone, one of the prettiest in the province, clings onto the steep slopes of Monte Mucre on the northeast side of the Matese. It was built on the site of an ancient fortified Samnite settlement. The old part of the village is full of stone steps, winding streets and little squares. The impressive ruins of the castle tower over Morcone and the Tammaro river valley. It was built in the early Middle Ages over massive megalithic walls dating from the Oscan-Samnite age, which are still visible at the base. Remains of the ancient stronghold include the walls and an ogival arch where the entrance once stood. Traces of the walls which surrounded the village during the Middle Ages are still visible today. Six gates originally provided access but only one has survived: Porta San Marco. The Chiesa di San Salvatore is the oldest church in Morcone and was built on the ruins of a Hellenistic temple. Part of a IIIII century BC masonry podium can be seen below the level of the floor. The Museo Civico Enrico Sannia in Morcone, housed in the XVI century palazzo of the same name, boasts a collection of exhibits typical of the Alto Sannio farming culture (farming and domestic tools and utensils) as well as works by local artists. (The museum is actually situated in the village of La Piana.)
Responsible body Morcone Town Council
Morcone Town Council
San Bartolomeo in Galdo Type Resource Architecture, Palazzo Martini history and art
Parrocchiale dellImmacolata Concezione
Convento di Santa Maria degli Angeli
Description Palazzo Martini houses the old seat of the Jesuit Government. The interior is decorated with frescoes, while the outside of the building has two interesting portals and a Catalan-style rose window. The parish church has two early XV century portals brought from the abbey of Santa Maria a Mazzocca. The cathedral above the crypt is built in the shape of a Greek cross. The main faade boasts a fine rose window. The monastery of the Friars Minor has a church dedicated to Santa Maria degli Angeli built in the Spanish Baroque style and dating from the XVII century.
Responsible body San Bartolomeo in Galdo Town Council Archdiocese of Benevento
San Marco dei Cavoti Type Resource Architecture, Palazzo Jelardi history and art
Museums / History
Museo degli orologi da torre
Porta Nuova, Porta di Rose
Porta Palazzo
Porta Grande
Description This XIX century palazzo is located in Piazza Risorgimento and is still today the home of an old noble family. The interior has frescoes by Francesco Capuano and local stonework by the Battaglini family of master stonecutters. Practically the only one of its kind in Italy, this museum houses a collection of tower clock mechanisms. On display are over 80 mechanisms, collected, restored and returned to working condition by master craftsman Salvatore Ricci. The exhibits span a period of time from the XVII century until the present day. Some parts of the picturesque, well-preserved historic centre date from the time when the village was actually founded. The defence walls were built with four gates: Porta Grande, Porta di Rose, Porta Palazzo and Porta Nova (no longer surviving). Palazzo Marchesale encompasses Porta Palazzo, outside of which is the so-called La Torretta. According to legend, the souls of women who dared rebel against the feudal practice of ius primae noctis rest in this tower. The gate was originally built in the XIV century, but was altered over the years. It is part of the adjacent Palazzo De' Conno, later Palazzo Jansiti. An old XIV century prison, later transformed into a bell tower. Situated in Piazza del Carmine, the church was originally built in the XIV century, but has undergone modifications several times over the years. The interior is decorated with XVIII century frescoes.
Responsible body Private residence
San Marco dei Cavoti Town Council
San Marco dei Cavoti Town Council Archdiocese of Benevento Archdiocese of Benevento
Architecture, history and art Churches and monasteries
Torre dei Provenzali Chiesa di Maria Santissima del Carmine
Campolattaro Type Nature and landscape
Resource WWF wildlife sanctuary
Campolattaro dam
Description The sanctuary covers an area of 1,000 hectares and is situated in the Tammaro river valley overlapping the two provincial municipalities of Morcone and Campolattaro. The wildlife sanctuary protects a natural flood plain lying at a height of between 350 and 600 metres above sea level, where a reservoir damming the Tammaro river has been created.
Responsible body WWF Cooperativa Celidonia WWF Cooperativa Celidonia
2.2
Local food products and traditional crafts
Food is a key element of any country or regions cultural heritage, and the customs, ideas and values of a society are reflected in its traditional dishes. The mainstays of the Mediterranean diet are a fundamental part of the culinary traditions of country living. The traditional crafts practiced throughout the province are based on manufacturing techniques that can be traced back to the typical habits and customs of rural communities and the everyday needs of family life. Based on these ancient traditions, the artistic flair and skill of master craftsmen today transform each object into a work of art. Some of the local food products and traditional crafts made in the province are described below.
Benevento and the Colline Beneventane

Product Strega liqueur Description A herbal liqueur produced since 1860 by the Alberti family. Its yellow colour comes from saffron, one of the ingredients. It has given its name to a prestigious literary prize, the Premio Strega. Area of production Benevento Relevant authority / organization Strega Alberti Benevento S.p.A.
Taburno
Product Solopaca DOC Description Awarded DOC status in 1992, Solopaca Classico is an appellation exclusively used by vineyards in the municipality of Solopaca The area around Montesarchio has a rich clay soil. Clay is extracted from the quarries and used to make terracotta objects. The locals were traditionally known as pignatari because they were famous for making pignate, clay pots thrown on a potters wheel turned either by hand or by foot. Cheese made from the milk of Laticauda sheep. Seasoned with natural herbs growing in mountain pastures, it is known to have been produced since the XIV century, especially in the Fortore area near Benevento. Local master craftsmen recreate ceramic objects from old designs using the traditional bright colours: yellow, copper green, orange and manganese brown. Prosciutto from Pietraroja has been famous for centuries. It is known to have been produced as early as the XVIII century. Guardia Sanframondi, a historic village with strong vine growing and wine making traditions, is the major area of production of this wine, awarded DOC status in 1993. It is one of the most extensive municipalities under vine in the south of Italy along with Castelvenere, where you can find old cellars dug out of the tufa rock. The potters studios in San Lorenzello continue to turn out traditional objects (holy water stoups, medallions and tiles) reproducing the classic styles, colours and designs of the past. Area of production Solopaca Relevant authority / organization Citt del Vino www.cittadelvino.com Consorzio Samnium www.samnium.eu Montesarchio Town Council www.comune.montesa rchio.benevento.it
Montesarchio terracotta and plasterwork
Montesarchio
Pecorino di Laticauda
Fortore, Alto Tammaro, Taburno
Committee for PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) certification of Pecorino di Laticauda Sannita, Benevento Cerreto Sannita Town Council www.comune.cerretos annita.benevento.it www.prolocopietraroja /prosciuttoPJ.html
Titerno
Cerreto Sannita ceramics Pietraroja prosciutto Cerreto Sannita
Pietraroja
Guardiolo DOC
Guardia Sanframondi, San Lorenzo Maggiore, San Lupo and Castelvenere
Citt del Vino www.cittadelvino.com Consorzio Samnium www.samnium.eu
San Lorenzello ceramics
San Lorenzello
San Lorenzello Town Council www.comunesanloren zello.it
Alto Sannio, Valle del Tammaro, Fortore.

Pecorino di Laticauda Cheese made from the milk of Laticauda sheep. Seasoned with natural herbs growing in mountain pastures, it is known to have been produced since the XIV century, especially in the Fortore area near Benevento. Fortore, Alto Tammaro, Taburno Committee for PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) certification of Pecorino di Laticauda Sannita, Benevento
Province of Benevento
Product Sannio DOC Description The wine was awarded DOC status in 1997. Soil and climate conditions in the province are ideal for the perfect ripening of the grapes. The tradition of torrone (nougat) from Benevento goes back centuries. Much loved by the Romans, it became especially popular in the XIX century thanks to the Bourbon royal family. It comes in several different variations including classic white with almonds or hazelnuts, and a soft version. Smaller than torrone, torroncino is an unmistakable small crispy chocolatecovered bar made with almonds and hazelnuts. Produced in San Marco dei Cavoti, it became famous when entrepreneur Innocenzo Borrillo invented the bacio in the XIX century. Caciocavallo Silano cheese (PDO) is produced throughout the province. Caciocavallo made in Castelfranco in Mescano is especially popular. A variety of apple with PGI status only grown in Campania. The apples are picked in autumn when they are still unripe and left to ripen on straw beds. Initially greeny-yellow, as they ripen they turn a distinctive reddish colour. Cheese made from the milk of Laticauda sheep. Seasoned with natural herbs growing in mountain pastures, it is known to have been produced since the XIV century, especially in the Fortore area near Benevento. Area of production Province of Benevento Relevant authority / organization Citt del Vino www.cittadelvino.com Consorzio Samnium www.samnium.eu Committee for PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) certification c/o Benevento Chamber of Commerce, www.bn.camcom.it Committee for PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) certification c/o Benevento Chamber of Commerce, www.bn.camcom.it www.caciocavallosilan o.net www.comune.castelfra ncoinmiscano.bn.it Melannurca campana PGI Consortium www.melannurca.it
Torrone
Torroncino
Caciocavallo di Podalica
Mela Annurca (PGI)
Pecorino di Laticauda
Airola, Dugenta, Durazzano, Limatola, Moiano, Montesarchio, San Salvatore Telesino, Telese, SantAgata de' Goti Fortore, Alto Tammaro, Taburno
Committee for PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) certification of Pecorino di Laticauda Sannita, Benevento
2.3
Events and festivals
The Province of Benevento offers a rich and varied calendar of events, including traditional local festivals and major cultural attractions. Some of the main events of tourist interest grouped by sub-area are listed below. Benevento and the Colline Beneventane
EVENT Benevento Citt Spettacolo Quattro notti e pi di luna piena Jazz and Art Festival BAB Festival Colori Sonori Universo Teatro Artichoke Festival Living Nativity Scene Snail Festival WHERE AND WHEN Benevento September Benevento July Benevento June Benevento July Benevento July Benevento October Pietrelcina May Pietrelcina December Buonalbergo August FOR MORE INFORMATION www.cittaspettacolo.it www.quattronotti.it Vinfri01@gmail.com 347 1803353 www.babfestival.org www.solot.it www.universoteatro.solot.it prolocopietrelcina@virgilio.it 0824 991290 www.pietrelcina.com www.buonalbergo.eu
Taburno
EVENT Salsiccia Rossa Festival Sannio Film Festival Falanghina Felix Mela Annurca Festival Melizzano in Blues Terra Melis Corn Festival Grape Festival Forche Caudine Identity festival Natale Insieme WHERE AND WHEN Castelpoto April SantAgata de Goti July SantAgata de Goti July SantAgata de Goti December Melizzano July Melizzano September Foglianise August Solopaca September Montesarchio October Montesarchio December FOR MORE INFORMATION www.salsicciarossadicastelpoto.it www.sanniofilmfestival.it www.falanghinafelix.it www.santagatadegoti.net www.prolocomelizzano.com www.terramelis.it www.comune.foglianise.benevento.it www.prolocosolopaca.it www.artsanniocampania.it www.prolocomontesarchio.it
Titerno
EVENT Snail Festival Food and Wine Festival MercAntico WHERE AND WHEN Faicchio May Faicchio / Massa di Faicchio September San Lorenzello Last Saturday and Sunday in the month Cusano Mutri June Cusano Mutri September Cusano Mutri / Civitella October Guardia Sanframondi July Guardia Sanframondi August Telese Terme July Pietraroja August Cerreto Sannita December FOR MORE INFORMATION www.fontanavecchia.org www.prolocomassa.it www.comunesanlorenzello.it
Infiorata Mushroom Festival Chestnut Festival SixDaySonicMadness Vinalia Telesia Film Festival Local Food Festival PresepiArte
www.cusanomutri.it www.comunecusanomutri.it www.comunecusanomutri.it www.sdsm.it
www.telesiafilmfestival.it www.prolocopietraroja.it www.comune.cerretosannita.bn.it 347 5591937
Alto Sannio, Valle del Tammaro, Fortore

EVENT Corn float parade Morcone Fair Living Nativity Scene Porcini Mushroom Festival Caciocavallo Festival Marchigiana Cattle Show Natale a la Terra Hot Air Balloon Festival Torrone and Croccantino Festival WHERE AND WHEN Colle Sannita August Morcone September Morcone December Castelpagano September Castelfranco in Miscano September San Giorgio La Molara September San Giorgio La Molara December Fragneto Monforte October San Marco dei Cavoti December FOR MORE INFORMATION www.comune.collesannita.bn.it www.fieradimorcone.com www.presepenelpresepe.org www.proloco-castepagano.com www.comune.castelfrancoinmiscano.b n.it www.prolocosangiorgiolamolara.it www.prolocosangiorgiolamolara.it www.comune.fragnetomonforte.bn.it www.festadeltorrone.it
3 Cultural poles
The analysis of cultural resources in the Province of Benevento and the evident variety of cultural assets as illustrated in the tables above clearly indicate a strong province-wide potential for cultural tourism. Promoting tourism development in the area through the CHORD Project involves identifying thematically grouped resources based on the travel motivations and interests of potential visitors. The resources were analysed according to category and then grouped into cultural poles, defined by themes of interest to the potential market. Five pre-existing or potential cultural poles for the Province of Benevento were identified: Archaeology History and Art Nature and Landscape Villages and Crafts Food & Wine. For each of the poles there follows a brief description of the theme in relation to the Province of Benevento and a list of resources. In order to incentivize tourism development in the area, the main existing or potential players either directly or indirectly involved in promoting cultural tourism in the Province of Benevento were also identified: Benevento Town Council Benevento Provincial Tourist Board Benevento Chamber of Commerce Art Sannio Campania Cultural Heritage Agency Benevento Samnium Local Tourist Office GAL Gruppo di Azione Locale (Provincial Local Development Group) Sanniti Benevento Hotel Association Benevento and Taburno Slow Food Convivium FIPE Federazione Italiana Pubblici Esercizi, Benevento (Trade, Tourism and Services Association) Associazione Terranostra, Benevento (Association for the Promotion of Agritourism) Associazione Turismo Verde, Benevento (Association for the Promotion of Ecotourism) Associazione Agriturist Benevento (Association of Agritourism and the Environment) Legambiente (Environmental Association) Associazione Culturale Samnium (Association of Licensed Tour Guides) Confartigianato Benevento (General Federation of Italian Artisans and Craftspeople) CNA Confederazione nazionale dellartigianato e della piccola e media impresa, Benevento (Confederation of Italian Artisans and SMEs) CLAAI Confederazione libere associazioni artigiane italiane, Benevento (Confederation of Associations of Italian Artisans) Employers Association, Province of Benevento
For each pole, other local authorities and organizations either specifically or potentially interested in promoting the pole are also indicated. The section ends with a description of cultural themes common to the Mediterranean areas participating in the CHORD Project in terms of tourism development.
3.1
Archaeological Pole
The Province of Benevento offers a great variety of fascinating archaeological sites and museums. Over the centuries this area was inhabited by many different peoples and civilizations. Numerous archaeological remains dating from the Samnite and Roman age can be found in and around towns throughout the province. These include well-known monuments such as the Arch of Trajan in Benevento as well as less famous but equally fascinating sites for anyone interested in archaeology.
Figure 2 Archaeological Pole: resources Arch of Trajan and museum Roman theatre Chiesa di SantIlario Museo Civico Roman cisterns Ruins of the Villa of Cocceius Torre del Vessillo Ponte delle Chianche Roman aqueduct Ponte Fabio Massimo Roman aqueduct Ancient Telesia: amphitheatre Ancient Telesia: walls Ancient Telesia
Benevento
Airola
Bonea
Buonalbergo Faicchio Montesarchio San Salvatore Telesino Telese Terme
As regards existing and potential promoters of the Archaeology Pole, in addition to town councils responsible for the resources, local promoters such as local tourist offices and cultural associations actively promoting and protecting archaeological sites and resources may be involved.
3.2
History and Art Pole
Churches, monasteries, castles, palazzi and monuments scattered throughout the province are a living testimony to more recent times and important historical events. During the Middle Ages, the area was fought over by the Goths and Byzantines and later ruled by the Lombards. The long period of papal domination, interrupted only by a brief Angevin interlude, saw the construction of many churches, monasteries and convents, which are today an important part of the local historic and artistic heritage.
Figure 3 History and Art Pole: resources Rocca dei Rettori Chiesa di Santa Sofia Duomo Arcos Hortus Conclusus Museo del Sannio Castello di Airola Chiesa SS. Annunziata Monastero di San Gabriele Eremo della Madonna della Macchia Chiesa di San Gennaro Collegiata di San Martino Episcopio Chiesa dellAnnunziata Chiesa di San Giorgio Mosaics - Chiesa di Santa Maria della Libera Chiesa SS. Pietro e Paolo Castello ducale Convento di San Pasquale Palazzo ducale dei Montalto Chiesa della Santissima Croce Norman castle Chiesa dellAssunta Chiesa di San Sebastiano Castello Caracciolo Palazzo Bellocci Castle ruins Castle and tower Abbazia di San Nicola Convento di San Francesco Santa Maria delle Grazie
Benevento
Airola
Buonalbergo
Cerreto Sannita
Colle Sannita
Cusano Mutri Faicchio
Fragneto Monforte
Guardia Sanframondi
Melizzano Montefalcone di Valfortore
Montesarchio
History and Art Pole: resources (continued) Castle Porta San Marco Chiesa del San Salvatore Palazzo Martini Convento di Santa Maria degli Angeli Parrocchiale dellImmacolata Concezione Palazzo Massone Chiesa Maria Santissima della Santit Palazzo Jelardi Porta Grande Porta Nuova, Porta di Rose Porta Palazzo Torre dei Provenzali Chiesa di Maria Santissima del Carmine Museo degli orologi da torre Chiesa di San Menna Chiesa di SantAngelo Muncularis Palazzo Cutillo Palazzo ducale Ponte Regina Maria Cristina Chiesa di San Martino Vescovo
Morcone
San Bartolomeo in Galdo
San Lorenzello
San Marco dei Cavoti
SantAgata de Goti
Solopaca
In addition to town councils responsible for the resources, existing and potential promoters of the Archaeology Pole could include local tourist offices and cultural associations.
3.3
Nature and Landscape Pole
The Province of Benevento offers many areas of outstanding natural beauty for eco- and geo-tourists to enjoy. The area between the peaks of the Matese and Partendo mountains is crossed by the Fortore, Tammaro and Calore river valleys and by a vast network of their tributaries. The variety of natural environments ranges from stark mountains to woodland, rivers, streams and lakes. Important fossil discoveries have also transformed the area into a great attraction for palaeontologists.
Figure 4 Nature and Landscape Pole: resources GeoBioLab Campolattaro dam WWF wildlife sanctuary Rupe della Leonessa Decorata Lake and Wood Forre del Titerno Gole di Caccaviola Grotta di San Michele Monte Acero Eremo di San Michele Parco Regionale del TaburnoCamposauro Wildlife sanctuary Paleolab Parco Geopaleontologico Parco dei Dinosauri Sinkholes of Monte Pugliano Santuario Madonna del Roseto Sulphurous waters Terme di Telese Benevento Campolattaro
Cerreto Sannita
Cusano Mutri
Faicchio
Foglianise
Guardia Sanframondi Pietraroja San Lorenzello San Salvatore Telesino Solopaca Telese Terme
Existing and potential promoters of the Nature and Landscape Pole include the mountain communities of the Province of Benevento (Alto Tammaro, Fortore, Taburno and Titerno), the WWF, the Benevento section of the Club Alpino Italiano (Italian Mountaineering Club), and the Benevento delegation of the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (National Trust for Italy).
3.4
Villages and Crafts Pole
For a very long time, much of the Province of Benevento was defined by the habits and customs of farming communities. Throughout the area there are many rural villages with distinctive architectural features where traditional crafts are still practised. Popular traditions can also be enjoyed at the many festivals associated with country life as well as religious sites situated outside urban areas. Several towns and villages have particularly interesting historic centres either for their well-preserved buildings or traditional craft industry.
Figure 5 Villages and Crafts Pole: resources Musa Museo della Ceramica Ceramics Historic centre Historic centre Museo Civico Museo della civilt contadina Terracotta and plasterwork Historic centre Casa Sannia Samnite Library and Museum Historic centre Places in the life of San Pio Ceramics Historic centre Benevento Cerreto Sannita Colle Sannita Cusano Mutri Montefalcone di Valfortore Montesarchio
Morcone
Pietrelcina San Lorenzello SantAgata de Goti
In addition to town councils, local tourist offices and cultural associations, other potential promoters of the Villages and Crafts Pole include art colleges and local guilds.
3.5
Food & Wine Pole
The Province of Benevento offers a range of food products that have been or are in the process of being awarded PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status, as well as DOC wines and other traditional locally produced foods. The following table lists the provinces major food and wine resources.
Figure 6 Food & Wine Pole: resources Museo MEG di Solopaca Sannio DOC Solopaca DOC SantAgata de Goti DOC Guardiolo DOC Wine Museum / laboratory Solopaca Province of Benevento, Solopaca SantAgata de Goti Guardia Sanframondi, San Lorenzo Maggiore, San Lupo, Castelvenere
Torrone from Benevento Torroncino from San Marco dei Cavoti Strega Confectionary Province of Benevento
Liqueurs
Benevento Airola, Dugenta, Durazzano, Limatola, Moiano, Montesarchio, San Salvatore Telesino, Telese, SantAgata de Goti Province of Benevento Pietraroja
Mela Annurca (PGI)
Fruit and vegetables
Pecorino di Laticauda Caciocavallo di Podalica Pietraroja prosciutto
Dairy products Salt-cured meats
There already exist a number of organizations in the province set up to protect and promote local products. These include Samnium, a consortium of vine growers, wine makers and bottlers protecting Aglianico del Taburno or Taburno DOC wines, and a consortium of farmers and packers protecting Mela Annurca apples. Manufacturing companies could be involved in activities promoting the Food & Wine Pole either individually or jointly.
3.6
Mediterranean areas involved in the project: cultural tourism themes
Mediterranean areas often share the same natural potential for development as cultural tourism destinations. This can be explained by their rich and varied archaeological, historic, natural and culinary heritage. Ancient history is a key theme common to Mediterranean regions, including those participating in the CHORD Project. These areas were inhabited in ancient times by advanced civilizations, signs of which can still be found in a diversity of archaeological remains and artefacts. Some buildings, such as the Roman theatre in Benevento, are still used for their original purpose. Culture and innovations brought by foreign settlers spread throughout the areas, taking root and becoming assimilated in such a way that traces of different historical periods and civilizations often co-exist in the same place. During the centuries, Mediterranean regions were ruled over by a succession of different peoples, who integrated the best of their predecessors culture and customs into their own. As well as being highly prized and fought over in ancient times, Mediterranean areas, including those involved in the CHORD Project, share a favourable geographical location in terms of accessibility, beautiful scenery, and fertile land. The natural and scenic resources in participating areas are some of the strengths of their tourism offering and as such need to be protected and promoted. Signs of the foreign powers that once ruled over Mediterranean areas in the past can also be seen in the local architecture. Towns and villages in the Mediterranean grew and developed around their original street plan, which is often still visible today in roads and sometimes whole neighbourhoods, offering visitors an insight into different historical periods. Different places in each Mediterranean area have each preserved their own unique cultural identity, and many local traditions, customs and habits are still very much alive today. The tendency to preserve and promote typicalities often associated with farming culture and old religious rituals is one of the aspects common to all the areas involved in the CHORD Project. Crafts, another important shared feature of participating areas and Mediterranean regions in general, have strong associations with the arts and trades of the past. Today local crafts have a social and economic value that needs to be preserved and passed on to future generations. Last but not least, food is one of the ways in which the traditions and culture of a people are expressed. Although each Mediterranean region has its own specialities, their culinary traditions were influenced and enriched by the eating habits imported by the different civilizations that inhabited these lands in past centuries. In conclusion, if suitably promoted and communicated the cultural heritage of all Mediterranean areas, particularly those involved in the CHORD Project, represents an enormous opportunity for economic and social development, especially if this opportunity is exploited by implementing policies of quality tourism and environmental sustainability.
4 The Cultural District: best practice

Success stories and benchmark models of areas promoting tourism, especially cultural tourism, highlight the importance of a systemic vision and approach, a key part of the cultural district rationale. In line with best practice methodology as described in literature, two case studies were identified according to the following criteria: inland areas with a varied cultural heritage systemic approach and complexity in the number of players involved (Public Sector, Businesses, Citizens).
4.1
Terre di Faenza
The town of Faenza was involved in a project designed to create an advanced cultural district with the aim of picking up the legacy of the industrial district of ceramics. Objectives The aim of the project is to regenerate and promote the town of Faenza and the surrounding area in partnership with local operators. It sets out to support actions fostering tourism development, implement a holistic promotional policy, and incentivize and facilitate the marketing of the tourism product, with particular focus on the types of tourism offered by the town of Faenza and the surrounding area: food and wine, spas and wellness, ceramic art and ecotourism. Promoters and partners A private-public partnership with a majority of private sector stakeholders called Terre di Faenza was created. The partnership was made up of approximately 60 members, with representation from trade associations, the Provincial Council of Ravenna, town councils, and the provincial Chamber of Commerce. The promoting councils were Faenza, Brisighella, Casola Valsenio, Castel Bolognese, Riolo Terme and Solarolo (all situated in the Province of Ravenna, in the heart of Romagna, halfway between Bologna and Rimini and about 50 kilometres from the Adriatic Riviera). The necessity of establishing a management and promotions company was dictated by the characteristics of the local area, the players and the promotional activities to be implemented. Actions taken The project involved the setting up of an Area Company, the production of promotional material, and the running of co-ordinated communication and promotional events. In addition, a joint tourist office for the three towns in the plains and a joint tourist office for the three towns in the hills were created. All the actions were carried out within the framework of a specific strategic plan for the promotion of the local area at broad level (district). Results were continuously monitored via a system of performance indicators measuring the efficacy of the tourism development action. The project is based on the creation of a network to increase opportunities for regenerating the area, to rationalize and limit overall costs and investments for promotional activities, and to communicate the landscape, historic, artistic, cultural and
food and wine resources of Faenza and the surrounding area in a more co-ordinated and impactful manner. One of the projects major achievements is the establishment of a strong image exportable to domestic and international markets. The clear connotation and effective communication of content are considered key elements for designing a promotional and marketing campaign able to deliver appreciable results. Tools Press conference and conference for local tourism operators to promote and raise awareness of the project Dedicated website Co-ordinated promotion of tourism products in the media through annual and multi-annual programmes and in conjunction with events Direct or indirect marketing of the tourism offering.
4.2
Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto
Following the Val di Noto experience, the cultural district of the south east of Sicily called Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto was institutionalised. Objectives To promote the potential of Noto and the surrounding area by strengthening its image and focusing on tourism in order to attract new resources and investments. Promoters and partners The Distretto Culturale Sud Est is an association of the Provincial Councils of Catania, Caltanissetta, Enna, Ragusa and Siracusa, as well as the town councils of Acireale, Caltagirone, Cassaro, Catania, Ispica, Ferla, Mazzarino, Militello Val di Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Piazza Armerina, Scicli, Ragusa, Siracusa and Sortino. The association was set up in order to promote the development and conservation of local culture, cultural heritage and traditions with a view to developing and co-ordinating actions promoting tourism and culture. Actions taken Based on an analysis of the potential of the cultural district of Noto as well as a definition of priority intervention projects (including the transformation of one of the most interesting Baroque buildings in Noto into a Culture Hotel and the creation of an agency to promote the Cultural District), the district was put forward and accepted for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Relevant economic and cultural data were gathered for each municipality and factsheets were compiled. The information was used to compare the potential of the sites, to design development strategies and outline policies aimed at raising awareness of and preserving cultural heritage sites, and to define an action plan for each strategic axis identified. Short- and long-term solutions were identified in terms of possible management tools that could be used to ensure the necessary level of sectoral and territorial integration: marketing and communication plan, definition of quality standards, integrated promotional strategy, event planning, creation of integrated and innovative services. Tools
magazine/collection of publications entitled Le Sicilie websites, association portal and WebGIS meetings with international journalists in Berlin, London and Madrid (in view of the growth in arrivals of German, British and Spanish visitors) structure chart designed to create a network of sites.
5 A model for promoting cultural initiatives in the Province of Benevento

Promoting the Province of Benevento requires the implementation of appropriate communication strategies supported by policies in line with the system of market objectives identified. Generally speaking, all tools that support the creation and reinforcement of the brand by reiterating a product concept, in this particular case the concept of the Province of Benevento, are effective. To help in the decision-making process as regards the communication mix, the experiences of cultural districts identified as best practice may represent benchmark models when planning actions to promote the province. In particular, the experience of the Val di Noto points to roadshows as being a key and effective lever in pursuing the objectives of promoting and developing the Province of Benevento Cultural District. To raise awareness of the Province of Benevento on international target markets, with particular focus on German-speaking visitors, a roadshow targeting German media representatives and tourism operators will be run. In order to optimize the efforts of promotional activities overseas, the German tourist market will be bundled with the Austrian tourist market. The Austrian market can be considered similar to the German market in terms of visitor profile and buying behaviour as well as language and geographical proximity, although it does not account for a significant share of arrivals in the Province of Benevento. To this end, within the framework of the CHORD Project, a first information and promotional roadshow featuring two press conferences / events will be organized in two major cities in the target area: Vienna and Munich. The two events will be held within a few months of each other: in Vienna by the end of 2009 and in Monaco within the first six months of 2010. Communication support material will be distributed at both venues. This will include a brochure in German serving as an initial tool for raising awareness of the area. The Italian/ English language website is another important tool providing initial access to the area, and is in line with the patterns of buying behaviour identified for target visitors. Because visitors do not choose one particular cultural resource, but a tourist destination and a set of services and resources able to meet their travel needs and expectations, communication materials must give priority to promoting places. The brochure will present each sub-area in the cultural district by describing places and resources and providing information on the main sites of interest. Additional sections will be dedicated to locally produced food products, crafts, traditions and events. In the events section, as well as indicating when and where each event takes place, potential visitors will be directed to sources providing further information. The how to get here section will give visitors all the necessary travel and transport information to reach the province. As the brochure is designed to serve as a first step communication tool, it will be printed on glossy paper and will include pictures, photographs and maps. A total of one
thousand five hundred copies in Italian, English and German will be produced: size 15x21 cm, 40 pages + cover.
5.1
A model for organizing roadshows
Going back to the use of roadshows as a tool for building a cultural district concept and raising brand awareness, the logistics of this kind of communication activity require careful organization and management, including a detailed schedule of events. To ensure the efficacy of the roadshows, a model was designed to act as a blueprint for planning a series of events that can be repeated at different times and in different target markets. The key stages in organizing and running a roadshow are described below.
Figure 7 Model for organizing and running roadshows
Destinations
Choose cities with international airports that can represent a cultural model for a very large surrounding area. Specialist travel and tourism operators: - travel agencies and tour operators - journalists from publications dealing with tourism, culture, and food and wine. Objectives: - create a mailing list of at least 30 operators in order to ensure at least 15 operators attend - create a mailing list of at least 30 target editors in order to ensure at least 15 journalists and representatives of 2 media organizations (press and/or radio/television) attend.
Targets
Invitations
- Techniques: e-mail campaign informing invitees of roadshow programme and follow-up telephone call. - Timing: send invitations at least one month before the event. - Request confirmation of attendance: no later than 10 days before the event. - Reminder: 3 days before the event. Use the workshop format as the target is business-related. The meeting must have a strong business and professional slant and at the same time offer moments of light entertainment representative of the area being promoted. - Presentation of the cultural district and initiatives being carried out in the area (events and incoming tourism organizations supporting tourists and operators). - Distribution of promotional material (brochures and presentation folders). - Tastings of local products and displays of traditional handicrafts. Centrally located, easily accessible deluxe / luxury conference centres / hotels offering conference facilities. - Press conference: hold an in situ press conference illustrating the results of the roadshow and invite media representatives from non-specialist radio, TV and press organizations so that coverage of the event is not confined to the specialist media. Compile a press review on the roadshow. - Attendee recall (operators and journalists): by e-mail and telephone, in order to strengthen contacts.
Format
Content
Venue Follow-up
Sources
ISTAT, online statistics ISTAT, Capacit e movimento degli esercizi ricettivi, 2009 EPT Benevento, Bollettino Statistico, online tourist information, www.eptbenevento.it Doxa, Mercury Srl, CISET, TCI, Attrattivit e immagine turistica del Mezzogiorno, 2008 Benevento Provincial Council Portal, Art and Tourism Section, www.provincia.benevento.it/arte_e_turismo/museo Archaeological Heritage Department of Salerno, Avellino, Benevento and Caserta, information and local history, www.archeosa.beniculturali.it Art Sannio Campania, Cultural Heritage Agency, www.artsanniocampania.it Campania Regional Council portal for tourism and cultural heritage, www.incampania.com Benevento Chamber of Commerce, list of local products, www.bn.camcom.it Melannurca campana PGI Consortium, www.melannurca.it Benevento Town Council portal, local history and tourist information, www.comune.benevento.it Geobiolab portal, www.geobiolab.it Melizzano Local Tourist Office, www.prolocomelizzano.it Pietraroja Local Tourist Office, www.prolocopietraroja.it San Marco dei Cavoti Local Tourist Office, www.smdc.it San Salvatore Telesino Local Tourist Office, www.prolocosansalvatoretelesino.it Solopaca Local Tourist Office, www.prolocosolopaca.it Taburno-Camposauro Regional Wildlife Reserve Park portal, www.parcotaburno.it Titerno Mountain Community portal, www.cmtiterno.it Citt del Vino, www.cittadelvino.com
Cerreto Sannita Town Council, local history and tourist information www.comune.cerretosannita.bn.it Cusano Mutri Town Council, local history and tourist information, www.comunecusanomutri.it Fragneto Monforte Town Council, local history and tourist information, www.comune.fragnetomonforte.bn.it Montesarchio Town Council, local history and tourist information, www.comune.montesarchio.bn.it/index.php Pietrelcina Town Council, local history and tourist information, www.comune.pietrelcina.bn.it San Bartolomeo in Galdo Town Council, local history and tourist information, www.comune.sanbartolomeoingaldo.bn.it San Lorenzello Town Council, local history and tourist information, www.comunesanlorenzello.it SantAgata de Goti Town Council, tourist information, www.santagatadegoti.net/turismo/turismo.htm Telese Terme Town Council, local history and tourist information, www.comune.teleseterme.bn.it
CHORD Cultural Heritage: Exploiting Opportunities for Rural Development
INDEX 1. Methodology..3 2. General Description of the Region of East Macedonia Thrace4 2.1: History..4 2.2: Physiognomy of the Region Basic Demographic Data..4 2.3: Environment.6 2.4: General Economic Data..7 2.5: Services and Infrastructure of Accessibility.8 3. Identification and Classification of the Cultural Resources of the Region of East Macedonia Thrace11 3.1 Archaeological and ecclesiastical monuments Museums..11 3.2 Natural Heritage sites of natural and scenic interest.31 3.3 Annual traditional cultural events38 3.4 Traditional Food Product - Gastronomy and Wine.54 4. Cultural Poles and Synergies ..................................................................................................... 63 5. Best practices in promoting cultural heritage........................................................................... 65 6. SWOT Analysis ........................................................................................................................... 68 7.Sources ......................................................................................................................................... 73
1. Methodology
The study, which is developed below haw as main target to investigate and highlight the cultural resources, which are available to the Region of East Macedonia and Thrace, and promote them as pillars of cultural and touristic development. These pillars van be the basis for stakeholders and actors, public and private, which are relates to the touristic sector, in order to contribute to the general economic development of the Region. The methodology that we use is based in three main axes: the research upon available information and data (studies, publications, websites, etc.), the vis--vis communication and contact with the related actors and their representatives and the highlightening of those pillars, which they are still unexploited although they are the comparative advantage of the Region. In the beginning, a detailed research is going to be conducted, in order the available information to be found and classified. All available studies and researches related to the theme of this study are going to be gathered. At the same time, all available printed material will be gathered; either it is book, or newspapers and magazine articles. At the end, members of working group are going to search websites with relevant information regarding the cultural and touristic sector. All this information is going to be an annex to the present study. Its a fact, that the available information is quite big in electronic and printed form. But at the same time, there is plenty of information and data, which is not recorder or classified, mainly due to the fact that the use of web as a tool in Greece remains still in low use. This gap is going to be covered, as much as it is possible, through personal contact with public and private actors, via personal and telephone interviews. Questionnaires also are distributed among key actors, in order to complete missing information or refresh the existing. At the end, through the study, we are going to highlight all these elements which can be characterized as comparative advantage for the Region. Many of these elements are still unexploited or less developed, and they are not an integrated part of the development process. The unique natural scene,, the multicultural spirit of the area and the virgin areas of the Region, untouched by the time, are some these comparative advantage which can be promoted and be integral part of the cultural and touristic process of the Region.
2. General Description of the Region of East Macedonia - Thrace
2.1: History East Macedonia & Thrace is this most ancient region in Europe. This is the home of ancient philosophers and endangered animals, of the legend of Orpheus and the Dionysian cult. In this region of Greece, both civilizations and cultures coexist, creating one of the most complex regions in Greece. As such, the region is a place of diverse cultural, ethnic and religious diversity and this is the way it has always been. There are Greek Orthodox here, but also Muslims and numerous other minorities adding to the culturally kaleidoscopic atmosphere.
The region has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic Age. There were once ancient Thracian tribes here, and even the Persians passed through here. This is a region of ancient empires and provinces, of Barbarian raids and of prosperous civilizations with flourishing trade and culture. The region was incorporated into the modern Greek state much later that other regions of Greece, in 1920. Today, the region is one of the most developing regions in all of Greece in terms of tourism, and this is what makes East Macedonia and Thrace an excellent choice for travellers who are seeking something that has authentic charm without the, often, superficial atmosphere of the more touristy regions.
2.2: Physiognomy of the Region Basic Demographic Data The Region of East Macedonia & Thrace (R.E.M.Th.) is located in the very North-Eastern part of Greece, bordering at its Eastern part with Turkey, Northern part with Bulgaria, at Western part with the Region of Central Macedonia and at the Southern part with the Thracian and Aegean Sea. Administratively, as a NUTS II Level, is coded as [GR11]. The geopolitical position of R.E.M.Th., has been in the past a negative factor, contributing to the areas isolation and marginalisation. Today it contributes to the regions upgrading and development. R.E.M.Th. organically links the European Union with the Balkan Countries & Asia as well as with the Western shore of the Black Sea including Russia. The Region includes two islands; the island of Thassos located in the Prefecture of Kavala and the island of Samothrace belonging administratively to the Prefecture of Evros, both of them with long history extending thousands of years ago.
Map of the Region East Macedonia and Thrace The Region is divided administratively into five prefectures: Prefecture of Evros Prefecture of Rodopi Prefecture of Xanthi Prefecture of Kavala Prefecture of Drama
East Macedonia & Thrace covers a total area of 14.158 Km2 , which corresponds to the 10,4% of the total extent of the country, as the Regions population amounts (according to the National Statistical Service of Greece) up to 611.067 inhabitants for the year 2001, covering 5,51% of the countrys total population. Population density is 43,16 inhab./km2. 59,1% of the total population live in urban centres, while 40,9% in rural areas. 49,6% of the population are males and 50,4% females. The demographic situation of the Region presents differentiation concerning the other regions of Greece as far as the religious Muslim minority is concerned, which amounts approximately 120.000 residents mainly in the Prefectures of Rodopi and Xanthi. The Region is crossed by the rivers of Evros and Nestos, it allocates lakes lagoons (most important of them is Vistonida lake) and river-deltas, while in the Northern part is the mountain of Rodopi which extends to Bulgaria as well. Other main characteristics are the natural elements, especially the rich watery potential, the extensive forests, the fertile soil and the
mining wealth, to which the good climatic conditions, the important biotopes, the natural landscape and the coasts can be added. The Region of East Macedonia - Thrace is expected to be developed as the new energy centre of the country, both in production, as well as in transporting and interconnection with foreign networks. This is due to planning and implementation of the following large-scale energy projects: Gas pipeline TGI (Turkey-Greece-Italy)-already functioning, Oil pipeline Bourgas Alexandroupoli, gas pipe-line Southstream, high tension networks, hydroelectric projects some of them already functioning - and renewable resources such as large Aeolian parks-already functioning.
2.3: Environment A variety of rare species of flora and fauna exists in a truly blessed environment, full of biotopes. Large areas of the natural environment of Eastern Macedonia - Thrace Region are protected by RAMSAR international treaty and CORINE and NATURA 2000 Community programs (the natural ecotypes area reach 16% of the total regional area). The most important protected areas in the region, as specified in Greek and international legislation, are as follows: Forests of outstanding beauty (e.g. Rodopi, Dadia) Straits of Nestos river Natural monuments (e.g. Virgin Forest of Central Rodopi) RAMSAR wetlands (e.g. Delta of Evros, Lake Vistonida, Porto Lagos Lagoon and Lake, Lake Ismarida and Thrace Lagoon Complex, Delta of Nestos) Important bird-life regions: 8 areas in Thrace (most important of them Dadia forest), 10 areas in Eastern Macedonia In addition there are numerous archaeological sites all over the region and other sites of significant cultural heritage, such as museums and monuments.
2.4: General Economic Data
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (in mil. )
1995 1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
COUNTRYs 79.927 87.851 97.235 105.773 112.686 124.388 133.024 143.386 155.427
SUM R.E.M.Th 3.620 3.939 4.267 4.620 DRAMA KAVALA EVROS RODOPI XANTHI 638 688 634 689 1.174 1.255 696 806 4.947 723 1.295 1.324 771 834 5.369 760 1.410 1.480 865 853 5.750 795 1.460 1.529 976 990 6.162 844 1.577 1.635 1.057 1.050 6.570 882 1.689 1.765 1.112 1.122
1.027 1.131 1.104 842 518 596 911 555 654 1.156 650 723
Source: Study: Final Proposal for R.E.M.Th. Regional O.P. 2007-2013
The produced total GDP of the Region for the year 2003 was 6.570.000 and constitutes the 4,23% of the national GDP. The produced GDP per Capita for the same year was 10.842 , constituting 76,9% of countrys average or 62,4% of EU-25 average. R.E.M.Th. is mostly a rural area. The agricultural (primary) sector of the Region produces 10% of the Gross national product, while the participation of the manufacturing (secondary) sector to GDP is 4,4% and the participation of the services (tertiary) sector is 3,5%.Unemployment rate is at 10,6 % and there is an increasing trend when the national average rises to 9,6 %.
GDP per Capita 1995 2003 () 25 15 GREECE R.E.M.Th DRAMA KAVALA EVROS RODOPI XANTHI
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
15.510 16.286 17.144 17.917 18.797 20.106 20.849 21.535 21.771 18.009 18.850 19.989 20.638 21.650 23.052 23.795 24.523 24.800 7.516 8.203 9.023 9.762 10.355 11.393 12.148 13.050 14.100 6.117 6.618 7.130 7.682 8.191 8.859 9.475 10.160 10.842 6.422 6.883 6.301 6.811 7.454 8.149 7.904 8.357 7.115 7.454 7.794 8.285 8.686
9.175 9.969 10.325 11.177 11.995
5.723 6.178 7.815 8.462 8.900 9.929 10.251 10.982 11.888 4.776 5.093 5.939 6.328 6.984 7.799 8.780 9.504 10.009 6.006 6.536 7.173 7.945 8.178 8.317 9.603 10.141 10.781
Source: Study: Final Proposal for R.E.M.Th. Regional O.P. 2007-2013
2.5: Services and Infrastructure of Accessibility Road network: Egnatia Highway constitutes the most important road-construction project in Greece, connecting all four regions of Northern half of the country. Except its trans-regional importance, Egnatia is functionally part of the wider Trans-European Network. Through Eastern Macedonia & Thrace passes part of Egnatia with a total length of 250 km. The upgrade of the National road network (approximately 1250 km in the region) aims at the development of the Region, improving the transporting capacities of the primary and secondary sectors towards the trans-European networks as well as towards the terminal transporting nodes. The upgrade of the provincial road network (approximately 2100 km in the region) is equally important, as it is the basic road network that serves mainly the needs of transportation of the primary sector. This will help considerably the development of the region, decreasing the cost of the transport and contributing in the extroversion of the distanced regions, while simultaneously it contributes in the improvement of road safety. Until 2001 there were few changes in the road network length. Since 2001 there have been significant changes not only in terms of length, but also in terms of quality.
The national and regional operational programs in the framework of the 3rd CSF (2000-2006) included large scale road infrastructure projects. Among them, projects of high priority were the completion of the Egnatia Motorway and its vertical axes. The completion of the above projects is expected to be set also as a goal for the new programming period (2007 2013). Railway Network: The Greek Railway Organisation (O.S.E.) is planning many upgrade actions in the Thessalonica - Alexandroupolis axis, which include new mapping-outs, replacement of materials of infrastructure, protection of unguarded rail crossings, etc.
Map of the railway network of Region East Macedonia Thrace According to the main conclusions of the Study of Planning of Investments on Transport Infrastructures of R.E.M.Th, (during the new Framework of 2007-2013), the railway network of the region in order to be competitive requires re-planning and needs to be re-constructed from the very beginning with a total estimated length of the network preceding 115 km. The railway line that serves Eastern Macedonia Thrace, crosses 4 Prefectures - except Kavala Prefecture - with 34 Railway stations and 36 stops, in a total length of 400 km network, from the limits of Prefectures of Serres and Drama up to the Frontier station Ormenio at the Bulgarian borders. For the time being, due to the geometrical characteristics of the railway line the trip from Thessaloniki to Alexandroupoli (442 km) is covered in 6,5 hours. This is the main factor why most travelling through the region is done with cars or buses. The Prefecture of Evros has the highest passenger and freight volumes, almost over 80% of the Regions. Investments of the 2nd and 3rd CSFs were oriented almost entirely on the rehabilitation of network mainly along the backbone axis Thessaloniki Alexandroupolis towards Turkey. The network upgrading will be continued in the new programming period 2007 2013.
Ports: In East Macedonia-Thrace two big harbours are allocated - the one in Alexandroupolis and the other in Kavala - and six smaller (Porto - Lagos, Keramoti, Eleftheres, Thassos-Limenaria, Thassos-Limenas Kamariotissa- Samothrace, as well as 10 piscatorial (fishery) shelters. The new upgraded commercial harbours of Alexandroupoli and Kavala have been characterized as harbours of National importance and are included among the 13 most important ports of the country, in relation to transport of passengers and merchandises. The second category includes two ports in the mainland, three in Thassos and one in Samothrace. Airports: There are two civil airports in the region: The airport Megas Alexandros of Kavala which also serves the prefectures of Xanthi and Drama and the airport Democritus of Alexandroupolis which also serves the prefecture of Rodopi. The upgrade and improvement of these two airports has started during 2008.
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3. Identification and Classification of the Cultural Resources of the Region of East Macedonia Thrace
This Chapter presents the cultural resources of the Region. The areas resources have been divided in four types and in five sub-areas (Prefectures of Evros, Rodopi, Xanthi, Kavala and Drama). The cultural assets have been divided in the following themes:
Archaeological and ecclesiastical monuments - Museums Natural Heritage sites of natural and scenic interest Annual traditional cultural events Traditional food products wine and gastronomy
Sub-section 2.1 describes the Archaeological and ecclesiastical monuments Museums. Subsection 2.2 presents the sites of natural and scenic interest. Sub-section 2.3 describes the main traditional events and festivals and Sub-section 2.4 presents the most important traditional products of the Region. All the above resources are grouped by geographical location according to the five prefectures of the Region.
3.1 Archaeological and ecclesiastical monuments - Museums -Restless Trip in the Past Eastern Macedonia and Thrace offer to the visitor a magnificent combination of places and itineraries of archaeological and historical interest, tangible evidence of all historic periods. The first indications of the human presence in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace are dated back to the prehistoric times, with findings from the Neolithic Era, as well as the early Era of Iron. The first settlements were established during the 7th century B.C. at the Thracian coastline by Greeks originating from the islands of the eastern Aegean Sea and Minor Asia. The powerful Odrysian Kingdom was established in the 5th century B.C. and destroyed in the 4th century B.C. by Philip II, who incorporated Thrace into the Macedonian Kingdom. During the Roman Empire, Macedonia was declared a Roman county in 20 B.C., while Thrace followed in 46 A.C. The Roman emperors contributed to the development of the area, built important cities and, most importantly, Via Egnatia (today Egnatia Odos], that connected Byzantium with Dyrrachium. During the Byzantine times, Thrace was particularly devastated by Slavic and Bulgarian invasions, as well as the Byzantine internal strives during the 14th century. Moreover, Thrace was the first European area that was occupied by the Ottomans, after 1371. During the Turkish Domination, the Christians, in the beginning,
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abandoned the cities, finding shelter at the mountains, to avoid persecutions. From the end of the 16th century and the beginning of 17th century, this was reversed, when the Christians returned to low land, Jew refugees settled down in the cities of Macedonia and Thrace and populations moved from other areas of Greece to Thrace. During the 18th century, trade and education blossomed in this area. However, the fact that Thrace was so near to Istanbul, as well as the continuous presence of the Turkish army did not allow the participation of the area in the Revolution of 1821. The following years were marked by the claim of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace by the Bulgarians, as well as the two Balkan Wars and the definitive loss of Eastern Thrace after the Destruction of Minor Asia, when today's borders with Turkey and Bulgaria were designated. The visitor will certainly discover here the historical and cultural development of the area.
-In the Paths of Contrition The region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is indissolubly connected with the historical development of Christianity and Orthodoxy in Greece and Europe. The arrival of Paul the Apostle at Filippi in spring of 50 A.C. marks the beginning of the spreading of Christianity to the Western World. During the Byzantine period, 9th and 10th century, the area blossomed as a Christian and monastic centre. The organization and the development of the monastic state of Mount Athos, after the 10th century, had a significant impact on the region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. At that times, monasteries were not only centers of faith and worship, but carriers of Greek education and culture. Unfortunately the successive invasions and occupations of the wider area by foreign invaders throughout the centuries, which peaked with the three periods of Bulgarian occupation during the first half of the previous century, led to sack, abandonment and destruction of several religious monuments. However, the large number of religious monuments that are saved till today, Byzantine and Post Byzantine churches in their majority, in combination with the ecclesiastical museums, the hagiographies and the holy vessels, as well as the local events and festivals, compose an important pole of attraction for the visitors. One may visit the religious monuments throughout the year, drawing the visitors' interest from Greece and abroad.
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Prefecture of Drama -Ancient Monuments A visit to Drama may start ideally from the Archaeological Museum, where one can find the history of the area, as made by the first inhabitants during the Palaeolithic era. The restoration of a Neolithic house with its household stuff has particular interest. Just 25 km from Drama, it is worth visiting the Cave of Aggitis fountains, the settlement Piges. Other sights are the settlements of Sitagri, Arkadiko and Platania, the ancient sanctuary of Dionysus at Kali Vrysi and the monument of the roman times at the Platania Acropolis. -Ecclesiastical Monuments At the Prefecture of Drama, the monasteries of Analipseos tou Sotiros at Taxiarches, Metamorfosis tou Sotiros at Prasinada, and St. Minas at Perichora compose a network of pilgrimage tourism at the area near Drama. The Ecclesiastical Museum of Drama exhibits treasures of the Byzantine and Post Byzantine period. The Byzantine and Post Byzantine churches of this prefecture, St.Panteleimonas at Prosotsani. Agii Theodori at Xiropotamos, Prophet I lias at Volakas, exhibit impressive woodcut temples of exceptional art. -Museums The Archaeological Museum of Drama covers the presence of man in the Prefecture of Drama from the mid Palaeolithic Period (50,000 years before present) with traces of life from Palaeolithic hunts in the caves of the source of the Angitis, up to modern times (1913). The history of the Christian Church in Drama began during the Byzantine period and underwent a period of turmoil. From the 14th century when the city was captured by the Ottomans until the 20th century with successive foreign occupations, the Greek Orthodox Church in Drama constantly struggled but inspired by the blood of those faithful to the Hellenic idea it provided succor to its followers through difficult periods. The Museum of the Cathedral of Drama, founded during the reign of the honourable Bishop Dionysius 1st, is now housed in a recently restored five-storey wing of the Bishop of Drama's palace on Venizelou st. In the spacious and well-attended halls, ecclesiastical treasures of priceless spiritual and artistic value are on show. The Museum of Natural History in Paranesti operates as a subsidiary company of Municipal Enterprise of Development of Paranesti since October 2002. It offers in its visitors, unique opportunity to be familiar with the impressive natural environment of Rodopi and of the valley of Nestos. The exhibition space of Museum exceeds the 300 t.m. and it offers in the visitor a unique occasion.
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List of Museums and Archaeological - ecclesiastical monuments in the Prefecture of Drama
Type
Title Museum of the Holy Metropolis of Drama
Responsible body
Description (250 characters) The Museum of the Holy Metropolis of Drama houses priceless ecclesiastical treasures of significant intellectual and artistic value
Museums/History
Holy Metropolis of Drama
Museums/History
Forts of Lysse Museum of Natural History Museum of Religious Art, Drama Municipality of Paranesti Church of Greece
Within these forts the Greek army fought bravely against the German and Bulgarian divisions 6 and April 7, 1941. In the Natural History Museum you can learn all about natural attractions. The museum exhibits treasures of Byzantine and post-Byzantine era as icons, sacred vessels, vestments, etc. Built in 1970, is built on an older small monastery. It can be visited daily, celebrating the day of the Ascension of Christ and attracts many pilgrims The monastery is 52klm NE of Drama and constantly is constantly visited by the faithful in worship and meditation retreat The monastery was built in 1950 and is inhabited by nuns The monastery of Ikosifinissa is the most important monastery of the era, at an altitude of 753 meters in a well-protected hillside of Paggeon. Post-Byzantine church with an impressive wooden temple built in 1841 Post-Byzantine church with an impressive wooden temple Post-Byzantine church with an impressive wooden temple
Museums/History Religious Monuments
Religious Monuments
Convent of Analipsi Sotiros Convent of Metaforfosis Sotiros Convent of Agios Minas
Church of Greece
Religious Monuments Religious Monuments
Church of Greece
Church of Greece
Religious Monuments
Convent of Ikosifinisa
Church of Greece
Religious Monuments Religious Monuments Religious Monuments
Church of Profitis Ilias Church of Agioi Theodoroi Church of Agios Panteleimon
Church of Greece Church of Greece Church of Greece
Prefecture of Evros -Ancient Monuments Start your touring at Evros from Hana (Baths) and the Traianoupoli Acropolis (12 km NE Alexandroupoli) and continue at Feres (28 km from Alexandroupoli) by visiting the Byzantine
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church of Panagia tis Kosmosotiras, the Byzantine Aqueduct, as well as the Ancient Doriskos (5 km from Feres). Head northwards to visit the unique Silk Museum at Soufli (65 km from Alexandroupoli), and then to the impressive city of Didymoticho (95 km from Alexandroupoli). Visit the castle, the walls and the old town, the church of St. Ekaterini, the mosque of Mohamed A', the ruins of Plotinoupoli, the tombs at Elafochori, Rigio and Mikri Doxipara. Moreover, you may admire the Pythio Castle, a brilliant example of the military Byzantine architecture, the Metabyzantine churches of Saviour Jesus, St. Athanasios, Kimiseos tis Theotokou and the Armenian Church of St. George (Sourp Kevork). The archaeological site of Mesimvria Zone dominates the Thracian coastline of Evros, whereas the Neolithic settlement of Makri with the "cave of the Cyclops Polyfimos" is of exceptional interest. At mystical Samothraki, the island of the Kabeirion mysteries, one may visit the Archaeological Museum with its rich findings and the mould of the famous statue of Niki, kept at Louvre, ancient Paleopoli and the Sanctuary of the Great Gods ,7 km from Kamariotissa and 12 km from Chora). The towers and the fortresses of Samothraki are included among the most significant samples of the late Byzantine fortress architecture in Greece. -Ecclesiastical Monuments The prefecture of Evros has to exhibit significant religious monuments, the most important being the monastery of Panagia tis Kosmosotiras at Feres (28 km from Alexandroupoli). It is a Basilica with dome and was built in 1151 or 1152 by the Holy Emperor Isaakios Komninos. At Kornofolia (5 km from Soufli, one may find the women's monastery of Panagia tis Portaitissas, a glebe of the monastery of Ivira at Mount Athos. At Soufli, one may wonder the metropolitan church of St. Georgios, the foundations of which were laid in 1818, and St. Athanasios with their remarkable temples, while at Didymoticho you will have the unique experience if you visit the extraordinary religious monuments, such as the church of St. Ekaterini and the large Mosque that was built by Mohamed A'. The Post Byzantine churches of St. Athanasios Metaxadon, St. Panteleimonas Paliouriou and St.Athanasios Alepochoriou are of equal importance. At Alexandroupoli, a visit to the Ecclesiastical Museum of the Metropolis will reveal valuable exhibits, such as the icons from the times of the Paleologi family, the tomb of Isaakios Komninos, etc. The martyrdom of St. Glykeria (161 A.C.) refers to the ruins of Traianoupoli and there is a church dedicated to her. At the cave of Agii Theodori you may admire the Byzantine frescos, while at Makri you will meet the church of St. Anastasia and the women's monastery. Places of worship, as well as of architectural and historical value, are the churches of the Armenian communities, as well as the imposing mosques of the Thracian Muslims (particularly in Komotini and Xanthi), as well as the megalithic tombs (such as Roussa, prefecture of Evros). At Samothraki, at the
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church of Kimiseos tis Theotokou, the shrines of five Neomartyrs, descending from the island, are kept. At Paleopoli, you may find the ruins of the Paleochristian Basilica, which was built in remembrance of the visit of Paul the Apostle to the island. -Museums The Soufli Silk Museum displays exhibits related to the production of silk. Visitors get initiated into the preindustrial methods used in sericulture and silk industry as well as into more modern techniques developed in the area until the mid-twentieth century. The Ethnological Museum of Thrace has a double aim: a) to promote and preserve Thracian traditions and culture, and b) to acquaint visitors with the particular identity of the region. The collection comprises over two thousand five hundred objects, the older of which date back to over 320 years, while the more recent ones are traced back to the early 20th century. The exhibits include costumes, traditional agricultural tools, valuable cooking and confectionery objects, items of worship as well as two pre-industrial monuments, a dye works and a sesame oil press. The historical heritage of the region of Feres is preserved and exhibited in a privately owned building. The Folklore and History Museum of Feres was founded in 1996 by Mr. Nikolaos Gotsis. Reflecting the historical past of the region, the exhibits of the museum create a strong link between the past and the present. Some of them include agricultural tools, old household utensils and local traditional costumes. The Orestiada and Region Folklore and History of Art Museum was founded in 1974 by the local cultural club, comprising of the following themes: a) Recent local history, b) Rural life, c) Professional life, d) Cooking, e) Religion, f) Music. The Ecclesiastical Museum of the Holy Metropolis of Alexandroupoli houses the collection of ecclesiastical objects that were assembled by the temples and the abbeys of the ecclesiastical province of the town metropolis.The main volume of objects is dated in the 18th and 19th century. Very little are the exhibits, mainly incunabula and few icons that are dated in 15th-16th-17th century. In a beautiful and green point of Platanotopou of Maistros (Eastern settlement of Alexandroupoli) has been established the Museum of Natural History of Alexandroupoli (MNHA). It is a modern building harmonised completely with the natural environment. The idea for the creation of the Museum began from the presence of rich biotopes and protected regions in the region. The Museum of Tradition of 'Sarakatsani' tribe is located in the area of Esimi of the Municipality of Alexandroupolis and it was founded in order to create a place for hosting and presenting exhibits spreading the 'Sarakatsani' tradition such as collections consisting of different materials costumes and photographs from the life of 'Sarakatsanaioi' (nomadic) prior their social inclusion in society of villages and cities in their present form (pre-1950). In the city of Didimoticho, one can visit the Folklore Museum, with a quite reach collection of over 1000 exhibits in 4 floors, the Municipal Gallery that hosts painting of the famous local artist Mr Dimitrios Nalbantis and the Military Museum, where the visitor may discover the history of the Greek Army since its formation. Finally, in the island of Samothraki, the visitor may find
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the Archaeological Museum with findings that came into light during the 20th century in the ancient city of Paleopolis, as well as the Folklore Museum that was recently renovated in order to accommodate a large collection of exhibits.
List of Museums and Archaeological - ecclesiastical monuments in the Prefecture of Evros
Type Museums/History
Title House of Silk 'Tsiakiris' Silk Museum
Responsible body House of Silk 'Tsiakiris' Piraeus Bank Cultural Foundation Bouroulitis Museum Piraeus Bank Cultural Foundation Museum of the Tradition of 'Sarakatsani' Foklore Museum of Samothraki
Description (250 characters) Its purpose is to show and save the rich tradition of the region in silk The museum shoes the history of silk and presents all phases and stages of silk processing The museum Bourouliti is a result of private initiative and exhibits old watches, coins, gramophones and tools from occupations which have disappeared In this museum one has the unique opportunity to watch a representation of all stages of silk processing It hosts and present exhibits for the dissemination of the tradition of Sarakatsani In the island capital (Chora), a two-storey mansion of 1900 hosts the Folklore Museum of Samothrace, with various objects that comprise the cultural heritage of the island It is a collective wealth of objects and written evidence relating the -few years ago- lives of residents of Evros and refugees from Eastern Thrace The museum of flora and fauna of the prefecture of Evros, is truly unique, such as the habitat that represents
Museums/History
Museums/History
Bouroulitis Museum Silk museum "Kourtidis Mansion" Museum of the Tradition of 'Sarakatsani' Foklore Museum of Samothraki
Museums/History
Museums/History
Museums/History
Museums/History
Folkore Museum of Nikos Gotsis Flora and Fauna Museum Historic and folklore museum of the association of friends of antiquity and cultural heritage Natural History Museum of Alexandroupolis Ethnological Museum of Thrace 'Aggeliki Giannakidou'
Folkore Museum of Nikos Gotsis Flora and Fauna Museum Historic and folklore museum of the association of friends of antiquity and cultural heritage Natural History Museum of Alexandroupolis Ethnological Museum of Thrace 'Aggeliki Giannakidou'
Museums/History
Museums/History
Alternating exhibitions of painting, photography, handicrafts, etc.
Museums/History
The idea for creating the museum began because of the presence of the region's rich habitats and protected areas. The Ethnological Museum of Thrace was founded to preserve the historical memory of the wider geographical region of Thrace
Museums/History
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Museums/History
Ecclesiastical Museum of the Holy Metropolis of Alexandroupolis Holy Convent of Panagia Kosmosotira Holy Convent of Panagia Potetisa Metropolitan Church of Agios Georgios
Ecclesiastical Museum of the Holy Metropolis of Alexandroupolis Church of Greece Church of Greece Church of Greece
It was founded in 1976. The exhibits are pictures and relics from the Byzantine and post-Byzantine period .
Founded in 1151 or 1152 and there is kept the sacred icon of Virgin Mary Kosmosotira. Nunnery monastery of Mount Athos Iberians Priceless relics inside as well as unique architecture
Prefecture of Kavala -Ancient Monuments At Filippi (17 km from Kavala, towards Drama), one may find the Filippi Archaeological Site, the Filippi Archaeological Museum, and the Ancient Theatre. At a very small distance from Filippi, one may find the Baptistery of St. Lydia, where Paul the Apostle baptised Lydia, the first Greek Christian, as well as the prison of St. Paul. It is really fascinating to wonder monuments of different historic periods at the same area. For the fans of cultural events, the Filippi Festival is held every summer, from June till September, and includes plays at the ancient theatre, as well as other events held throughout Kavala. A visit to the city of Kavala begins from the Old City, from the Castle Acropolis, demonstrating a complete historical image from the Middle Ages till Byzantium and the times of Turkish Domination. Important sights are the medieval aqueduct -the marvellous Arches- and Imaret, an impressive Muslim piece of architecture with domes, built in 1817 by Mehmet Ali, functioning today as a hotel. One can find remarkable findings of this area at the Archaeological Museum of Kavala. At the Municipality of Eleftheres, it is worth visiting the castle of Anaktoroupoli and the Tower of Apollonia or the Folia Tower. Amfipoli lies near the estuaries of Strymonas River, exhibiting an impressive archaeological site and the Archaeological Museum, where it is worth visiting the two enceintes of the city, as well as the great Lion of Amfipoli, an impressive stone vault of the 4th B.C. century. The impressive Vranokastro and the ruins of the Monastery of St. Georgios tou Diasoritou dominate at Paleochori. Irrefutable witnesses of the long and brilliant history of Thassos are the island's monuments. The Old City of Thassos had two ports, one for battleships and one for merchant ships. The ancient market of the city, the ruins of the Dikastirio, Tholos and a Paleochristian Basilica are located in front of war port. To the east of the markets, towards the acropolis, one may find the Sanctuary of Dionysus (5th century B.C.) and a little further the Sanctuary of Poseidon (4th century B.C.). The uphill, specially
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landscaped, path leads to the ancient theatre (5th century B.C.) with a unique view to the sea, which during the roman era was used as an arena. In summer it is worth seeing the plays of the theatre. The path continues to the ruins of the Acropolis and the temple of goddess Athina (6th - 5th century BC). The visit to the Archaeological Museum is imperative, exhibiting remarkable findings, as the Kriophoros, Aphrodite with the dolphin, the head of Dionysus, etc. as well as the archaeological area of Alyki, with the important ancient marble pit. -Ecclesiastical Monuments At the prefecture of Kavala, at Paggeo mountain, 35 km from Kavala, near Nikisiani, one may find the imposing monastery of Panagia Ikosifinissas, built by St. Germanos during the 4th Century A.C. Departing from Kavala, towards Drama, one may meet the monastery of St. Silas and a little further the archaeological site of Filippi and the Baptistery of St. Lydia, the first Christian baptised by Paul the Apostle in Europe in 49 B.C. The Basilicas and the octagonal church dominate at Filippi, a place that tradition claims to be the prison of Paul the Apostle. At Paleochori, at the impressive Vranokastro, you may visit the ruins of the monastery of St.Georgios tou Diasoritou. The church of St. Georgios at Kavala attracts thousands of Christians who desire to worship the shrine of the saint. At Nea Karvali, the shrine of St. Grigorios is kept in a golden reliquary, a significant pole of attraction for worshippers. At Thassos, one may find extraordinary interest in the monastery of St. Panteleimonas at Skala Sotira, the monastery of Archangel Michail on the road from Alyki to Astns, the monastery of Panagia at Maries, the Church of Panagia at the village of Panagia, the Church of Agii Anargiri at Kallirachi and the several country churches scattered throughout the island. -Museums The Archaeological Museum of Kavala is one of the most important museums in Greece. Includes findings from the Neolithic period, as objects of stone and clay, and findings of the settlement Dikili Tash, from the Bronze Age. The Archaeological Museum of Thassos, at Limenas, is a small but well organized museum that will lead you step - step in the long history. Key findings from the Paleolithic to the Roman era, narrate with great care one of the greatest civilizations of the Aegean. The Municipal Tobacco Museum of Kavala is a thematic museum, which includes objects and archive material for the cultivation and production of tobacco, the agricultural and commercial process, the industrial tobacco products and the exhibit samples. The Municipal Museum of Kavala was founded in 1969 and opened its gates to the public in 1988. Since 1988 until very recently it was housed in a fine neoclassic building that dates back to the first decade of the 20th century. Due to renovation of this building the permanent collection hall has been moved while the administration services have been relocated
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to the Municipal Tobacco Warehouse. In Nea Karvali (7 klm. East of Kavala) there is the Historic and Ethnological Museum of the Greeks originating from Kappadokia. One may find there valuable Kappadokian dressings, carpets of the famous Kappadokian school, hagiographies, jewelry and needlecraft. The museum was awarded by the European Union as the best European Museum for the year 1997. In 2005, the Maritime Museum was founded in Kavala. Its purpose was to preserve, through its collection of exhibits, the maritime history and tradition of the area. List of Museums and Archaeological - ecclesiastical monuments in the Prefecture of Kavala
Type
Title
Responsible body
Description (250 characters) In the Archaeological Museum one can find the history of the area, as made by the first inhabitants during the Palaeolithic era. The are also many findings of the cutlural heritage of Drama from the midle Paleolithic era since 1913.
Museums/History
Archaeological Museum of Drama
18th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities
Museums/History
Cave of the Springs of Aggitis
The Aggitis cave or "Maara" is located in the prefecture of Drama in Prosotsani. It is a river cave. Aggitis river crosses the entire cave which is estimated to be approximately 12 kilometers long and 400 meters of elevation.It is a unique of its kind in Greece. It is one of the few river caves and the second, as yet, longest cave in Greece. 8.5 kilometers are explored. Of these, about 2.5 kilometers are accessible. Visitors can enjoy the first half kilometer (500 meters).
Museums/History
Settlement of Sitagres
One of the earliest Neolithic settlements is the prehistoric settlement of Sitagri known in archaeological research from the excavations of the English School of Archaeology and the University of Los Angeles.
Museums/History
Settlement of Arkadikon
The earliest traces of human presence in the area concerning the city of Drama were presented by the butte of the area "Arcadikon", which is placed among the most important Neolithic settlements in the plain of Drama.
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Museums/History
Ancient Sanctuary of Dionysos
From 1991 until 1995 several systematic excavations were conducted which revealed a rectangular, of memorial character, with fine masonry building, containing adorating information of local importance. Dionysus had worshippers in the area of 'Kali Vrysi' in ancient times, especially the last quarter of the fourth and the beginning of the third BC century.
Museums/History
Monument of Roman Era
The most important colonization was made by Octavian Augustus in 30 BC Rewarding veterans, they weregiven plots of land and settled them in a vast area in Drama, in valleys, plains and mountain areas. Thus, the boundaries of Roman colonization spread up to the area of Platania.
Museums/History
Via Egnatia
Via Egnatia was one of the largest military and trade routes of the ancient world.
Museums/History
Roman Agora
The Roman market was built by Marcus Aurelius (161-180) and occupied the city center
Museums/History
Octagon of Fillipi
Early Christian church of octagonal type
Museums/History
Arcaeological Museum of Fillipi
Houses the findings from the prehistoric, ancient Roman and Byzantine era
Museums/History
There are cultural findings of the first inhabitants of the region of Philippi in the middle Neolithic period to the end of the Bronze Age
Museums/History
Ancient City of Thassos
Thassos was first inhabited during the Neolithic period by the Phoenicians. The colony of Thassos was founded the seventh century. BC in the north from people of the island of Paros.
Museums/History
Ancient Agora of Thassos
The island had considerable power and had commercial relations with the whole Greek world
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Museums/History
Sunctuary of Dionysus in Thassos
The relief and the gate is of the 6th or the 5th BC century
Museums/History
Sunctuary of Poseidon
In the Museum there is an inscription that says the ritual of worship.
Museums/History
Ancient Theatre of Thassos
The ancient theater of Thassos transformed to an arena by the Romans.
Museums/History
Ruins of Akropolis of Thassos
It seems medieval, but there were also found ancient ruins dating back to the 5th BC century.
Museums/History
Temple of Athena, patron goddess of Thassos
It dates back to the 6th to 5th century B.C.
Museums/History
Archaeological Museum of Thassos
An incredible collection of key findings from the Paleolithic to the Roman era
Museums/History
Ancient quarry of Thassos
Their exploitation took place from the 6th century B.C. to the 6th century A.C.
Museums/History
Archaeological Musem of Kavala
The museum contains findings from the Neolithic era, the Neapolis and Amphipolis
Museums/History
Municipal Tobacco Museum of Kavala
Municipal Tobacco Museum of Kavala
Includes objects and archival material for the cultivation and production of tobacco.
Museums/History
Historical and Ethnological Museum of the Greeks of Cappadocia
Historical and Ethnological Museum of the Greeks of Cappadocia
Exhibits include precious costumes, carpets, paintings, jewelry, embroidery, etc from Cappadocia
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Museums/History
Maritime Museum of Kavala Holy Convent of Ipapanti Holy Convent of Panageotissa Holy Convent of Agios Dimitrios Baptism place of Agia Lydia Church of Agios Georgios Church of Agios Grigorios Holy Convent of Agios Panteleimon Holy Convent of Archangelos Michail
Maritime Museum of Kavala
The Holy Convent is situated at the foot of Mountain Paggeo The Holy Convent is situated at the foot of Mountain Paggeo The Holy Convent is situated at the foot of Mountain Paggeo The first Christian that was baptised in the European Continent The shrine of the saint attracts many visitors A golden shrine of the relics of Saint Gregory is kept in the temple The first solitary lodgings around the chapel of Agios Panteleimon seems to be built early last century Dependency of Archangelos Michael Monastery
Religious Monuments Religious Monuments Religious Monuments Religious Monuments Religious Monuments Religious Monuments Religious Monuments Religious Monuments
Church of Greece Church of Greece Church of Greece Church of Greece Church of Greece Church of Greece
Church of Greece
Church of Greece
Prefecture of Rodopi -Ancient Monuments Start your touring of the prefecture of Rodopi from the city of Komotini (56 km from Xanthi, 65 km from Alexandroupoli). Visit the Archaeological Museum, with its archaeological findings of rare historical value and beauty; one may distinguish the solid gold bust of Septimios Seviros, the anaglyphs of Thraka Ippea, the mask of Dionysus from the temple of Maronia, etc. Furthermore, you may visit the Byzantine wall, the cathedral of Kimiseos tis Theotokou, the Geni Mosque and the Eski Mosque, the Folkloric Museum, hosted at a renovated mansion of the 19th century and Imaret (Poor House), hosting the Ecclesiastical Museum. At Maronia (30 km from Komotini), one may wonder the ancient theatre, the sanctuary of Dionysus, a splendid mosaic floor, parts of the Maronia walls, the Archaeological Collection of Maronia, whereas the archaeological findings at Synaxi are also significant. On the road from Maronia to Proskynites, one may meet the Cave of the Cyclops (Maronia Cave), with a rich nature decor consisting of stalagmites and stalactites, that local tradition, as well as at Makri, has connected it with the Cyclops Polyfimos, as well as the cave of Strymni, which was inhabited since the first years of the Era of Copper. Near Sapes (28 km from Komotini) visit the ruins of the roman baths at Arriana, the roman bridge at the
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village of Arisvi, the Sanctuary of Thraka Ippea at Nea Santa. The prehistoric settlement of Papadimi, Maximoupoli (Mosynoupoli), the archaeological site of Anastasioupoli (Peritheorio), the Papikion Mount, once an important monastic centre, the Macedonian tomb at Symvola, the Byzantine castle of Gratini, the single-space Byzantine church at Paterma are only few of the monuments, of unexceptionable archaeological interest scattered throughout the Prefecture of Rodopi. -Ecclesiastical Monuments At Komotini, it is worth visiting the metropolitan church of Kimiseos tis Theotokou, a prominent example of ecclesiastical architecture of the 19th century and the Ecclesiastical Museum, an imposing building that operated during the Turkish domination as a Poor House (Imaret). One of the largest religious festivals of Northern Greece is held at the monastery of Panagia Faneromeni / Vathyrryaka, where the miraculous icon of Panagia is kept. At the slopes of Mount Papikion, there are ruins of multi-coloured floors, frescos, a catholic monastery and other buildings, examples of the robust monastic state from the 11th till the Uth century, where historic persons became monks. A visit to the newly-built monastery of St. Maximos tou Kafsokalyviti, to the north of Sostis is imperative, as well as to the churches of St. loannis Prodromos, Kimisis tis Theotokou and the Basilica of St. Charalambos at Maronia. At Synaxi, ruins of a monastery dated back to the 9th 12th century have been found, built in the place of a Basilica dated back to the era of the empire loustinian. -Museums The Archaeological Museum of Komotini was inaugurated in 1976. It covers exhibitions for the time from the Neolithic up to the Byzantine period. Objective of the exhibition was to present selective and representative discoveries from the most important archaeological areas, which can offer to the visitor all the essential information on the prehistory and the history of Thrace of the Aegean. The Ecclesiastical Museum of the Holy Metropolis of Maroneia and Komotini houses the collection of ecclesiastical objects (icons, ornaments, holy vestments, manuscript and books) which was assembled by the temples of the ecclesiastical province of the familiar Metropolis as well as by the donations of the refugees which settled down in the region of Komotini. The appearance of plastic and the change of socio-economic conditions in the decades 1950 and 1960 placed the basketry in orbit of decline, so that it has disappeared from a lot of traditional centres. The Museum of Basket Knitting of Roma was founded and is managed by the Company Thrakiki. The Folklore Museum of Komotini belongs to the Educative Group of Komotini and operates since 1962. Since 1989 it is housed at the Peidi mansion-house which is a characteristic sample of the local popular architecture and was exemplarily restored.
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Through his exhibits spurt the liveliness and the beauty of the Thracian art, of the cities and of the countryside. The Museum of Constantine Karatheodory was founded in 2009, it is housed in a two-store neoclassic building in the centre of the city (opposite to the archaeological museum) and it hosts tens of important documents and personal items of such a great Thracian mathematician.
List of Museums and Archaeological - ecclesiastical monuments in the Prefecture of Rodopi

Type Title Responsible body Description (250 characters)
Museums/History
Archaeological Museum of Komotini
The archaeological museum inaugurated in 1976. It covers exhibitions for the time from the Neolithic up to the Byzantine period
Museums/History
Komotini Folklore Museum
Educative Group of Komotini
The Folklore Museum of Komotini operates since 1962. Through his exhibits spurt the liveliness and the beauty of the Thracian art, of the cities and of the countryside.
Museums/History
Ecclesiastical Museum of the Holy Metropolis of Maroneia and Komotini
12th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities
Houses the collection of ecclesiastical objects (icons, ornaments, holy vestments, manuscript and books) which was assembled by the temples of the ecclesiastical province of the familiar Metropolis as well as by the donations of the refugees which settled down in the region of Komotini The Museum of Basket Knitting of Roma was founded and is managed by the Company Thrakiki Yeni Mosque is the oldest mosque in Komotini, which was built in 1585 Eski (old) Mosque is the largest Mosque, which was built in the Ottoman Empire At Maronia (30 km from Komotini), one may wonder the ancient theatre, the sanctuary of Dionysus, a splendid mosaic floor, parts of the Maronia walls, the Archaeological Collection of Maronia, whereas the archaeological findings at Synaxi are also significant.
Museums/History
Museum of Basket Knitting of Roma Yeni Mosque Eski Mosque
Company Thrakiki Mufti of Komotini Mufti of Komotini
Museums/History Museums/History
Museums/History
Ancient Theatre of Maronia
Museums/History
Temple of Dionysus in Maronia
4th century god.
B.C. Worship of the ancient
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Museums/History
Cave of Strymni
19th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities 15th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities 19th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities 19th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities 19th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities 19th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities 15th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities 15th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities
Located a short distance from Ismaros
Museums/History
Imaret (Poor House)
It was used as an administrative and military center of the area and usual station of the imperial troops on the main road from Istanbul to the West.
Museums/History
Roman Baths
Roman bath (2nd-3rd century A.C.) on which it was created later a cemetery
Museums/History
Temple of Thraka Ippea
Anaglyphs of Thraka Ippea (Thracian Horseman) which is located in Neas Santa.
Museums/History
Settlement of Maximoupoli (Mosynoupoli)
It is a castle which had been used many times by Vasileios Bulgaroktonos in his campaigns against the Bulgarians.
Museums/History
Archaeological site of Anastasioupolis
It is a wall which was carrying water to the city and prevent its passage from the valley of Xanthi to Komotini and vice versa.
Museums/History
Byzantine Castle of Gratini
A castle and a town from the 14th century
Museums/History
Byzantine church in Paterma
Byzantine church of the 11th - 12th century
Museums/History
Museum of "Constantine Karatheodory"
It was founded in 2009, it is housed in a two-store neoclassic building in the centre of the city and it hosts tens of important documents and personal items of a great Thracian mathematician. 19th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities The most remarkable building is Hannah, a rectangular building from the second half of the fourth century, utilised as a hostel. Today there is kept the Traianoupolis Arcaeological School. The sanctuary was dedicated to the worship and the performance of the Mysteries of the Great God that radiated during the Greek and Roman antiquity.
Museums/History
Chana of Traianoupolis
Museums/History
Sunctuary of the Great Gods
19th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities 19th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities
Museums/History
Cyclops Cave
Cyclops Cave is a small cave separated in two spaces.
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Museums/History
Neolithic Settlement of Makri
19th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities 19th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities
Houses with floors, walls, pile, stoves, fireplaces
Museums/History
Akropolis of Traianoupolis
The hill of Agios Georgios was the place of Akropolis of Traianoupolis
Museums/History
Byzantine Aquaduct
At the turn of the road to Feres, along the ancient river Samia, appears the Byzantine aqueduct (built eight hundred years ago) carrying water from distant sources in the settlement of Moni An ancient strategic bridgehead in the northeastern Aegean, which was identified with all the major historical events of ancient Greece. Castle Didimoticho was maintained at great length, with 24 towers, some of whom have Byzantine monograms of personalities of the era and decorative and symbolic patterns The walls of Didymoticho which surround the highest of the two hills of the city have a length of 1,800 meters and towers of various shapes
Museums/History
Ancient Doriskos
Museums/History
Didymoticho Castle
Museums/History
Didymoticho Walls
Museums/History
The Great Temple of Moameth
The temple was founded from Moameth A' (1413-1421) near the highway Traianoupoleos - Adrianople.
Museums/History
Ruins of Plotinopolis
Built by Traian in honor of his wife Plotinus and played a very important role at the time of the Byzantine Empire.
Museums/History
Burial Monument of Elafochori
The "Thracian" underground tomb lies at a low hill at the north end of the small village of Daphne, near Elafochori.The monument refers to the macedonian type of tombs, but shows some particular morphological characteristics, like all the contemporary built tombs in Thrace.
Museums/History
Burial Monument of Rigio
Thracian Tomb in the settlement of Rigio
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Museums/History
Burial Monument of Megali Doxipara
19th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities 19th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities 19th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities
With the excavation there were found many objects accompanied the dead in the 'other world'
Museums/History
Pythion Castle
Fortification wall of the 14th century. Lies at the foot of Eastern Rhodopi Mountain and in front of the Evros River Valley.
Museums/History
Archaeological area of Mesimvria-Zoni
Mesimvria-Zoni was an ancient Greek city of Thrace on the coast of the Thracian Sea.
Museums/History
Arcaeological Museum of Samothraki
Includes: restored architectural buildings of the sanctuary, restored architectural sculptures, coins from the temple, sculptures, miniatures, pottery from the sanctuary and the ancient city, findngs from the cemeteries, signs
Museums/History
Palaiopolis of Samothraki
The ancient city was built in 700 BC near the Temple of the Great Gods or Temple of Kaviri.
Church of Agia Ekaterini
15th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities Church of Greece 15th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities
It was built approximately shortly before 1350 and was a funerary chapel The church architecture is a basilica of unique
Holly Church Kimiseos tis Theotokou Ecclesiastical Museum of the Metropolis of Maronia and Komotini
The Ecclesiastical Museum of the Metropolis of Maronia and Komotini houses the collection of ecclesiastical items
Religious Monuments
Holly Convent of Panagia Faneromeni/Vathiriaka
Church of Greece
There is placed the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary
Religious Monuments
Complex of Convents of Papikion Mount
Known monastic Byzantine period.
center
during
the
Religious Monuments
Convnent of Osios Maximos Kausokalivitis
Known monastic Byzantine period.
center
during
the
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Religious Monuments
Holly Church Kimiseos tis Theotokou, Maronia
Church of Greece
Post-Byzantine church with great icons and carved wooden screen
Religious Monuments
Holy Church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos
Church of Greece
Post-Byzantine church with great icons and carved wooden screen
Prefecture of Xanthi -Ancient Monuments Continuing our travel to the prefecture of Xanthi, you will arrive at famous Avdira (22 km from Xanthi), the fatherland of Dimokritos, Protagoras and Lefkippos, where one may visit the archaeological site and the Archaeological Museum.At Stavroupoli (26 km from Xanthi), visit the Macedonian Tomb, and then loniko, the Castle of Kalyva, one of the fortresses of the Paranesti region built by Philip II. At the community of Thermes, one may find the anaglyph of Mithras. -Ecclesiastical Monuments At the prefecture of Xanthi, the picturesque church of the monastery of St. Nikolaos is built at an island southwards the Vistonida Lake, a glebe of the Monastery of Vatopedi at Mount Athos. At the city of Xanthi, the churches of Akathistos Ymnos and St. Irini distinguish. To the north of Xanthi, at a small distance from the centre of the city, within the boundaries of the periurban forest, on the road to Stavroupoli, one may find the monasteries of Panagia Archaggeliotissa, hosting an ecclesiastical museum which exhibits heirlooms, icons, holy vessels, etc, Cathedral of Xanthi, of Pammegiston Taxiarchon, hosting the Ecclesiastical School, and of Panagia tis Kalamous. At Avdira, one may visit the church of St. Paraskevi, a building of 1700 with interesting frescos and significant woodcut temples. At Genisea there is a mosque of significant historical and religious value.
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-Museums
At the Archaeological Museum of Avdira are exposed objects that were found in the city and the cemeteries of ancient Avdira. The exhibition covers the time period from the 7th century. B.C. up to the 13th century A.D. The exhibits are presented in three main units: public life, private life and mortuary customs, which are subdivided in individual thematic groups. The Ecclesiastical Museum of the Iera Mitropoleos Xanthi and Peritheoriou is accommodated in the eastern wing of the Abbey of Panagias Archaggeliotissas. The abbey is found north-east of Xanthi, over the district of Samakov and was founded during the Mid-Byzantine period. The collection of icons and other heirlooms of the Ecclesiastical Museum commenced in the beginning of the '60s from Antonio the former Metropolite of Xanthi. The heirlooms emanate either from the monasteries of the area or from the parish temples. The Folklore Museum of Stavroupolis (P. Xanthi), was founded in 1994 after private initiative of Stavros Karampatzakis, who for many years collected in his traditional cafe of the village various objects, samples of old-time season and everyday routine, that fell in disuse because of the rapid growth of the industry and the technology. The Folklore Museum of Xanthi is located in the Old City and is housed at the Kougioumtzoglou mansion-house near the square of Metropolis. It is one of the most representative examples of concrete typology of residences, that began to be constructed in the city of Xanthi the last period of the Ottoman domination, from 1830 onwards. The Museum and Academy of Child Art of Xanthi, which constantly has been enriching its exhibits since 2000, hosts more than 150.000 paintings, handmade dolls and fairytales that 350.000 children from 140 countries have created and is highly respected by bodies and organizations from abroad.
List of Museums and Archaeological - ecclesiastical monuments in the Prefecture of Xanthi
Type
Title
Responsible body 31st Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities 31st Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities
Description (250 characters) In Avdera Archaeological Museum objects found in the city and the cemeteries of ancient Abdera are exposed. The tomb of Stavroupolis is the largest, best preserved and most impressive Macedonian tomb in Thrace.
Museums/History
Archaeological Museum of Avdera
Museums/History
Macedonian Tomb in Stavroupolis
Museums/History
Kalyva Castle
31st Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities
The Fortress is located on top of the hill Kales (Castle) at 627 m altitude, 4 km SE of abandoned village Kalyva. Its position is strategic because from that point the valley of Nestos may be well controlled
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Museums/History
Folklore Museum of Stavroupolis
Municipality of Stavroupolis
The Folklore Museum of Stavroupolis was founded in 1994 following a private initiative by Stavros Karabatzaki The museum's collection includes artifacts from the heyday of urban life in Xanthi and exhibitsthat characterize the daily life of rural dwellers Visitors can admire the old rural way of life through an exhibition that presents agricultural tools, household utensils and furniture of that era. 60 Since 2000 it is continuously enriching the material with paintings, handmade dolls and fairytales written by children
Museums/History
Folklore Museum of Xanthi
Municipality of Xanthi
Museums/History
Folklore Museum of Avdera
Municipality of Avdera
Museums/History
Ecclesiastical Museum of the Holy Metropolis of Xanthi and Peritheorion Child Art Museum and Academy Holy Convent of Agios Nikolaos in Xanthi Holy Church of Akathistos Ymnos Holy Convent of Virgin Mary Archageliotissa Holy Convent of Pamegisti Taxiarches Holy Church of Agia Parakevi
Church of Greece
Museums/History
Religious Monuments Religious Monuments Religious Monuments Religious Monuments Religious Monuments
Church of Greece
It is built on a small island inLake Vistonis and dependency of Vatopedi monastery of Mount Athos The temple was rebuilt during the period 1860-1861 An Ecclesiastical Museum operates in it There is housed the school of Church of Virgin Mary of Kalamous and Agia Irene The church was rebuilt in 1845
Church of Greece Church of Greece Church of Greece Church of Greece
3.2 Natural Heritage sites of natural and scenic interest In the Region of East Macedonia and Thrace there are four of the total eleven wetlands of international importance, that our country has include to the list of Ramsar Convention. During the ancient years, Region of East Macedonia and Thrace was covered at 80% from forests approximately. Nowadays, despite the great forest destructions, the percentage its still high mainly on mountainous areas and it is up to 55% per prefecture. Prefecture of Drama The Prefecture of Drama lies on the northeastern edge of Greece on the border with Bulgaria. In terms of natural environment it is the richest prefecture. The Rodopi mountain range to the north, the Menikio and the Orvilos range to the west, Mount Pangeo to the south and the Lekani Mountains to the east surround it. The mountainous massif, which dominates the horizon, is Falakro, which is known as the "mountain symbol" of Drama.
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The prefecture of Drama is one of the prefectures in Eastern Macedonia. Its area is 3,468 square kilometers and its northern borders coincide with the Greek Bulgarian border. It is a mountainous prefecture, since 70% of its area is covered by the southern peaks of the mountain range of Rhodope. The prefecture and its circumference are dominated by the following mountains: Falakro (2,232m), Menoikio (1,963m), Orvilos (2,212m), Pageo (1,956m) and the mountains of Lekani (1,260m). Two plateaus are formed by this mountains, the valley of Drama on the southwest of the prefecture (altitude 115m) and the basin of Nevrokopi on the northwest (altitude 560m). The prefecture is diagonally crossed (direction SE) by river Nestos (234 km), which enters on Greek soil in the municipality of Kato Nevrokopi, forming the natural border between Drama and the community of Sidironeri and, after adorning with its flow the municipality of Paranestio, continues on the Thracian Tempe in its course towards the Aegean Sea. Small smaller (just 40km) but of particular significance for Drama is the River Agitis The products cultivated are mainly cereals, cotton and tomatoes. However, tobacco, grapevines, fruit and vegetables are produced in mass. Among the most well known products of the area are beans and potatoes from Kato Nevrokopi while the cultivation of vines in recent years has acquired a new dynamism with already well-known wines from the area achieving international recognition. The breeding of animals plays a significant role in the prefecture with the main form of farming being done by families on small traditional farms. The animals bred are mainly wild sheep, bovines and pigs yet nowadays, modern farming units are now producing dairy products of excellent quality. However, in a prefecture the greatest part of which is covered in forests, it would be difficult for forest products to be missing from the list of what comes out of Drama. The area has the richest expanses of forest in Greece. The main forestry products that come from the forests are spruce, pine, beech, oak and poplar timber, which is almost exclusively absorbed by local timber industries. The largest source of revenue in the prefecture, though, is marble. Today the marble industry is one of the basic elements in the development of the area. Marble mining and respective industry is now, among the largest and most modern in the country. Establishement in the area is due to the exporting as far a field as Arab countries, Europe, the USA and Japan. The prefecture's subsoil also contains valuable mineral wealth in the form of industrial minerals of which among the most important are the manganese deposits in the foothills of Mount Falakro, the uranium deposits and other industrial minerals in the area of Paranesti and the lignite fields, which have been identified in the area around Mavrolefki.
Prefecture of Kavala
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The Prefecture of Kavala is situated between two rivers, Strymonas and Nestos, which are a source of life for the area, while they stand out for their biodiversity and natural beauty. The peaks of Mount Paggeo, along with the mountains of Lekani, rise gloriously to the vastness of the blue sky, sometimes snow white, sometimes all green. The landscape is completed with the wild beauty of the jagged coastline and the light blue sea. Thassos, the northernmost island of Greece, surrounded by rich vegetation, its numerous clean organized or secluded beaches covering a distance of 115 kilometers, its tourist substructures and history, the opportunities offered for sea sports and off-the-road activities, the sights and the savoury center delicacies and provides is all a dear the and special for a destination comfortable for way of holidays. living. The city of Thassos or Limenas is the capital of Thassos. It is a modem, international tourist means The island's sea transport is covered by the ports of Limenas, Prinos, Skala of Kallirachi and Limenaria. At all the maritime housing estates there are hotels, rooms to let and all the necessary facilities for dining, entertainment, purchases, transport and health for the pleasant sojourn of the Prefecture of Xanthi The prefectures of Xanthi, Drama, Kavala, Rodopi and Evros consist part of the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Prefecture, which is located at the northeast side of Greece. Capital of the prefecture is Xanthi. Nestos River flowing between its territories, Vistonida spreading proudly its blue waters and its rich history emerging from the ancient or traditional settlements, the prefecture of Xanthi is an ideal destination for excursions and tours. It borders with Macedonia and is the gateway to the geographical district of Thrace. Its residents are occupied with agriculture, livestock, forestry and tobacco cultivation, while near the city of Xanthi, the industrial sector is quite developed. Many are the options open to anyone who visits this blessed place. The Old Town with its traditional and paved streets and well built mansions, monasteries, built between the green mountains of the Prefecture, Nestos river and lake Vistonida, with the virgin forests and rich flora and fauna, the archaeological site of Avdira, home country of Democritus and of many other people of culture, but also the mountainous region of the prefecture, with pomakochoria and the special historical and folkloric diversity, consist only a small sample of what visitors can enjoy here. Various are the activities and the folklore and cultural events organized in the region throughout the year and thus provide an opportunity for entertainment and a better acquaintance with the place and the traditional lifestyle. Traditional tastes of Pontiacs, Thrakiotes, Sarakatsanoi, Cappadocians getting married with Asia Minor, Muslims and Pomaks create a great variety of high quality gastronomic delights. A unique place with unique natural beauty, rich history and a particular cultural identity shaped by the diverse visitors.
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influences through the passing of the years, invites you to explore it and promises you an unforgettable experience and unique pleasures. Prefecture of Rodopi The region of Rodopi is by its geographical position a privileged place, since it constitutes an important internal stop on the main communication between Thessaloniki and Alexandroupoli but also a main road passage from the rest of the European countries towards Turkey and Asia generally. The completion of the Egnatia Road in its biggest part has already upgreated the road communication towards Evros and the eastern boarders and also towards Thessaloniki. The vertical communication road in junctional points of the Egnatia Road, which have been studied, will enlarge the road network towards the northern boarders and will facilitate the way out towards the Aegean sea. The mountainous zone of the region, which is traversed by a European walking climbing passage E6, gives the visitor opportunities of activities in the virgin nature, a healthy environment of rare beauty and a variety of flora and fauna. From the mountainous mass of Rodopi originate impetioustornants (Asprorema, Trauos, Lissos, Kompsatosand other smaller ones) which flow through the flat plains and into the Aegean sea. The forestry production is an important factor of the economy. The flat land of Rodopi is a rich place with different rural cultivations (wheat, corn, cotton, beetroot, sunflower, tobacco etc.) and stock-breeding. The local economy is actually based on its wealth productive resourses initial sector. In the second sector there has been lately a positive development with an increase of the processing industry. The development of the local rural production reaches only 58%. Many traditional products (garlic, onion, natural spices) are usually sold fresh without any processing or packaging. The market, the services and the manufacturing (third sector) come second in importance just after the initial sector. Prefecture of Evros Evros is something different. Something that reminds of old Greece, long from the classic picture European that the advertised frequently tourist centres present. culture. A place of many centuries Historical course, with an important expedient to the development of Evros is acquaintance for the two National Parks of Dadia and Delta. However the region does not only have those to demonstrate. It is also offered for every traveller-hiker. Here where legends and traditions blend with historical elements, while many cities and villages constitute live monuments of History. The region is offered for mountain bicycle, driving 4x4, walk in engraved or full of grass paths that people and goats follow for centuries that lead to all sorts of remnants of the past, as well as to locations of extreme natural beauty. If you are very quiet and little lucky you will see animals
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and
birds
free
in
their
natural
environment.
The region is dowered with four great goods: its natural position, the marvellous nature that combines mountain, plain, river, the rich historical past and her people. One impressive coastline, of many kilometres of length offers to the worshipers of the sea, Northern Aegean in all its natural variants. Evros is, without doubt a splendid place for holidays. Impressive mountains and rivers, forests and soft hills orders, lakes and lagoons, national parks and protected regions, wild life, rich fauna, rare biodiversity. In a distance of 20 klm from Alexandroupoli in the borders with Turkey, the river Evros shapes in extent of 200 thousands acres, an ecosystem of international importance for the chicken fauna. In the wetland of delta 316 species of birds have been recorded. In those a lot of aquatic and paraquatic species, predatory, herons, pelicans and seabirds are included. In between them a lot of rare species like Nano-duck, Lepomyta and Stiktaetos. For centuries, the river delta constitutes one of vital importance, migratory station in the distant journey of paraquatic birds from northern Europe to Africa and back. It also constitutes an important place of wintering for innumerable aquatics that seek in its humid lands, favourable living conditions. Here the limits of the Asiatic and European fauna, blend into the deltaic landscape composes a mosaic of biotopes that is graded by sweet water of the river as well as the salty of the sea. The wetland of delta with the above forests, the humid meadows, the reeds thicket, the lagoons and other biotopes compose a landscape of unique beauty that charms the visitor. The rare and rich biodiversity includes it in the wetlands of international importance that are protected from the convention RAMSAR. Samothrace is located in the northern Aegean Sea and it is the northernmost island of Greece. It is accessible only by boat. A frequent ferry boat service either from the port of Alexandroupolis or from the port of Kavala takes you to the central port of Samothraki named Kamariotissa. Samothraki has kept a traditional atmosphere and has protected its natural environment, as the island has not been affected by build-up projects and touristic and entertainment facilities. As a result its most special characteristics are pure nature and picturesque lands. The natural landscape of the island includes impressive waterfalls and running water, dense forests, imposing mountains and of course the crystal clear sea, rich in fish.
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List of Natural Heritage in the Region of East Macedonia - Thrace

Sub-Category / Type Resource / Institution Brief Description (250 characters) Prefecture Website
National Forest Park of DadiaLefkimi- Soufli
Management Body of National Forest Park of DadiaLefkimiSoufli
"The National Park of Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli is located at the southeast end of the Rodopi Mountain in the prefecture of Evros, in the crossroads that these two continents meet and is geophysical considered as a place where many species of the Balkan peninsula, of Asia and Europes flora and fauna flourish. Its position along one of the most important immigration corridors- routes of birds of Western Palearctic ,-(geographic area that includes Europe from the Arctic Circle and the Atlantic to the Caspian Sea and the Urals, as well as the Middle East and North African countries)-, makes it one of the few areas of Europe where so many different kinds of live birds of prey live together , and where are simultaneously answered three out of the four species of vultures (black vulture, griffon vulture, Egyptian vulture) in Europe. The old forests, rocky peaks, meadows and fields scattered in the forest and a lot of streams with rich riparian vegetation offer plenty of suitable habitat for nesting and food finding.
EVROS
www.dadia-np.gr
Delta of Evros
Management Body of Delta Evros
"In the south-eastern utmost of Evros prefecture, in the borders with Turkey, Evros river forms an extensive delta of international ecological importance, with a total extent of 188 sq. km. Evros River is the second in size river in Eastern Europe and is mostly characterized by the debris that carries and deposits between Alexandroupolis and Enos. Evros River springs from the Rila Mountains in Bulgaria in the south of Sofia. It crosses its basin of flow between the mountain ranges of Rodopi and Emos where it also accepts numerous of tributaries. Near Adrianople, it accepts its main tributaries Tounza from the north and Arda from the west, while near the waters of Didymoteicho accepts-Erythropotamos from the west and Ergina from the east . Evros River is the largest of the Balkan Peninsula and is characterized by large volumes of water and sediment transported to its estuary. The rivers total length is 528 km, of which 310 km are in Bulgaria while 218 km down the Greek border with Bulgaria and Turkey. The total river basin of flow covers an area of 53,000 sq. km.
EVROS
www.evrosdelta.gr
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Rodopi Mountain Range
Management Body of Rodopi Mountain Range
The mountainous region of Drama and Xanthi is covered by part of the Rodopi Mountains, the second longest after the Pindos- mountain range of Greece. Rodopi ,- a natural boundary between Greece and Bulgaria-, constitutes one of the most precious systems of the Balkan Peninsula and Europe as well. Its mountainous volume,a silent witness of the cosmogonic fight between the liquid and solid element, lived much of the eventful geological history of our country. For millions of years has accepted geological and climatic changes leading to the formation of isolated, smaller or larger habitat areas of particular ecological, botanical and zoological interest. The most extensive and productive forests in Greece, the unique in Greece forest of Simida, the undisturbed natural ecosystem of the Virgin Forest Fraktos, the forest of Tsikla and Chayntous, the variety of vegetation types, the typical woodland fauna of forests, the presence of many animals and plants give the mountainous region a particular and distinguishable character.
DRAMA
www.fdor.gr
Delta of Nestos Ismarida Vistonida
Management Body of Delta Nestos Ismarida Vistonida
"The wetland complex of the National Park is one of the most important in Greece, because of its large surface area and its high biological, aesthetic, scientific, physical and educational value. The purpose of the National Park is the effective protection of habitats and rare species of flora and fauna inhabiting and breeding in the region. XANTHI The Nestos Delta Management Agency Vistonida-Ismarida is a legal entity under private law, anon-profit organization established in April 2003 by JMD Ministries of Environment, Agriculture and Development, as a statutory body of management of the National Park of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
www.fdnestosvistonis.gr
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3.3 Annual traditional cultural events
Region of East Macedonia and Thrace is a unified cultural area, where every prefecture or even smaller geographical area or social group, has specific unique characteristics. And the cultural activity of the Region, either it is related to day-to-day life, or it is revival of old customs, is really significant and it is an integrated part of the social life and potential polar of touristic attraction, if it is dully developed. On this area and its activities, great part of the Greek history it is visible, either coming of what is considered as Greece nowadays, either from the outgreek Hellenism. All these elements, in accordance to the geomorphologic characteristics, are consist of an image which can be promoted and be part of the touristic development process of the Region.
Prefecture of Drama is one of the prefectures of the Region of East Macedonia and Thrace and its capital is the city of Drama.
The area of Drama is mainly mountainous, apart from the valley of Neurokopi and the plain of Drama (Prosotsani Doxato), and it is the natural ending of the Aimos Sierra to the North and the Aegean Sea, through the valley of Philippoi at the South. The geomorphology of the area justifies the interest of moving populations to inhabit the area from the Oldcristian era. Drama is the area, form where Byzantines are going to pass through, Maniakes and Latins. Also, the area is going be passed under Ottomans administration, even during their first period of presence in European territory. Gipsy populations coming from the internal of Aimos, Vlachoi and Vlachospeaking populations from Ipeiros, people from Ipeiros and Thessalia and later Slavs from the North will try to occupy the area through decades. All these populations will carry with them their own customs and habits, like in the past, and having the same needs, under the pressure of the same events, they are going to act in a similar way and in parallel, sometimes in exactly the same way. In many cases mosques will coexist by churches or churches are going to be transformed to Muslim mosques. After the end of the war on 1922, Turkish and Bulgarian populations will abandon the area. And in their position is going to come by Greek emigrants coming from Black Sea, East Thrace and Minor Asia, while the last two decades the population is going to be refreshed by the Greek resetllers from the ex Soviet Union.
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The emigrants were established mainly in the agricultural and urban areas and transfer to their new homeland the traditions of the areas they were coming from, of Thrace, Black Sea and Minor Asia. Nevertheless, the last decades and under the coliving and needs of every day life, they will shape a common expression of the present and a common memory of the past, as it expressed on their customs and habits.
List of Annual Events and Festivals in the Prefecture of Drama
Title of event
Place of conduct
Resource
Brief Description
Website/Information
The Gathering of Sarakatsanai oi
Elatia Dramas
Municipality of Drama
It is a great festival to price of Sarakatsanoi of all Greece. Each they are assembled in the forestal village of Elatias. The festival climaxes the first Sunday afterwards the feast of Prophet Elijah on the 20th of July.
www.sarakatsanos.org
Drama's Festival
Drama
Drama's Festival is the feast of cinema. The Festival carried out each September and aims to promote short films and to develop a spirit of friendship and cooperation among filmmakers from all over the world. Apart from the competitive parts, events taking place during the Festival include art exhibitions, musical concerts and literary tributes.
www.dramafilmfestival.gr
Book Feast
Drama
The municipality of Drama, the Association of Booksellers and Stationers of Drama and the DEKPOTA (Municipal Enterprise of Social, Cultural and Tourist Development) organise each July the Feast of Book with parallel events that are take place in the the Municipal Garden of Drama.
www.dekpota-dramas.gr
S. Paraskeui's Feast
Agia Paraskeui
Municipality of Kalampaki
Each year on 26 July is celebrated the memory of Saint Friday. On the eve of feast takes place the procession of the icon and then is presented traditional dances from the cultural associations of Municipality and follows traditional feast at the village's square.
www.kalabaki.gr
Corn Feast
Kalabaki
It becomes each year the last three days of July. The event aims to promote thw corn which is one of the most important local products.
www.kalabaki.gr
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The Feast at the 15th of August (Annouciatio n of Mother of God) in Pagoneri
Pagoneri Nevrokopi
Municipality of Nevrokopi
The church of Pagonerio celebrates on the 15th August and the traditional festival constitutes point of meeting of residents and visitors. Gkaintes (bagpipe) and ntaaredes (traditional musical instruments) give a special stain to the festival.
www.nevrokopi.gr/aden.ht m
The Feast of Michael and Gavriel
Kalabaki
With splendour is celebrated the feast of Angels Michael and Gabriel on the 8th of November. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality.
www.kalabaki.gr
Prosotsani Celebrates
Prosotsani
Municipality of Prosotsani
In the Municipality of Prosotsani celebrate from 27-31 December with music, dance, traditional flavours and various events for children.
www.prosotsani.gr
Babougera
Kali Vrisi
Cultural Association of Kali Vrisi
In Kali Vrisi Dramas revive each year on the 6th, 7th and 8th of January the ancient Dionysian event called "Mpampougera", at the duration of which participate men disguised animals, and wearing in their middle heavy bells. Revived customary events accompany the traditional musical instruments like bagpipe, lyra and ntaares.
www.prosotsani.gr
Twelfth Day at Volaka Drama Horse Races
Nevrokopi
Municipality of Nevrokopi
The Twelft Tide is wealth of events and feasts with intense Dionysian style. The events take place from 5th to 8th of January. The afternoon of the feasts day, take place horse races, but the special part of the festival is the ascent of residents with their bedight horses, to the homonym small church that is found in near mountain called Falakro.
www.nevrokopi.gr/aden.ht m
The festival of "Midwife" or "Babo" in Petroussa
Petroussa
Municipality of Prosotsani
Every year on the 7th and 8th of January there survives in Petroussa the festival of Midwife or Babo, whose roots can be traced in ancient fertility festivals. The festival is honored the elderly woman who in earlier times used to be also and the midwife. Via this feast people welcome the new year with wishes for fertility, productivity and full health year.
www.prosotsani.gr
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The Kurbans
Kalabaki
According to the tradition, every year at the Day of St. Athanasios on the 18th of January, God used to send at the parvis a deer which after having a rest, sacrificed early in the morning of the feast from Kurbantzides (immolators), who after, cooked it and offer the meet to the residents and the visitors. The food named kurbani which means sacrifice. Nowadays because of the increase in population of Kalampaki, are used 3 and more animals (bull or cow) for the revival of the old custom.
www.politismoskalabaki.gr /
Day of St. Mokios
Kalabaki
On the 11th of May every year takes place the feast for the Day of St. Mokios, who is considered as the patron saint for Thacians and farmers. On the eve of the Day takes place the procession of the icon and then follow traditional dances and events from the municipalitys cultural associations.
www.kalabaki.gr
Day of St. Constantinos and Eleni
Kalabaki
It is a two days festival in which take place cultural and athletic events in the line of the Day of St. Constantine and Eleni on the 20th and 21st of May. The afternoon of the Days eve, takes place the Great Festal Evensong and follow shows with traditi
www.kalabaki.gr
Anastanaria or "FireWalking"
Mavrolefki
Cultural Association of Mavrolefki
The traditional events begin on the 19th of May and finish on the 21st. In those days take place rites such as animals sacrifices which aimed to the fire-walkers rehearsal. On the fire which is stroked gradually are gathered the fire-walkers who are joined by local traditional musicians playing the lyre and tabor. Gradually the fire-walkers enter a state of religious ecstasy and then walk and dance on the burning coals without being burned or bothered by the high temperatures.
www.sitagroi.gov.gr
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Civilisation?P lease,...thank you!
Kalabaki
The month of May in Kalabaki is cultural. From 9th to 30th of May take places events with the general title Civilization? Pleasethank you!, that reflects the necessity of support and promotion of all forms of culture. The action that is developed, concerns the popular tradition but also modern forms of art and culture.
www.politismoskalabaki.gr /
Day of St. Jonh (Klidonas)
St. Paraskeui
St. Paraskeui village, Municipality of Kalabaki
Every year on the 24th of June takes place on the courtyard of the Elementary School of St. Paraskeui, a custom which is dated from 1924. It is divinatory processes at which single girls see into well the man who they will be marry.
www.kalabaki.gr
The Prefecture of Evros is the second bigger prefecture, after Kavala, of the Region of East Macedonia and Thrace. And it also contains on its territory the island of Samothraki, presenting this way an even wider variety of religious and folklore expressions.
Emigrants will pass through Evros, but they are not going to inhabit the area. They will move soon to the mainland far from the borders. So its easily understandable why in Evros they are still reviving customs and ceremonies, having their origin to the ancient era and ancient God Dionysos. These customs were part of the cultural expression of both sides of Evros River, but now can be found only to Greek part. The area of Kavala owes its importance to its geographical position. It is located between Macedonia and Thrace; it is crossed by roads which unify the West to the East, the Balkan mainland to the Aegean Sea. And that in principles Kavala was a crossroad of civilizations, where the different historical and social events created a mosaic of different ethnic groups that lived and activated in the area. Romans will occupy the territory for many centuries. Neapolis, widely known today as Kavala, will be the portal from where Christian religion is going to pass on Europe. Kavala is the first European territory where Apostol Pavlos is going to visit to his way to Philippous. The area is going to be conquested by Ottomans since the end of 14th century and afterwards to Bulgarians. The rapid changes on Balkans, which are going to dissect Ottoman Empire after World War A, are going to destroy the Hellenism of Minor Asia, with a parallel diverging of
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Ottomans and Bulgarians from the area. Greek emigrants from, Black Sea, Minor Asia and East Thrace and Romylia are going to replace them. All these populations, which are living, leave back their customs and traditions, through coliving and emigrants are bringing with them their own traditions, different from those which were existed in the area. Consequently, during the following decades, a wide and rich traditional framework will be created, consisted of native elements, Thracian traditions and customs of emigrants, which they still survive in folklore festivals up to day. List of Annual Events and Festivals in the Prefecture of Evros
Title of event
Place of conduct
Resource
Brief Description This event takes place in the early spring and it is a famous fertile rite widespread in the Regions area but also in the Balkan countries.
Website
Perperouna or Perperitsa
Dadia
Municipality of Soufli
www.soufli.gr
The "Monks"
Kastanies
Municipality of Kastanies Cultural and Educational Association of Kastanies
The festival takes place on Cheese-Fare Monday and seems to have originated in East Thrace, in Vizyi and its neighbouring villages. The Monks would dress in wolves or deers hides. The company is maked-up with the roles of Babo, katsivelos, tsandarmadon and the first in class elder. The event is completed in two phases, the first lasting from early morning up until late noon and the second one which begun in the afternoon.
www.vyssa.gr
Kiopek Mpei
Kastanies
The revival of the rite of Kiopek Mpeis takes place on CheeseFare Monday and it is an original Dionysian event that while the Turkish possession takes its final form. The event takes place every year in Kastanies and teases the Turkish possession. The festival concludes with wrestling competition and the baton race.
www.vyssa.gr
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Youth Gathering "ARDAS"
Kastanies
Cultural Association of Vyssa
Festival, is located on a wonderful place with rich vert, around the bank of the river Ardas , few kilometers away from village of Kastanies.Visitor will have the opportunity to experience remarkable music events and to participate in creative events, taking place throughout the day.Camping is close to the location where events take place. It is a position of unique natural beauty, offering an area of 1,5km full of trees next to river appropriate for campers to habituate either with a tent or with house trailer.
www.vyssa.gr
Kiopek Mpei
Didymoteicho
Municipality of Didymoteicho
The revival of the rite of Kiopek Mpeis takes place on CheeseFare Monday and it is an original Dionysian event that while the Turkish possession takes its final form. The event takes place every year in Didymoteicho and teases the Turkish possession.
www.didymoteicho.gr
Kale Panair
Didymoteicho
With Gaida (bagpipe) , one of the original traditional instruments of Thrace, as the protagonist the Municipality of Didymoteicho organized every year a feast for the Whit. At this, traditional musicians, while walking through the neighborhoods, request for the participation of the people and for the final gathering at the central square. In Feres from 1935 take place a commercial feast on 14th of September. This event has intensive commercial participation, mainly with agricultural products, because the area has a developed agricultural and husbandry sector in the wide plain of the river. It concerns music, theatrical and figurative shows, exhibitions and events that are realised every year, in the Open Theatre of Feres and in the settlements of the Municipality, between 24 July and 17 August.
www.didymoteicho.gr
Agricultural Exposure of Feres
Feres
Municipal Enterprise of Cultural Development (Feres)
http://www.evrosferes.gr
Vireia
Feres
Dimitria
Feres
Are organised three-day cultural events in Peplos dedicated in the patron Saint of the village
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"Gnafala" Festival
Soufli
Folklore Museum of Soufli
Cultural events like music concerts, exhibitions, theatrical shows and movie projections, take place usually in July with duration one month. The festival of Tsipouro is an effort on behalf of the local institutions of promotion and projection of the particular product, but also projection of the region Every year, on the 26th of October, in Didymoteicho, in the Day of S. Dimitrios, revives an ancient custom and the residents sacrifice cocks in honor of the Saint. Also it is customary this day the cooked cock to be their main lunch. On the 18th of January the Day of S. Athanasios at the village Alonia of Samothraki island, take place a feast where the residents sacrifice cows or sheep (kourbani) in honor of the Saint. On the 20th of July Day of Prophet Elias, in the homonym village takes place a feast but at the same time in Therma the residents celebrates the first swim of the year. In the Church of Holly Mother treasured the bones of the five Saints of Samothraki and there take place events in honor of them. Residents and visitors go to church and then they walk the village to return to the church where they shared traditional sweets called haslamas. Afterwards the Christmas Mass, two young men are disguised. The one is got dressed with the traditional feminine costume of Evros. The other undertakes the escort of the lady and he should be a hefty young man. The singular couple goes from house to house for the classic treat. This event revives the traditional history of the rich girl that so much be protected by the parents so that they do not leave her to come out from the house without the escort of some servant. Every year in the period of Carnival the Municipality organized a Carnival Parade and other events.
www.gnafala.blogspot.com
Tsipouro Festival
Soufli
Municipality of Soufli
www.soufli.gr
Kourbani
Didymoteicho
www.didymoteicho.gr
Kourbani
Alonia
Municipality of Samothraki
www.samothraki.gr
Double Feast in Samothraki
Therma and Prophet Elias
www.samothraki.gr
Festival of the five Saints of Samothraki
Chora
www.samothraki.gr
Kortopoula
Tichero
Municipality of Tichero
www.tichero.gr
Carnival
Tichero
www.tichero.gr
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Earth Festival
Tichero
In August are organised the Feasts of Ground of duration of 3 days where take place exhibition of local rural products with the attendance of Cooperatives of the region but also musical and dancing events. The festival constitutes a remarkable movement of cultural decentralisation of the Municipality of Tichero. They include events in the settlements of Lyra, Fylakto, Provatona, Leykimi, Thymes and Tayri. The events, are realised in July and are addressed mainly in the residents, but also in friends and visitors of the settlements. The Youth Festival Feast of Music constitutes an annual institution. It is a 3days festival where take place events like music concerts with famous artists. The Festival is an effort from the local authorities for promotion and projection of the area. It is a cultural institution that provides and projects the local and regional art creation. Picture galleries, music concerts and exhibitions organized by the Municipality and the Municipal Enterprise of Culture, promote their progression in cultural events. It takes place the first weekend of July. Includes traditional welcoming dinner. It is organised under the patronage of the Cultural Association of Lyra.
www.tichero.gr
Regional Events
Settlements of the Municipality of Tichero
www.tichero.gr
Youth Festival
Tichero
www.tichero.gr
August Nights
Tichero
www.tichero.gr
Emmigrants Feast
Lyra
www.tichero.gr
S. Paraskeui's Feast The Feast at the 15th of August (Annouciation of Mother of God)in Thimaria S. George's Feast
Provatonas
Traditional local feast with music, dancing, food and drinks.
www.tichero.gr
Thimaria
www.tichero.gr
Tayri
www.tichero.gr
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Traditional Atakmades
Leukimi
For the Carnival days they cook and share a traditional food called akatmades (kind of crep with chicken). The feast includes also dancing and traditional music. It is a feast that takes place on the 7th and 8th of September. The events is the annual gathering of residents, frineds and visitors of the settlement of Leukimi It takes place on the 5th and 6th of Aygust and it is a two days feast with traditional food, drink, music and dancing The Twelft Tide is wealth of events and feasts with intense Dionysian style. The events take place from 5th to 8th of January. Young men masquerade as animals called "mpampaliaroi" and sing carols to the village The Twelft Tide is wealth of events and feasts with intense Dionysian style. The events take place from 5th to 8th of January. Young men masquerade as animals called "rougatsia" and sing carols to the village
www.tichero.gr
Leukimi's Feast
Leukimi
www.tichero.gr
Feast in Filakto
Fylakto
www.tichero.gr
Twelfth Tide Mpampaliaroi
Karoti
Karoti
www.didymoteicho.gr
Twelfth Tide Rougatsia
Lavara and Mandra
Municipality of Lavara
www.orfeas.evros.gr
Twelfth Tide Ntiligaroi
Kastanies
In this area Young men masquerade as animals called "ntiligaroi" and sing carols to the village
www.vyssa.gr
Midwife or Babo
Settlements of Apallos and Maistros
Municipality of Alexandroupolis
Every year on the 7th and 8th of January there survives in Petroussa the festival of Midwife or Babo, whose roots can be traced in ancient fertility festivals. The festival is honored the elderly woman who in earlier times used to be also and the midwife. Via this feast people welcome the new year with wishes for fertility, productivity and full health year. The event celebrated on 14 May in recollection of the release of the city from the Bulgarian occupation. Include parade, speeches, representations, exhibitions, musical and dancing events There are events organized under the patronage of the Municipality of Alexandroupoli during all the summer
www.alexpolis.gr
Eleutheria
Alexandroupoli
www.alexpolis.gr
Cultural Waves
Alexandroupoli
www.alexpolis.gr
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Commercial Exhibition
Alexandroupoli
Organized under the patronage of the Commercial Chamber of Evros. There participate local exhibitors but also exhibitors from east Aegean islands and Balkan countries. Takes place every two years in the esplanade of Alexandroupoli. Milina is a traditional pie that used to be the most important treat for the residents of Kirki. The Feast takes place in the early September every year. On the 26th of July takes place in Palagia a traditional Pontus feast
www.alexpolis.gr
Book Festival
Alexandroupoli
www.alexpolis.gr
Milina's Feast
Kirki
www.alexpolis.gr
Pontus Feast
Palagia
www.alexpolis.gr
Rodopi Prefecture, along to the Xanthi Prefecture, are the only areas where a tradition of many centuries is still ongoing; the coliving of populations with different ethnic and religious origin, that they have the same traditions and religious places at least since 1922. Rodopi Mountains, Papikion Mountain in specific, will be transformed to a cloistral centre, equal to Athos. And the ancient temples of Apollo and Dionysos, are going to be transformed to Christian worship centers, to areas of Ismaros and Maroneia Rather recently, the cultural mosaic of the area is going to be further enriched through emigrants from islands Imvros and Tenedos and resetllers from Ex Soviet Union. The cultural festivals of the area present a wide variety of expression. In same cases are similar in different groups, to Christians, Muslims, Armenians and Gypsies. And this is considered as natural result of the fact that different groups face the some challenges and problems through centuries. However in some cases, customs and traditions are related back to lost countries, in the case of emigrants.
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List of Annual Events and Festivals in the Prefecture of Rodopi

Place of conduct Nymfaia
Title of event Parcharia
Resource Association of Pontiac Youth Municipality of Iasmos Municipality of Iasmos
Brief Description Parcharia is a pontiac festival where promoting and projecting traditional pontiac dishes, dances, music and other cultural activities The duration of the feast is 7 to 10 days and includes many cultural and athletic events Sharing the traditional bean soup, Lagana and the other rich dishes with a traditional orchestra, followed by the competition of Kite flight. With splendour is celebrated the feast of S. Nikolaos. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality With splendour is celebrated the feast of S. Constantine and Eleni. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality With splendour is celebrated the feast of S. Spiridonas. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality With splendour is celebrated the feast of S. George. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality With splendour is celebrated the feast of S. Athanasios and Fanourios. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality With splendour is celebrated the feast of Prophet Elia. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality With splendour is celebrated the feast of S. Paul. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality Every year on the 7th and 8th of January there survives in Maroneia the festival of Midwife or Babo, whose roots can be traced in ancient fertility festivals. The festival is honored the elderly woman who in earlier times used to be also and the midwife. Via this feast people welcome the new year with wishes for fertility, productivity and full health year. The Feast of Olive is a new model of entrepreneurship and projection of the local products. The Feast of Fire takes place in July. Isnafia is a an original local custom with events like live music, dancing, wine offering and local dishes.
Website
The Feast of Prophet Elia Ash Monday
Iasmos
www.iasmos.gr
Amvrosia
www.iasmos.gr
The Feast of S. Nikolaos The Feast of S. Constantine and Eleni
Iasmos
Municipality of Iasmos
www.iasmos.gr
Dialabi
www.iasmos.gr
The Feast of S. Spiridonas
Mosaiko
www.iasmos.gr
The Feast of S. George The Feast of S. Athanasios and Fanourios The Feast of Prophet Elia
Amvrosia
www.iasmos.gr
Salpi
www.iasmos.gr
Palladio
www.iasmos.gr
The Feast of S. Paul
Glikoneri
www.iasmos.gr
Babo
Maroneia
Municipality of Maroneia
www.maronia.gr
The Feast of Olive The Feast of Fire Isnafia (Ash Monday)
Maroneia Maroneia Xilagani
Municipality of Maroneia Municipality of Maroneia Municipality of Maroneia
www.maronia.gr www.maronia.gr www.maronia.gr
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The Feast of S. Marina
Imeros
The Feast of Prophet Elia
Prophitis Elias
The Feast of Sardine The Feast of S. Charalampos
S. Charalampos
S. Charalampos
The Multicultural Festival of Sappes in Rodopi
Sappes
Municipality of Sappes
Elefteria Komotini
Komotini
Municipality of Komotini
Tradional Feast of Cherries and Morello
Komotini
Municipality of Komotini
Organi
Organi
With splendour is celebrated the feast of S. Marina. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality With splendour is celebrated the feast of Prophet Elia. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality In May, in the closing ceremony of the International Congress of Gym Academy, is held a celebration of sardine in the old port. With splendour is celebrated the feast of S. Charalampos. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality Every year in May, the small country town of Sappes hosts a multicultural festival that attracts people from every corner of Thrace. Individuals who are different in origin gather in the heart of a muchafflicted Thracian region, only with a view to defending the principles of multiculturalism and demonstrating the advantages of the coexistence of people of different ethnicity in the same society. Celebrations for the liberation of Komotini from the conquerors, organised all around the city by the municipality. They include a wide variety of events such as chess games, sculture and painting exhibitions, theatrical shows, concerts, book presentations etc. And of course there is a strong presence and participation of the Cultural Societies of our city. On the 7th of July in Komotini takes place the Feast of Cherries and Morello where offered cold drinks and sweets from cherries and morello. At the mountainous area of Alan Tepe takes place the traditional Feast that revives the custom of the fight of men spread up with oil with participations from Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria. The show is unique for the thousands of people, residents and visitors who then have the chance to taste many traditional dishes.
www.maronia.gr
www.maronia.gr
www.maronia.gr
www.maronia.gr
www.sapes.gr
www.komotini.gr
www.komotini.gr
www.wiw.gr/greek/komotini_com munity_of_organi
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Prefecture of Xanthi belongs to Thrace. Up to the North has borders with Bulgaria, and is surrounded from the Prefecture of Drama (north) and prefecture of Kavala (west) on its eastern part and Rodopi Prefecture and Thracian Sea to the western part. The capital of the Prefecture is the city of Xanthi. Xanthi has continental climate and is characterized by cold winters and hot summers. The snowfalls on the mountaineous area of the Prefecture are common and the temperature in many cases goes down to minus 20 C. During the winter, morning cold in the city of Xanthi, is a usual phenomenon for inhabitants.
Prefecture of Xanthi is known for its natural beauty, like Vistonida lake, waterfall of Livaditis and Nestos River.
Xanthi, Xantheia as it was know on Byzantine era, is an area with rich natural beauty, valeays, sea, lakes and sealakes, wich was habitated ny early ancient years and later was under Byzantine administartion. The scene is completed with the virgin forests in the mountains, where the ancient populations mooved.
Xanthi is among the few areas of Greece, where a constant inhabitation has been oserved in history. Apart from the period, when Bulgarians occupied Xanthi area, that they later mooved in western areas and replaced by emigrants from Black Sea, Minor Asia and East Thrace, the same populations live harmonic, Greek Christians, Muslims and Pomaks.
The cultural expression activities and customs of the area are connected to the way of life of people, their happy and sad moments, to philosophy, to the myths of ancient world, to the Christianism and the Muslim religion.
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List of Annual Events and Festivals in the Prefecture of Xanthi

Type/Title of event Place of conduct Resource Municipal Enterprise of Development (Xanthi) Brief Description The Xanthi Old Town Festival is organised in Xanthi every year in late summer and the first days of September. Sweet smells fill the air. The narrow streets of the old settlement bustle with life and echo with melodies and exclamations of merriment. The carnival of Xanthi is an important cultural event that attracts crowds of visitors. The municipality of Xanthi hosts a fortnight of wonderful folklore festivities; the carnival parade is packed with colourful floats; people stream into streets and and sway to dance music. The carnival of Xanthi offers visitors the chance to experience unique feelings. The Youth Festival, which takes place at the end of Spring, started the same year with the Old Town Festival and as its title unveils, all pupils of the town are gathered. During these festivals pupils have the ability to become the starring leaders both t the scene and at the audience. So, the citizens of the city acquaint the events of the urban domain either through creatingproduction process, or through the process of participation- consumption. It is about Manos Chatzidakis Festival that was founded in 1995, honouring the great Greek Composer that was born and raised in Xanthi. This festival hosts concerts by Greek and Balcanic musicians and offers the chance to choirs from all over Greece and a Every year on the 7th and 8th of January there survives in Nea Kessani the festival of Midwife or Babo, whose roots can be traced in ancient fertility festivals. The festival is honored the elderly woman who in earlier times used to be also and the and the midwife. Via this feast people welcome the new year with wishes for fertility, productivity and full health year. The Gea's Bread is a special event for the revival of the traditional way to make bread. Takes place in Avdira during the Democriteia Festival. To the refugee settlement of Merodatou revives every year in clean Monday the custom of the Thrakiotic Wedding from the women of the Thrakiotic association On the 20th of July Day of Prophet Elias, in Mandra takes place a feast in honor of the Saint. On the 31st of August takes place in Pezoula a traditional feast with local dishes, music and dancing Takes place the last week of July every year. Includes events such as musical concerts, theatrical and dancing perfomances. Every year on the 7th and 8th of January there survives in Maggana the festival of Midwife or Babo, whose roots can be traced in ancient fertility festivals. The festival is honored the elderly woman who in earlier times used to be also and the midwife. Via this feast people welcome the new year with wishes for fertility, productivity and full health year. It is a custom that revives at the Day of S. Theodoroi when boys "steal" from girls staff like (flowers, clothes etc.) and leave them at the square of the village In the Day of S. George, revives the custom of the fight of Pechlibanides, the fight of men spread up with oil. Sharing the traditional bean soup, Lagana and the other rich dishes with a traditional orchestra, followed by the competition of Kite flight. Website
Old Town Festival
Xanthi
www.deax.gr
The Carnival of Xanthi
Xanthi
Municipal Enterprise of Development (Xanthi)
www.carnivalx.gr
Youth Festival
Xanthi
www.deax.gr
Chatzidakis Festival
Xanthi
www.deax.gr
Babo
Nea Kessani
Municipality of Avdera
www.avdera.gr
The "Gea's Bread" Revival of a Thracian Wedding Feast of Prophet Elia Feast Dimocriteia
Avdira Mirodato Mandra Pezoula Avdira
Municipality of Avdira Municipality of Avdira Municipality of Avdira Municipality of Avdira Municipality of Avdira
www.avdera.gr www.avdera.gr www.avdera.gr www.avdera.gr www.avdera.gr
Babo
Maggana
Municipality of Topeiros
www.topeiros.gr
The custom of S. Theodoroi The custom of "Pechlivanides" Ash Monday
Maggana Olvio Galani, Olvio, Maggana
Municipality of Topeiros Municipality of Topeiros Municipality of Topeiros
www.topeiros.gr www.topeiros.gr www.topeiros.gr
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Thracian Wedding Holy's Mother Feast Erasmia Dimitria
Avato Toxotes Erasmio Melissa
Municipality of Topeiros Municipality of Topeiros Municipality of Topeiros Municipality of Topeiros Municipality of Topeiros
To the refugee settlement of Avato revives every year on the 8th of September the custom of the Thrakiotic Wedding from the women of the Thrakiotic association 3 days cutlural event in the honor of Holly Spirit 5days of cultural events in honor of the Holy Mother from 10th to 15th of August. 4 days cultural events from 29th of August with exhibitions, shows and music concerts Cultural events on the 26th of October in honor of Saint Dimitrios One of the most vivid customs in Stavroupoli.It involves a camel that goes from one house to the other. A couple of days before, the young of the village make a wooden construction supported by a framework of mulberry twigs serving as the body of the camel and covered by dark blankets. The Ash Monday Sharing the traditional bean soup, Lagana and the other rich dishes with a traditional orchestra, followed by the competition of Kite flight. The Nesto's Festival takes place the last days of July at a specific area. Includes cultural events such as music concerts, dancing, environmental activities and others. Local events with aim the promotion and projection of local products With splendour is celebrated the feast of Angels Michael and Gabriel. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality. With splendour is celebrated the feast of S. Peter and Paul on the 29th of June. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality. With splendour is celebrated the feast of S. Panteleimonas on the 27th of July. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality. With splendour is celebrated the feast of Analipsi. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality. With splendour is celebrated the feast on the 15th of August. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality. With splendour is celebrated the feast of Prophet Elia. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality With splendour is celebrated the feast of Zoodochou Pigi. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality With splendour is celebrated the feast of Holy Rood. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality With splendour is celebrated the feast of S. Dimitrios. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality
www.topeiros.gr www.topeiros.gr www.topeiros.gr www.topeiros.gr www.topeiros.gr
The Camel custom
Stavroupoli
Municipality of Stavroupoli
www.stavroupolis.gr
Pontiac Feast
Komnina
Nesto's Festival Local events related with local products The Feast of Michael and Gavriel The Feast of S. Peter and Paul
Dafnonas
Stavroupoli
Municipality of Stavroupoli Municipality of Stavroupoli Municipality of Stavroupoli Municipality of Stavroupoli Municipality of Stavroupoli Municipality of Stavroupoli Municipality of Stavroupoli Municipality of Stavroupoli Municipality of Stavroupoli Municipality of Stavroupoli Municipality of Stavroupoli Municipality of Stavroupoli
www.stavroupolis.gr
www.stavroupolis.gr
www.stavroupolis.gr
Stavroupoli
www.stavroupolis.gr
Komnina
www.stavroupolis.gr
The Feast of S. Panteleimonas
Dafnonas
www.stavroupolis.gr
The Feast of Analipsi The Feast on the 15th of August (Annouciation of Mother of God) The Feast of Prophet Elia The feast of Zoodochou Pigi The Feast of Holy Rood The Feast of S. Dimitrios
Margaritis
www.stavroupolis.gr
Ioniko and Kastanitis
www.stavroupolis.gr
Kallithea
www.stavroupolis.gr
Neochori
www.stavroupolis.gr
Kato Kariofito Ano Kariofito
www.stavroupolis.gr
www.stavroupolis.gr
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The Feast of S. Constantine and Eleni Patatiada (Potato Feast) Alektoria Ash Monday
Likodromio Feloni Peteinos Polysitos
Municipality of Stavroupoli Municipality of Vistonida Municipality of Vistonida Municipality of Vistonida
With splendour is celebrated the feast of S. Constantine and Eleni. Eve of feast take place the procession of the icon and follows traditional dances from the cultural associations of the Municipality Feast in the village Feloni with local dishes based on potato. Cultural events that take place at the end of June. Sharing the traditional bean soup, Lagana and the other rich dishes with a traditional orchestra, followed by the competition of Kite flight.
www.stavroupolis.gr www.vistonida.gr www.vistonida.gr www.vistonida.gr
3.4 Traditional Food Product - Gastronomy and Wine Another form of alternative tourism, gastronomic and wine tourism, completes the options in the Region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace. The tastes are unique revealing the long and multicultural tradition of the area. The kitchen of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace combine creatively the products of local agricultural, piscatorial and farming production. The big variety of tastes is a result of the combination of the traditional Macedonian and Thracian recipes with the kitchen of Sarakatsani, of the refugees from Pontos, Eastern Romylia, Eastern Thrace, Minor Asia and from Cappadocia, Armenia, Roma, Pomaks, Turkey. The unique dishes are completed by sweets and famous wines, ouzo and tsipouro that are produced in the area. The wine tradition, famous from antiquity, continues till our days, proving that the inhabitants of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace know to enjoy every moment of life. Each Prefecture has particular local food products and wines.
Prefecture of Drama Farming products, abundant river fishes, pita, home-made pasta and the traditional recipes of the Pontii and Sarakatsani predominate in the local dishes of Drama. The main Pontian dishes of the area is sor-vas (soup with yogurt), tsirichta, yvrista, keskek (chicken with wheat), trachanas, while the Sarakatsanian kitchen distinguishes for cabbage pita (coarsely cut phylla that are placed in a baking pan, are buttered, and then a layer of fine-cut cabbage, onions, cheese, salt, pepper and butter or oil is added on them), galatopita (mixture of flour, salt and sugar that is boiled until it thickens; it is placed between the coarsely cut phylla and is baked with a little butter). This pita is made on holidays, Easter and on the day of Ai-Giorgi. Striftopita or psaropita (Very thin phylla are opened with the rolling pin. Cheese and trachanas are placed on phyllo and it is rolled very tightly. Each rolled phyllo is placed in a round buttered
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baking pan, one next to another. Thus, a twisted pie is made, buttered and baked in earthen vessels). Special local products of the Prefecture of Drama are: Local sausages from Volakas Potatoes and giant beans (P6I products) from Kato Nevrokopi River trout Pastrami Spoon sweets and marmalades that are made from fruits of the area, liqueurs from cranberries, plums or mint, noodles, trachanas, pontian evriston or yvriston and keskesi, homemade pasta, pasta with spinach or tomato, Greek mountain tea, chamomile and oregano. The wine production of Drama holds a special position, giving the last decade unique samples of quality products that have been awarded several distinctions in Greek and abroad. The vine-yards of Drama cover an area of about 4.000 square meters, where special Greek varieties are cultivated, such as Asyrtiko, Limnio, Savvatiano, Roditis, Moschato Alexandras, as well as several foreign ones. A list of all Womens Corporations in REMTH which produce traditional local products and all wine producers/wineries is provided in the following table.
Type Women's Corporation
Responsible Body Women's Agrotourist Corporation of "Kokkinogeia"
Description (250 characters) Production, processing and sale of local traditional products: marmalade, liqueur, home made pastas and spoon sweets (catering is also provided).
Women's Corporation
Rural Productive and Touristic Corporation Paranestiou Dramas
Traditional recipes of the Pontii and Sarakatsani that live at the Prefecture. Production of spoon sweets, dessert wines from cranberries, plums or mint, chylopites, trahanas, Pontian evriston or yuriston and keskesi, home made pasta, giofkades, Greek mountain tea and oregano.
Women's Corporation
Women's Rural Corporation "Kalow Agros" Drama
Traditional recipes from Minor Asian and Thracia refugees. Production of hand made pastas, trahanas, spoon sweets, marmladas and liquer.
Winery/distillery
ECOLOGIKOS AMBELONAS - OINOPOIIA MYKONOU P.L.C. KTIMA PAVLIDIS P.L.C.
Wine production
Winery/distillery
Wine production
Winery/distillery
PATKA POTOPOIIA, P.L.C.
Production of ouzo, tsipouro, brandy and liqueurs.
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Winery/distillery
KTIMA TECHNI OINOU I., PAPADOPOULOS - I. KALAITZIDIS, G.P. "TECHNI ALYPIAS" LAZARIDIS NIKOS O.V.G.E. P.L.C.
Production of wines
Winery/distillery
Production of wines
Winery/distillery
KTIMA KOSTAS LAZARIDIS P.L.C. OINOGENESIS OINOPOIITIKI & AGROTIKI EMPORIKI P.L.C. MAKEDONIKI INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL P.L.C.
Organic farming. Production of wines, tsipouro, grape and vinegar distilling. Organisation of conventions and receptions.
Winery/distillery
Wine production
Winery/distillery
Production and wholesale trade of drinks
Winery/distillery
MANOLESAKIS G. & ASSOCIATES "GENNIMA PSYCHIS"
Wine production
Winery/distillery
KTIMA MIHAILIDI
Production of ecological wines
Prefecture of Evros Evros kitchen uses the products of local production, such as cereals, vegetables, legumes, meat, river fish (sorn fish and carps), as well as sea fish that are fished at the Thracian Sea. A famous dish is "Babo" (Christmas dish made of pork intestines stuffed with finely-chopped meat, rice, leaks, guts and spices), kavourmas (roasted boneless pork meat) cooked in pots covered with fat. Today, it is made by butchers that put it in thick pork intestines. It is considered to be an ideal side dish for ouzo and beer), petoura or giof kaes (pasta from coarsely cut phylla for pita, milk and eggs, cut in oblong pieces, sun-dried and kept in fabric bags. Kous-kous is made of the same ingredients, grated in small balls), bligouri or boulgour (boiled wheat sun-dried and grated by the mill. It is cooked alone, as rice or with various meats), kolburek (twisted pita), kioul (soup with chicken and wheat gruel), kous-kous, trachanas, cabbage and other pickled vegetables, laggites (crepes made of thin paste baked on satzi - a round thin stone plate, placed on a trivet, overheated and grated with an onion - eaten with sugar or molasses) and tarator (tzatziki). At Samothraki, the most famous dish is kid. Animals are local and graze freely all over the island.
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Other dishes of the island is manti (roasted minced pork meat and phyllo stuffed with rice),gorgovrasto with rice (boiled meat from a big animal and rice boiled in broth and milk),lioto (meat the with tomato at and nuts), chaslamas sourtrachanas, (chalvas gorgi in the with frying chick-pea pan),spoon sweets pragousti (white plum), apricot, nut, wild fig, cheeses and yellow cheeses from small cheese-dairy Makrylies, (rusks yeast),"labirgiat's" or labriatis (Easter dish kid or lamp stuffed with rice, fresh onion, anise, raisins, scalded small liver pieces, baked in the oven), zmaroupatou (Lenten pit made of flour, oil and filling of grated marrow and peppermint), Greens Pita (filled with sweet greens, cabbage and poppy), noodles (the wide ones are called mats(i) and the thin ones floumaria). A list of all Womens Corporations in REMTH which produce traditional local products and all wine producers/wineries is provided in the following table.
Type
Responsible Body
Description (250 characters)
Women's Corporation
Rural Touristic Corporation "Esymi"
Production and sale of spices, liquers of local fruits and pies with cheese, greens, spinach etc.
Women's Corporation
Women's Corporation of Dadia "Gerakina"
Production of noodles, trachanas and spoon sweets (quince, grape, fig, marrow, watermellon)
Women's Corporation
Women's Productive Corporation of Ferres "Ekavi"
Production of spoon sweets, home made liqueurs, cous-cous, red trachanas (made of vegetables), white trachanas, vermicelli
Women's Corporation
Women's Agrotouristic Corporation of Trigono "GAIA"
Production of sour or spicy trachanas, ifkadia, couscous, marmelades made of fruit of the forest (sloe, cranberry), umats, ritseli (spoon sweet), liqueur (sloe, cranberry, pomegranate, mint, sour cherry), hand made phylla and pies.
Women's Corporation
Women's Agrotourist Corporation of Peplos "Akritisses"
Production of home made pies, sweets, trachanas, marmalades, stewed fruit, cous-cous and liqueurs.
Women's Corporation
Women's Productive Corporation of Loutro "Chana"
Production of traditional dishes at the restaurant refreshement stand.
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Women's Corporation
Womens' Agrotourist Corporation of Samothraki "Axiokersa"
Production of spoon sweets (praouto, sour cherry, fig, walnut) pastry, marmelades and liqueurs.
Women's Corporation
Women's Agrotourist Corporation of Lefkim
Production of spoon sweets (ritseli, marrow, tomato) and Turkish delight.
Winery/distillery
Chorinopoulos "Ecological Vineyards"
Production of white and red wines Magissa Kirki
Winery/distillery
E.P.A.P.P.L.C.
Bottling of soft drinks
Winery/distillery
EVRITIKA KELLARIA P.L.C.
Production of wines, spirits and liqueurs
Winery/distillery
OUZOUNIDIS A. - POTPOIIA P.L.C.
Production and trade of wines
Winery/distillery
ATHANASIOS MITSAS & ASSOCIATES, G.P.
Distillery, wines and alcoholic drinks.
Winery/distillery
BELLA BROS, G.P.
Production unit, distillery, alcoholic drinks.
Winery/distillery
D. HATZOPOULOS & ASS G.P.
Production and bottling of spirits and distilations, ouzo, tsipouro, liqueurs and alcoholic drinks.
Winery/distillery
KLIRONOMOI STAVROU PATAKIDI G.P.
Production, packaging and trading of drinks, ouzo, brandy (cognac), liqueurs. Trade of alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and bottling water.
Winery/distillery
CHORINOPOULOS APOSTOLOS
Distillery.
Winery/distillery
POTOPOIIA GOIDA P.L.C. INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL
Alcoholic drink production
Winery/distillery
MIHAILIDIS I., P.L.C.
Production of soft drinks and soda water. Wholesale trade of drinks.
Winery/distillery
SANTE HELLAS P.L.C.
Production of soft drinks, soda water and instant coffee trade of bottled mineral water.
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Prefecture of Kavala Fish, seafood and products of farming and agricultural production predominate in the local food of Kavala. The traditional local recipes are combined with the impacts from the kitchen of the refugees from Pontos, Minor Asia and Cappadocia. The mostly known dishes of Kavala and the offshore settlements of the area are fresh fish and seafood, salted preserves, mackerel, sardines, mussels with rice, herrings, anchovies rolled in vine leaves and stuffed eggplants. Meat dishes offered at the mountainous villages of Lekani and Paggeo are very delicious, whereas, grapes, wine and tsipouro of the area, as well as kourabiedes from Nea Karvali are very famous. Food at Thassos is special. Here, as at all Greek islands, fish and seafood predominate. At Thassos it is worth trying liokafto (sun dried fish), sona mackerel (grilled mackerel), sun dried octopus, as well as the traditional paterika (kale or cabbage cooked with tomato, onions and oil), Thassos sausages, kourbani (boiled meat with grated wheat served in local festivals of the island), special meat dishes at the mountainous villages of the island. At Thassos don't forget to try and buy nut spoon sweets, as well as other spoon sweets, made of the famous honey from the flowers or pines of the island, and oil, throumbes olives, a trademark of the island. A list of all Womens Corporations in REMTH which produce traditional local products and all wine producers/wineries is provided in the following table.
Type
Responsible Body
Corporation
Apiarian Corporation of Thassos
Collection, processing and production of local honey
Women's Corporation
Women's Coprporation "Paggaio"
Collection and sale of aromatics and herbs, manufacturing of local fruits, production of spoon sweets.
Winery/distillery
Winery / distillery of Thassos G. VAMVOURAS
Production of liqueurs with traditional methods from local fruits of Thassos.
Shop/Laboratory Shop/Laboratory
Sourini MELISSA
Production of spoon sweets and liqueurs from local fruits. Collection, processing and sale of olives, honey and spoon sweets.
Corporation
Oil-industry Corporation of Kallirachi
Production of oil
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Corporation
Oil-industry Corporation of Limenaria
Production of oil
Corporation
Oil-industry Corporation of Maries
Production of oil
Corporation
Oil-industry Corporation of Prinos
Production of oil
Corporation
Oil-industry Corporation of Theologos
Production of oil
Corporation
Oil-industry Corporation of Panagia
Production of oil
Corporation
Rural Oil-industry Corporation "PROODOS"
Production of oil
Winery/distillery
SIMEONIDIS P. & ASSOCIATES , G.P.
Production of wines
Winery/distillery
XATZIGEORGIOY B. & ASSOCIATES G.P.
Production of wines
Winery/distillery
PROTOPAPAS ATHANASIOS
Production of wines
Winery/distillery
TSAKTSARLIS V., E. GROVASILIOU, P.L.C. (KTIMA VIVLIA CHORA)
Production of wines
Winery/distillery
MAVROMATIS I. INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL P.L.C.
Production of wines and alcoholic drinks
Winery/distillery
TOURNAVITIS P.L.C.
Wine and ouzo production (piece-work), bottling of mineral water, frozen fish & seafood standardisation, exclusive import and wholesale trade of drinks and foodstuffs.
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Winery/distillery
ENOSI POTOPOION KAVALAS "EN.RO.KA." S.A.
Production of alcoholic drinks and wines. Trading of drinks.
Winery/distillery
LALIKOS K. & ASSOCIATES, L.P.
Wine production
Winery/distillery
IOANNIDIS ELEFTHERIOS & ASSOCIATES G.P.
Production, packaging and trade of wine and retsina.
Winery/distillery
MYRTOFYTO P.L.C.
Production, bottling and trade of ouzo, tsipouro, wine and similar drinks. Wine production and bottling, trade, exporting and vine cultivation.
Winery/distillery
KTIMA V. SEITANIDIS & ASS G.P.
Winery/distillery Winery/distillery Winery/distillery
"KELARI DIALEKTO" AMBELONAS FELLAHIDI CHARISMATIKOI OINOI
Wine distillery and trading. Profuction of biological wine Wine production
Winery/distillery
OINOPOIIO MAKEDON Nico Lazaridi
Wine production
Prefecture of Xanthi At the prefecture of Xanthi, food is special. The traditional Thracian tastes and recipes are combined with the impacts from Minor Asia and the Pomaks tradition. Abundant fruits, vegetables, potatoes, legumes, asparagus and mushrooms are produced in the area. Farming production and dairy-farming production is equally important for this area, completed with poultry, river trout, fish and seafood fished at the Thracian Sea or bred at the craft liftnets of Porto Lagos. Some of the famous dishes of the area are tzigerosarmades, pork or chicken with pickled cabbage, chicken with kouskousi, sweet or salty pitas, lachanodolmades (Cabbage leaves stuffed with rice, mince and greens), local sausages, cooked vegetable dishes and legumes. A list of all Womens Corporations in REMTH which produce traditional local products and all wine producers/wineries is provided in the following table.
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Type
Responsible Body
Winery/distillery
ADAMIDIS P. & ASSOCIATES G.P.
Alcoholic drink production
Winery/distillery
MANITSA MARTHA MARIA "DIMOKRITOS"
Production and wholesale trade of alcoholic drinks and wines, import and trade of glass containers.
Winery/distillery
KTIMA SGOURIDI (MANDRA XANTHIS)
Wine production
Winery/distillery
KTIMA VOURVOUKELI
Wine production
Prefecture of Rodopi The cooking tradition is an element of the local culture, and at such an intercultural area as Rodopi, the visitor will be impressed by the tastes he will try. Traditional gastronomy, an experience accumulated throughout the centuries, is transmitted from generation to generation, just by imitation and habit. Through the tastes of the Thracian, Pontian kitchen, the kitchen of Eastern Romylia, Cappadocia, from Sarakatsani, Turkey, Armenia, the kitchen of Roma, centuries of tradition and co-existence of the different cultural groups revive. One of the most famous foods of the prefecture is tzigerosarmas (made of lamp intestines, rice and spices, wrapped in the lamp peritoneum. It is usually cooked in Easter and spring. Other known traditional food is the famous kavourmas (boiled goat and pork meat preserved with its fat), tas-kebab (pork or veal meat with sauce), grilled eggplant, kapamas, babo (traditional Christmas dish with guts and mince meat), beans with pickles (Eastern Romylia), pork with pickles (traditional Christmas dish from Eastern Romylia), manti (ravioli with mince meat from Cappadocia), tanosour (from Pontos), etc. The visitor may try the very delicious roasted kid at the taverns of Karydia and Maronia, as well as pork (or wild pork) at the taverns of Pandros. Besides the local grilled meat dishes, one may enjoy a great variety of fish and seafood. The local production includes the famous wines from Maronia, tsipouro, ouzo, cherries, from the cherry villages at the roots of the Rodopi mountain and the fresh chick-peas with varied tastes (salty, peppery, sweet or with caramel). At the prefecture of Rodopi you will find the famous
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soutzouk-loukoum and all the varieties of Turkish delights, syrupy sweets, malebi, samali, chalvas, sesame pulp, molasses, pita, striftopita, bougatsa and freshly browned coffee with an exceptional aroma. Komotini was justly declared as the Gastronomic Centre of the Balkans by the Ministers of Tourism of the Balkan countries. At the prefecture of Rodopi, try and buy: chick-peas, dried fruits, sweets and freshly browned coffee Spoon Maronia. A list of all Womens Corporations in REMTH which produce traditional local products and all wine producers/wineries is provided in the following table. sweets, home-made pasta, marmalades and other traditional dishes at
Type Winery/distillery Winery/distillery
Responsible Body MARONIA S.A. TASSOU MELACHRINI "KIKONES" ZITHOPOIIA MAKEDONIAS - THRAKIS P.L.C.
Description (250 characters) Production of Ismaritiko local wine Production of wine
Winery/distillery
Production of beer "VERGINA"
Winery/distillery
POTOPOIIA OINOPOIIA THRAKIS P.L.C. INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL
Production and trade of drinks. Bottling of alcoholic drinks.
4. Cultural Poles and Synergies

The aims of developing cultural heritage, should take the form of proposals for action and implementation. These proposals will be included in a single action plan which will be guided by the principles of synergy and complementarity. Also. it should consist of proposed measures and activities which aim towards the strategic goal of connecting the local cultural heritage with tourism activities. These activities actually consist of the Linking Processes of the Cultural Activities with the tourist exploitation of the Areas of Implementation. Apart from these activities, it is equally important to identify the bodies that should be involved in implementing a synergy plan, including the measurable outcomes expected to result from this (output indicators, outcome and impact). Moreover, it should be foreseen that in the area of intervention there must be developed regional -complement to the tourism sector- business activities. Finally, it should
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describe the expected impact on the local population and local economy (target groups that get benefited). A contingency plan should also include a timetable for the implementation of actions and a description of potential financing tools to fullfil them. The interconnection activities guarantee the effectiveness of the project and should take the form of a gradual process in which new activities will be added during the period of three or five years. To achieve interconnection there should be put forward certain criteria of chosen industries, businesses or activities, examine synergies for the local economy, mobilize local stakeholders and sensitize the citizens. The definition of selection criteria (industry, business, activities), the synergies for the local community (increasing value, improving the image of the area, increased visitation), the mobilization of stakeholders (a myth around the area as a tourism product, a slogan for the area) and the awareness of residents (regional activities that add value to the region, participatory process to promote tourism, create a 'basket' of products in the region) summarizing the basic requirements which must be included in an action plan to develop synergies for the promotion of cultural resources. Based on the above mentioned data and through the analysis of the existing situation of the Region, we propose synergies, which can be the basis of the development process of the area on touristic and cultural sector. The proposed synergies dont try to create the right development environment starting from zero, but they are based to the comparative advantages of the Region. Through the empowerment and support of these advantages, the appropriate framework for development will be created and for those sectors which now seem to be undeveloped and dont contribute to the Regional economy.
Proposed synergies in the sector of cultural heritage

Cultural Hub definition of attractions and resources Ancient theatre of Philippoi Ancient theatre of Maroneia Ancient theatre of Samothraki Cultural Hub definition of attractions and resources Delta of Nestos Vistonida Lake Delta of Evros Forest of Dadia Brief description related to context During the last years, many festivals take place to the ancient theatres of the region and mainly to this Of Philippoi. But for the better promotion of the antiquities and festivals, it could be created a unified circle of festivals based on ancient theatre, which will be presented to all theatres, enriched by parallel activities Brief description related to context The protected environment areas of the region are characterized by their rare beauty, where someone can find unique species of birds and plantation. The target of the proposed synergy is the creation of a unified ecological trip, through which the visitor will be able to enjoy these unique natural monuments List actual or potential public or private stakeholders Municipality of Filippoi Municipality of Maroneia Municipality of Samothraki Region of East Macedonia and Thrace List actual or potential public or private stakeholders Region of East Macedonia and Thrace- Management operators of the protected areas Unions of hoteliers and touristic agents of the region
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Cultural Hub definition of attractions and resources Castle area of Kavala Agia Varvara of Drama Old city of Xanthi City of Soufli Muslim Neighboorhoods of Komotini Cultural Hub definition of attractions and resources Festival of Filippoi Festival of old city of Xanthi Youth festival of Ardas Cultural summer of Alexandroupolis
Brief description related to context In the cities of Kavala, Drama, Xanthi, Komotini and Soufli there are neighborhoods with unique historic and social characteristics in greek and European level. The visitor can walk through these neighborhoods and has a concrete idea of the historic sequence and influences of the area and at the same time the real impact of these influences to every day life. It is proposed the creation of intercity routes inside these cities Brief description related to context Those festivals take place during the summer period for many years and they have great success. They are an attraction polar for the visitor. Nevertheless, the potential synergy, which can be developed is the connection of those festivals by having a common theme per period (promoting characteristics of the area) or in some practical issues, like a unique summer ticket for all of them Brief description related to context The wine production on the region is significant and the quality of the products is high level, as the prizes on wine contests have shown. Unfortunately, those enterprises are small or family based and they cant promote their products in a wider level. For this reason is proposed the creation of a unique quality protocol and a trade mark of the products. In parallel those products must be connected to the festivals and folklore celebration of the region, in order to be established to the regional conscious and consequently to visitors Brief description related to context The two islands of the region already attract a significant number of visitors and they have characteristics which highlight them among the most beautiful of Greece. And, despite the fact that they are close, they have totally different characteristics, completing this way each other. The target of the proposed synergy is the creation of a unified touristic and cultural rout to those islands, which is going to be empowered by the ship connection among them (mainly during the touristic summer period).
List actual or potential public or private stakeholders Municipality of Drama Municipality of Kavala Municipality of Xanthi Municipality of Komotini Municipality of Soufli Unions of hoteliers and touristic agents of the region List actual or potential public or private stakeholders Municipality of Philippoi Municipality of Xanthi Municipality of Kyprinos Municipality of Alexandroupolis - Unions of hoteliers and touristic agents of the region
Cultural Hub definition of attractions and resources
List actual or potential public or private stakeholders
Wine production enterprises Festivals and folklore events of villages
Unions of wine producers of the region Region of East Macedonia and Thrace cultural clubs and NGOs of the region
Cultural Hub definition of attractions and resources
List actual or potential public or private stakeholders Municipality of Thasos Municipality of Samothraki Region of East Macedonia and Thrace Unions of hoteliers and touristic agents of the region
Thasos Island Samothraki Island
5. Best practices in promoting cultural heritage

This chapter presents the best practices in the Region in the sector of cultural heritage and tourism. More specifically, this Chapter presents the best practices per Prefecture in the sector of cultural events. Annual cultural events that are taking place in each prefecture are inherently
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related to the development of tourism through the exploitation of cultural moral and ethics and cultural heritage in general.
DRAMA PREFECTURE
The Short Film Festival in Drama was first held in 1978, on the initiative of the Drama Film Club. The response of filmmakers, as well as the public, was enthusiastic from the very beginning. A few years later, the Festival was adopted by the Municipality of Drama and then, in the mideighties, by the Greek State. In recent years, the Festival in Drama has established itself not only within the world of cinema, but also among the public, as a showcase for short films and as an opportunity to present independent or complimentary aspects of our culture in the future. Thus, today, both the Greek and International Short Film Festival in Drama has evolved into a cultural institution of a national and international scope.The Short Film Festival in Drama is an everevolving vital entity. The International Festival was first added to the National Festival a few years ago. It consists of an international competition section, as well as tributes to filmmakers from all over the world. The Festival is in contact with international festivals of its kind; it invites personalities from the international film world who can share their knowledge and experience with younger people, and organizes tributes to the film production of various countries, thus keeping its audience abreast of international artistic developments, and providing a forum for the necessary comparisons. Another example of good touristic development practice within the Region of East Macedonia Thrace is the exploitation of mount Falakro of the Drama Prefecture as a winter and alternative sports resort. It is the only winter resort in the Region. It was developed around the ski resort of mount Falakro, although the skiing season remains shortand tends to become even shorter due to climate change, while there is an increasing shift of the public towards Bulgarian resorts. The model of touristic development applied to mount Falakro resort is not limited to the winter seasonan innovation for the Region of East Macedonia Trhacebut also focuses on alternative sports and trekking and wellness tourism in general. The Region enjoys multiple benefits from this adjustment. While maintaining the high season of the ski resort, it also offers alternative services that could prolong the visitors stay. Moreover, the prolonged tourist season is now largely independent of the periodic snowfalls, offering better and more stable financial returns to local tourism businesses. Moreover, the strategic shift to such types of tourism is in line with the national and regional development strategy and the recent declaration of Rhodope Mountains as a National Park leads inevitably to alternative models of touristic development. Therefore, it is evident that the touristic development model adopted for the wider region of mount Falakro is innovative by the Region of East Macedonia Thrace, demonstrating that a
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quick response/reaction from the relevant bodies can create viable development models ecosystems which are particularly sensitive or of great environmental interest.
EVROS PREFCTURE On the borderline of the Greek Turkish frontier, in the area of Kastanies and on the bank of river Ardas, a series of cultural events entitled Youth Meeting - Ardas takes place. It has a distinctive Balkan character and it is organised with the support of the General Secretariat for Youth. There is an organized camping space on site, with a capacity of thousands of guests, covering an area of 1.5 square km. It is a five-day event, well established after 16 consecutive years, full of music, sports events, games, updates and other activities, marking a recognized institution.
KAVALA PREFECTURE The Filippi Festival is a luminous and established institution for more than 50 years. It is organized by the Municipality of Kavala in collaborationin recent yearswith the Municipality of Filippi. It involves performances of ancient drama, contemporary drama, classical dancing and concerts.The Festival functions as a bridge between the past and the present, conveying to us the intellectual and artistic wealth of our past, transformed through new images and original expressions. At the same time, these performances offer strong excitement, experiences and colourful emotions.
XANTHI PREFECTURE
Every year, from the beginning of August to mid September, Xanthi honours its old town. The Old town Festival are an established institution, taking place continuously since 1991, at the beginning of Fall. The events take place mainly in the traditional, listed part of Xanthi, the so called Old Town, in the narrow streets of which cultural and carnival clubs set their stands to offer food and drinks. Around these stands people feast, while a variety of events take place, including concerts, drama performances, exhibitions, presentations of books about the City culture and other events, such as bicycle races around the city, Mediterranean products fair, etc. In addition, the Xanthi Carnival is the largest carnival in Northern Greece, second only to that of Patras on a national level. It has a history of forty years, showing that a cultural event can grow, establish itself among the public and become an opportunity for touristic and cultural development of a region. What is the reason for the success of the Xanthi Carnival? Xanthi is
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considerably remote from the big cities with larger and financially stronger populations. However, due to its large population of young agemainly students of the Democritus University of Thrace studying in Xanthi, Komotini and Alexandroupolisthe choice of this particular area has lead to the commercial success of the carnival within two decades. Many of the students who participated in the events return later having acquired a greater purchasing power and bringing along their friends. Therefore, a financially more powerful public visits the area of Xanthi not only during the two days of the main parade, but also for the accompanying events, thus extending their stay. As a result, the woodlands of the Xanthi prefecture around Stavroupolis also present touristic development. The above shows that attracting masses of tourists for the highlight of the Sunday parade is not the sole aim, but also the exploitation of the opportunity for additional benefits for the tourists and the locals through the side events, which can vary depending on needs and demand. The success of the carnival demonstrates that, regardless of the distance from the capital and the lack of infrastructure (compared to similar events around the country), the presence of human resources with a vision for development as well as the efficient adaptation to modern demands and respect for local tradition and culture could make the Region of East Macedonia Thrace a leading tourist destination.
RHODOPE PREFECTURE
The Municipality of Komotini celebrating the anniversary of the independence of the city, organizes annually a series of cultural events entitled Eleftheria Thrakis with a duration of several days. These events include concerts, book presentations, traditional dancing evenings, drama performances, drama dance performances, photography and painting exhibitions, events on volunteerism and other activities. EVENT: CULTURAL EVENTS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF MARONEIA The Municipality of Maroneia organizes annual events with the title Cultural Events. These include the great festivities in the village Imeros for the celebration of St Marina followed by a traditional feast, the Sardine Festival taking place at the Maroneia harbour, as well as the Fire Festival. The Cultural Events take place between the middle of July and the end of August and include numerous music and dancing events as well as drama performances.
6. SWOT Analysis
For the Region of East Macedonia Thrace, cultural heritage is a comparative advantage for the development of alternative forms of tourism. The main strengths of the Region are its unique
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history which is accompanied by remarkable historical, archaeological and religious sights from antiquity until today, its rich natural environment (bio-topes, wetlands and virgin mountains), its particular traditional local products which have much influence from Minor Asia and its geographical location. In contrast, the main weaknesses of the Region are its inadequate local transport networks (especially in the mountainous areas), the insufficient exploitation and promotion of its cultural and natural resources, the little networking and clustering among regional and local stakeholders relative to cultural heritage and small enterprises in the sectors of tourism and the production of local products as well as the little utilization of ICT for the promotion of cultural tourism. However, the SWOT analysis clearly shows that the Region has a lot of opportunities and potentials to exploit its cultural heritage and use it as a mean for its economic development. First of all its neighboring with the Balkans and the Black Sea in combination with the completion of the Egnatia Vertical Axes makes the Region an close attractive tourist destination. In addition, the increasing demand on alternative forms of tourism and high quality services and products can influence positively the development of cultural heritage tourism. Last but not least, the incorporation of new technologies in the local economy through the funds of the programming period 2007-2013 can reduce administrative and production costs and at the same time can play a vital role in the advertisement of local services and products and the promotion of alternative forms of tourism. For all the above to be realized, special attention should be given to the decrease of rural income and the movement of young population to urban areas and the increased competition from the Balkans and the rest areas of Greece. Clustering and networking among public and private sector in cultural tourism should be strengthened in order to make the Region a safe, competitive and attractive tourist destination by preserving its unique cultural heritage. The tables below summarize the main findings of the SWOT analysis. The first table lists the areas strengths and weaknesses in relation to the cultural tourism market. The second table describes external factors that could either positively (opportunities) or negatively (threats) affect the reinforcement of the areas competitive positioning.
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Strengths
Weaknesses
Its geographical position as a gateway referring to the European Market The shaping of international trend regarding the preferences of tourists destination regions, in combination with the regions natural beauty Virgin natural environment, protected areas (areas of Community importance) Remarkable historical, cultural, archaeological and religious resources that can be promoted to foster tourism development
Inadequate local transport networks, particularly in terms of accessibility to the mountainous areas
Inadequate interconnection of means and networks
The small degree of regional growth and transregional economic
Low population density
The lack of support mechanisms for the enterprising activity and development
Balanced production structure with a significant presence in all sectors of the economy
Insufficient management and exploitation of natural resources that eventually leads to decreasing competitiveness and general loss
Diversity in agricultural production
Major food and wine attractors, and increasing awareness of local products outside the region
Well-developed system of events and food festivals
Small sized tourism enterprises and lack of organised tourist business structures. Little networking between enterprises and little interaction with other sectors
Existing units of tourist infrastructures Rapid modernization infrastructure of telecommunications
Demographic weakening of the region and high rate of urbanization Lower level of education compared with the national average level Relative lack of modern culture, mentality and "flexible beliefs" around clustering Need to further develop and network tourist infrastructures, institutions, and high quality services Limited implementation of promotional and marketing activities in the cultural sector Inadequacy of specialised tourist infrastructure (agro-tourism) Significant deficiencies in infrastructure and environmental protection measures
Reasonable supply of human resources and the possibility of improving their quality The educational and research infrastructures (Higher Education Institutions, Democritus University, Technological Educational Institute of Kavala) Significant progress in developing infrastructures and institutions for Cultural Heritage and Modern Culture Keen interest of private individuals and corporate bodies for integration in financial programs The general experience that has been acquired by the regions institutions in planning, implementing and managing of co-financed regional operational programs
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Opportunities
Threats The decreasing rural income due to changes in the CAP, as well as the possibility of current of rural exit to the city. Increased competition from Balkans and from other areas in Greece Stronger special forms of tourism and infrastructure in competitor countries who had a head start restructuring their tourist product The insufficient awareness of the fundamental values (natural wealth, reserves, etc). regions cultural
The emerging markets in the Balkans and Eastern Europe
The European completion and internationalization of economic activities The growth of Democritus University
the
The completion of Egnatia Motorway
Growth in the demand for alternative forms of tourism (agricultural tourism, eco-tourism)
The demographic weakening, population ageing and consequently the decreased interest in the use of new technology. The potential weakness of local infrastructures to correspond in the modern needs of support of the developmental process. Inadequacy of local transport structures in relation to local needs Economic crisis
The increasing demand of quality productsbiological products The incorporation of new technologies in the local economy The important resources that will be available from the EU, for the Region and the country, in next Framework Programme 2007-2013.
To conclude with, the preceded data show the development prospects of cultural tourism in the region and give an overview of the changes that will take place in the coming years. The dynamic appearance and introduction of new countries - destinations that offer competitive priced travel products, slightly different from those of the mainstream - traditional host countries, tourists will become more frequent. This makes the timing ideal for the promotion of the tourism product in the Region of East Macedonia - Thrace. The region can be a very attractive destination by using new technologies concerning the offer and promotion of the tourism product but also get benefited from new markets who send tourists which have already begun to appear (eg Russia). In the future, the use of new technologies is given, especially advertising in the web and marketing of cultural tourism destinations and enterprises. The promotion which previously focused on traditional countries that attracted tourists is expected to focus on new and emerging markets, a phenomenon that will become stronger in future. The excellent cultural and historical relations that have traditionally maintained by Greece with all former Soviet countries should be exploited in an appropriate way by local and national organizations in order to make REMTH an attractive tourist destination. In order such a concept to be implemented, the cultural tourism infrastructure as well as transport infrastructure (ports, airports) should be improved. The region
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because of its natural environment cannot compete largely with other Greek summer destinations because basically it is not characterized but the famous blue seas of the southern country. But it can be a leader in the field of alternative tourism which may include summer vocations as well since the islands of Thassos and Samothrace as well as a number of beaches in the area are well known for its cleanliness and safety, agro-tourism, eco-tourism, religious tourism, mountainous tourism and river tourism (canoe, kayak) as well. It is no coincidence that all of the traditional host countries of tourists will soon attempt to enrich the tourism product and focus more on alternative forms of tourism and specialised tourism activities.
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7. Sources
O.P. MACEDONIA THRACE 2007 2013 Code O.P..: 9,CCI: 2007GR161PO008 Policies concerning entrepreneurship and innovation in Greece BrainStomring 2008, NATIONAL STRATEGIC REFERENCE FRAMEWORK, 2007 2013, ATHENS, OCTOBER 2006 OP. COMPETITIVENESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP, O.P. Code:3, FORMAL
SUBMITTAL, Athens, September 2007, Study of Tourism for the Region of East Macedonia and Thrace, First Phase (2003), Ministry of Development, Greek National Tourism Organization. Study of Tourism for the Region of East Macedonia and Thrace, Phase B (2003), Ministry of Development, Greek National Tourism Organization. Prefecture of Drama (2008) 'The Cultural Identity of Drama and its area', Department of Tourism Development and Planning Directorate of the Prefecture of Drama, Drama Prefecture of Drama (2008) 'Forest Ecosystems of the Prefecture of Drama, Planning Directorate of the Prefecture of Drama, Department of Tourism Development, Drama Prefecture of Drama-Kavala-Xanthi (2008) "Rhodope: Journey to Rhodope: prefectures of Xanthi and Drama ', Xanthi Prefecture of Kavala, Tourism Commission (2002), "Tourist Promotion of the Prefecture of Kavala, 2002-2006 ', Kavala Prefecture of Xanthi (2008) 'Hotels and Accommodation in Xanthi' Company of Tourism Promotion and Cultural Development of Xanthi, Xanthi Region of East Macedonia Thrace (2005), Tourist Guide: Hotels Accommodation, Komotini Region of East Macedonia Thrace (2007) Travel Guide: East Macedonia - Thrace, Komotini Region of East Macedonia Thrace (2008), East Macedonia- Thrace, Komotini Region of East Macedonia Thrace (2000), Thrace, Komotini Region of East Macedonia Thrace (2008), Reflections of the Region, Komotini Region of East Macedonia Thrace (2008), East Macedonia and Thrace: From silk to the roads of energy, Komotini Region of East Macedonia Thrace, Religious Monuments in the Region of East Macedonia and Thrace Region of East Macedonia Thrace, East Macedonia Thrace: Folklore Travelogue Region of East Macedonia Thrace, Every step a journey
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Region of East Macedonia Thrace / National Tourism Organization, Alternative forms of tourism Region of East Macedonia Thrace, Tourist Guide of East Macedonia Thrace Region of East Macedonia Thrace, Archaeological guide Region of East Macedonia Thrace, Dining guide
Internet: National Organization of Tourism Prefectural Authority of Drama-Kavala-Xanthi Prefectural Authority of Drama Prefectural Authority of Kavala Prefectural Authority of Xanthi Region of East Macedonia Thrace Region of East Macedonia Thrace Ministry of culture Hellenic Chamber of Hotels National Statistical Service of Greece Sustainable Tourism Development www.gnto.gr www.nestos.gr www.drama.gr www.kavala.gr www.xanthi.gr www.remth.gr www.remthtourism.gr www.culture.gr www.grhotels.gr www.statistics.gr www.agrotravel.gr
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CHORD
Ple Industries Culturelles et Patrimoines Arles - France
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction. The Provence-Alpes-Cte d'Azur Region and the Ple Industries Culturelles et Patrimoines 2. Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur: Heritage, Culture and Tourism. Main figures of the the PACA Region 3. Cultural Poles in the PACA Region a) Cultural Heritage and Historical Monuments b) Natural Heritage c) Development and Promotion Of Culture 4. The Ple Industries Culturelles et Patrimoines 5. SWOT Analysis Ple ICP - PACA Region 6. Best Practices Ple ICP
1 - Introduction. The PACA Region and the Ple Industries Culturelles et Patrimoines
The Ple Industries Culturelles et Patrimoines (in the following Ple ICP) is a non-profit organization bringing together all companies and organizations dealing with the conservation, restoration, valorisation and promotion of culture and heritage in the Provence-Alpes-Cte d'Azur Region. The culture and heritage industries are no stranger to the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region, internationally renowned for its exceptional and unique sites. The Ple ICP encourages the exploration of new frontiers in a region that is already very developed from the tourist point of view, also concerning the cultural tourism. The activity of the Ple ICP focuses on three main areas of interest: Cultural Heritage and Historical Monuments Natural Heritage Development and Promotion Of Culture The members of the cluster include businesses, research labs, training centres, non-profit organisations, festivals and cultural events boards, that are supported encouraging innovation, international development, ICT use, environment and community management policies. The Culture and Heritage Industries Cluster helps its members to initiate collaborative research and development projects and facilitate the access to all necessary resources for economic growth. The members of the Ple ICP come from a wide variety of sectors, and their activities are complementary, covering a broad spectrum of competences in the fields of heritage and culture. It appears important to consider the role of heritage and culture in an overall economic chain. They can have an important role in the strategies of local economic development, and can impact on the whole economic system, affecting social, fiscal, public investment and attractiveness aspects, as well as tourism and urban development. Moreover some leading economic and productive sectors of the region can be complementary with the specific cultural and heritage fields, as ICT and multimedia, new technologies. Some tendencies are coming out from recent studies on the economic and social spin-off of the heritage: The growing erosion (and worrying) of the visits to a majority of sites The necessity of (re) adjusting the quality of the offer to changed expectations A strong disparity of income (eight monuments representing more than three-quarters of revenues) The need for managers to take into account this phenomenon and to anchor their programs in real economic projects, their need for support to achieve this, their lack of territorial and social issues. Furthermore, the concept of sustainable development underlines the need of defining new models of development taking into account some shared principles of equity: Public awareness and participatory approaches Inclusion of projects in a global environment Participation to the social development of territories Consideration of the environmental matters. These mutations are originating processes of profound restructuring of business, related jobs and organizational forms. The role of the Pole ICP will also be that of monitoring these changes and promoting the innovative projects of its members.
2 - Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur: Heritage, Culture and Tourism. Main figures of the PACA Region.
Territory In Provence-Alpes-Cte d'Azur lives the 7.6 % of the French population, its area representing 5.8 % of the French territory. PACA owns a diversified and varied landscape: city, mountains, littoral and hinterlands. Natural heritage 3 national parks (Les Ecrins: 800.000 visitors; Le Mercantour: 500.000 visitors: Port-Cros: 500.000 visitors) and 5 regional nature reserves: Camargue, Luberon, Queyras, Verdon and Les Alpilles. Cultural heritage 2.200 protected historic buildings. More than 400 museums, 113 of which are controlled and classified. 3 national museums. 4 UNESCO sites (the ancient theatre of Orange, the historical centre of Avignon, the Roman and Romanesque monuments of Arles and the Place Forte Vauban of Mont-dauphin). More than 29.000 archaeological sites registered. Cultural events 5 big international festivals (Aix-en-Provence, Orange, Avignon, La Roque dAnthron, Antibes Juan-lesPins) and many smaller events. Tourism: employment Around 2 millions of workers in the Provence Alpes Cte d'Azur region: 7 % of the regional employment is dedicated to tourism. The Provence-Alpes-Cte d'Azur region represent 11.5 % of the tourist employment in France, with 4.8 million of inhabitants, and 31 400 km2. Tourism: consumption Economic balance of tourism activity in PACA: 12 % of the regional GDP Participation of the region in the French tourist domestic consumption: 12 billion , which represent 13.6 % of the national tourist domestic consumption. Tourism: accommodation 14 % of the national accommodation supply 11.3 % of the national hotel supply 10.7 % of the national camping supply 26 % of the national tourism residences supply 15.7 % of the national second home stock 15.2 % of the national holiday village supply Around 3 million of tourist beds A top-grade tourism destination 1st region to welcome French tourists 2nd region to welcome foreign tourists 34 million tourists More than 224 millions overnights in 2007 Heritage and Employment 450 direct jobs 2.000 public jobs 900 guides 1.250 restoration jobs 500 craftsmen 26.000 jobs in the cultural tourism 18.000 induced activity jobs Economic spin-off of the heritage Tickets revenues: 13.600.000
Bookshop revenues: 2.100.000 Guided visits revenues: 1.200.000 Events revenues: 1.200.000 Other revenues: 1.000.000 Restorations works revenues: 37.600.000 Heritage tourism revenues: 1.275.000.000 Visitor's tax: 3.900.000 Public funding: 42.000.000
The above-mentioned figures probably give the idea that the tourist sector is a driving and very developed sector in the PACA Region. This is also true concerning some inland areas, such as Provence and Camargue. That explain why the PACA region has not among its priorities the tourist development, even if policies are being put in place in order to manage some aspects that can be improved (concerning for instance seasonality, sustainable tourism, qualification of employed people, conditions of visit). According to the importance and variety of the cultural offer, also the cultural tourism is deeply developed in the region. All that create the conditions to promote innovation and new business opportunities linked to the cultural and natural heritage and the cultural industries. The actors actually or potentially operating in culture and heritage related activities are often very different from each other. Without an activity finalized to put them in contact, particularly concerning the small business entities, they probably will never take the opportunity of developing new businesses, or improving together the existing ones. That's the main idea that have led to the creation in 2006 of the Ple Industries Culturelles et Patrimoines: bringing together all individuals, companies and organizations working in the heritage e and culture fields, in order to promote and sustain projects and activities leading to the economic development of the region.
3 - Cultural Poles in the PACA Region

The description of the cultural and heritage resources of the region follow the three main area on interest of the activity of the Ple Industries Culturelles et Patrimoines.
A) CULTURAL HERITAGE AND HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

As underlined in the second chapter, Paca Region is "crowded" with monuments and heritage sites. A vast documentation exists classifying the whole heritage, to which refer to have complete information. In the sequel we try to give just an idea of built heritage sites, mentioning some of the excellences existing in the PACA Region. Moreover we focus on some cases specifically linked to the goals and context of the CHORD project heritage sites in the inner land - and some examples and data concerning the tourist and economic exploitation of the heritage.
4 UNESCO SITES:
Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the Triumphal Arch of Orange
Situated in the Rhone valley, the ancient theatre of Orange, with its 103-m-long facade, is one of the best preserved of all the great Roman theatres. It is the venue of the festival Chorgies dOrange. Built between A.D. 10 and 25, the Roman arch is one of the most beautiful and interesting surviving examples of a provincial triumphal arch from the reign of Augustus. It is decorated with bas-reliefs commemorating the establishment of the Pax Romana.
Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge
In the 14th century, this city in the South of France was the seat of the papacy. The Palais des Papes, an austere-looking fortress lavishly decorated by Simone Martini and Matteo Giovanetti, dominates the city, the surrounding ramparts and the remains of a 12th-century bridge over the Rhone. Beneath this outstanding example of Gothic architecture, the Petit Palais and the Romanesque Cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Doms complete an exceptional group of monuments that testify the leading role played by Avignon in 14th-century Christian Europe.
Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments

Arles is a good example of the adaptation of an ancient city to medieval European civilization. It has some impressive Roman monuments, of which the earliest the arena, the Roman theatre and the Cryptoporticus (subterranean galleries) date back to the 1st century B.C. During the 4th century Arles experienced a second golden age, as attested by the baths of Constantine and the necropolis of Alyscamps. In the 11th and 12th centuries, Arles once again became one of the most attractive cities in the Mediterranean. Within the city walls, Saint-Trophime, with its cloister, is one of Provence's major Romanesque monuments.
Place Forte Vauban of Mont-Dauphin

Fortifications of Vauban consist of 12 groups of fortified buildings and sites along the western, northern and eastern borders of France. They represent the finest examples of the work of Sbastien Le Prestre de Vauban (1633-1707), a military engineer of King Louis XIV. The serial property includes towns built from scratch by Vauban, citadels, urban bastion walls and bastion towers. There are also mountain forts, sea forts, a mountain battery and two mountain communication structures. This property is inscribed as bearing witness to the peak of classic fortifications, typical of western military architecture. Vauban also played a major role in the history of fortification in Europe and on other continents until the mid-19th century. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage in 2008.
"VILLES DART ET DHISTOIRE" (CITIES OF ART AND HISTORY)

The label Cities and countries of Art and History is attributed since 1985 by the Ministry of Culture and Communication, Direction of the Architecture and Heritage. It guarantees, by a convention between the State and the territorial communities, a policy of animation and exploitation of heritage and the architecture of the cities or countries concerned. This label follows the ancient appellation City of art centred on the tourist development.
Arles
Arles account on its territory 44 classified historical monuments and 48 monuments registered in a supplementary inventory. The majority of these monuments are in the historical centre. Arles is a town whose history reflects the changing concept of heritage in France, throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Arles is noted for the wealth of its Roman and Romanesque heritage. The monuments of the city listed as UNESCO world heritage monuments in 1981 include the Roman amphitheatre (the arena), the Roman theatre, the Cryptoportico (foundations of the Roman Forum), the Roman baths of Constantine, the remains of the Roman circus, the cloister and portal of St. Trophimes, and the Alyscamp cemetery, that was the departure point for the Chemin dArles , one of the three medieval pilgrimage routes across France leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Along with these monuments, Arles has also preserved many lovely buildings dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Arles has three remarkable museums: The Departmental Museum Arles Antique (archaeological museum). It contains the archaeological collections of the city and the surrounding region, spanning the period from Neolithic times to the end of the Roman and early Christian era. The Museon Arlaten, the local ethnographical museum, created in 1896 by Frederic Mistral, a regionalist poet, exhibits costumes, furniture, tools, objects connected with local religious traditions and superstitions, illustrating life in Provence during the 19th century. The "Muse Rattu", Donation Picasso, the fine arts museum, housed in the former Grand Priory of the Knights of Malta. It exposes the works of Jacques Rattu, an Arlesian painter of the period of the French Revolution, 18th and 19th centuries, as well as modern and contemporary artists (Picasso, Zadkine and Alechinsky). The museum also possesses a remarkable photography collection (Henri-Cartier, Bresson, Edward Weston)
Brianon
Brianon account on its territory 9 classified historical monuments and 9 monuments registered in a supplementary inventory. Various initiatives have already been put in place in a program of valorisation of heritage whose essential themes are: accession to the label City of art and history; organization of circuits of discovery on the theme of the fortifications; creation of visits including pageants around the ramparts and the forts; scenographic lighting of the monuments and forts; reflection of conversion and redevelopment of the forts of the 18th century. Brianon is committed since 2005 in the approach of candidature in view of classification in world heritage of UNESCO.
Frjus
Frjus is a town and area of artistic, architectural and historic interest. Roman and mediaeval heritage are preminent: arena, aqueduct, theatre, archaeology museum (and the two-headed bust of Hermes), military heritage. The pink sandstone bishopric lies on the Var Sightseeing Trail. Frjus was founded in the 1st century B.C. and has never lost its population since then. In fact, each generation has preserved its heritage and passed it on through families With 29 locations protected by conservation orders as heritage buildings, Frjus has much to offer in the way of historic buildings.
Grasse
Grasse appeared in the cartularies of the Middle Ages, in the early 11th century. At the beginning of the 12th century, Grasse became a free commune and an active commercial town. It has still kept to this day the urban structure of the time. The network of its narrow streets reflects the successive expansions around its original hilltop, the Puy, where the cathedral stands, representing the spiritual and temporal authority. When Nice and its county were integrated into the department of Savoie, Grasse became a major fortified town thanks to its hide and tanning trade, which gave it an international reputation. The slow decline of the tanning trade was counterbalanced by the creation and rapid development of perfume making, a craft industry which, in the late 18th century, thanks to the abundance of floral crops favoured by its specific microclimate, became the basis of a powerful industry with an extraordinary development and influence even today.
"PAYS DART ET DHISTOIRE" (VILLAGES OF ART AND HISTORY)

Pays de la Provence Verte
Tucked away from the summer crowd between the Verdon, La Sainte-Baume and La Sainte-Victoire (famously painted by Czanne), lies a region that has truly been blessed: La Provence Verte This Green Provence consists of 37 communes, which have come together, combining their identities and values, in order to share their particular way of life and the pleasure found in a rest away from the crowd, and to help you explore and appreciate one of the most beautiful regions of France.
Pays des Valles Roya Bvra

The valleys of the Roya and Bvra constitute the eastern part of the Maritime Alps. Following the labelling of villages of art and history by the Ministry of Culture and Communication, a comprehensive cultural project will be implemented on the territory, focusing on the major objectives of developing the heritage observation and valorisation, the emergence of a reflection on the management of the areas, build relationships between people and their heritage, build a project of educational activities, promote cultural tourism.
Pays de Carpentras et du Comtat Venaissin

Its varied landscapes are preserved and make it similar to a small "French Tuscany". Carpentras was originally a city in Gaul, home to the Memini tribe, serving as both an acropolis and a market. During the Middle Ages, Carpentras became the capital of the Comtat Venaissin, and was part of the Holy See from the 13th to the 18th centuries. The architecture is often of Italian inspiration, and the heritage of the Jews, protected by the Popes, has influenced Carpentras culture. Its territory includes more than 50 monuments inscribed or classified and permits to discover a rich heritage from antiquity to the contemporary.
THE CENTRE DES MONUMENTS NATIONAUX

The National Monuments Centre is a public administration run by the Ministry for Culture and Communication. It conserves, restores, and manages nearly 100 national monuments belonging to the State, staffing their sites and opening them to the public. Among the monuments in PACA Region are the following: Monastery of Saorge: located in the countryside north of Menton, a former Franciscan convent and superb example of Baroque architecture perched above the Roya gorges. Abbey of Silvacane: abbey of XIIth century, typical example of architecture and the Cistercian organization. Abbey of Montmajour: founded in 948 in the middle of the Arles countryside, and its eight centuries of architectural history for which it obtained UNESCO World Heritage listing. This site and the protected surrounding countryside are an ideal spot for meditation. Castle of Tarascon: fortress built on the Provencal bank of the Rhne, which once marked the border between Provence and France, hides the elegant architecture of a palace conceived in the refined taste of the Dukes of Anjou. Htel de Sade in St-Rmy-de-Provence: This hotel of the Renaissance built on the ruins of a Roman monument includes important statuary and objects of the daily lives from the archaeological excavations of Glanum, of which it is the complement. Archaeological site of Glanum: in the heart of the chain of Alpilles, site and important vestiges of a Greek city then Gallo-Roman. The visit may be completed by that of the Hotel de Sade. Abbey of Thoronet: built at the end of the12th century, it is one of the most beautiful of the Cistercian architecture. Cloister of the Frjus Cathedral: a Romanesque cloister full-bodied, leaned to the former cathedral, which houses a baptistery the 5th century.
The 10 sites, monuments and museums most visited in 2007 in PACA Region:
Dept 06 13 84 84 13 84 13 06 83 13 13 Municipality Villefranche-sur-Mer Marseille Avignon Avignon Les Baux-de-Provence Orange Arles Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Le Thoronet Arles Saint-Rmy-de-Provence Monument Citadelle Saint-Elme Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Palais des Papes Pont Saint-Bnezet Chteau Thtre antique Amphithtre Villa phrussi de Rothschild Abbaye du Thoronet Muse dpartemental Arles Antique Glanum et les Antiques Visitors 2007 900 000 800 000 569 973 335 339 243 119 170 346 157 805 131 628 123 687 103 333 90 000
THE VILLAGES
Rich in history, the PACA Region has kept intact many vestiges of its past: evidences of Roman civilization, Romanesque churches and abbeys, monuments and palaces of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Owing to all that, PACA is the second region in France for the number of "Most Beautiful Villages", with 18 in its territory. Some are internationally known, as of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Gordes, Les Baux de Provence, Lourmarin and Saint-Veran, others take advantage of this classification to attract tourists. Two inspections per year are intended to generate an ongoing effort to make these villages exceptional places. The standards concern the harmony between the site, architecture, heritage and landscape, the quality of visit and staying there. Three criteria govern this election: a rural dimension, with a maximum of 2000 inhabitants, at least two perimeters of protected sites or monuments, the collective adhesion of the certified village by resolution of the municipal council.
Most Beautiful Villages in PACA Ansouis Bargme Coaraze Gassin Gordes Gourdon La Grave Les Baux-de-Provence Lourmarin Mnerbes Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Roussillon Saint-Vran Sainte-Agns Sguret Seillans Tourtour Venasque
Department Vaucluse Var Alpes Maritimes Var Vaucluse Alpes Maritimes Hautes-Alpes Bouches du Rhne Vaucluse Vaucluse Alpes de Haute Provence Vaucluse Hautes-Alpes Alpes Maritimes Vaucluse Var Var Vaucluse
THE LABEL " 20TH CENTURY HERITAGE"

Established in 1999 by the Ministry of Culture and Communication, the label Twentieth Century Heritage is intended to familiarize the outstanding productions of this century in architecture and urbanism. Without financial or legal implications, this label is assigned by the regional prefect, after review by the regional board for heritage sites, and materialized by a plate. Buildings protected as historical monuments and ensembles representing the creations of the twentieth century located in area of architectural, urban and landscape conservation, can both benefit the twentieth century label. Today the Region Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur has about 300 buildings labelled, from big villas to large ensembles, including about one hundred historical monuments.
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B) NATURAL HERITAGE
The natural heritage is one of the strengths of PACA. To protect the fauna, flora and landscape and to preserve the threatened natural balance, parks, reserves and conservatories have been created. 23% of the region is thus protected. It benefits from funding, maintenance and measures for preservation. In the PACA Region there are nowadays seven parks, including 3 national parks.
THE NATIONAL NATURAL PARKS

Le Mercantour
Located in the Alpes de Haute Provence and Alpes-Maritimes, it is since 1987 twinned with the natural park of Argentera, extending beyond the Italian border. Its location just 1h30 from the Riviera makes it an ideal destination for hikers who wish to enjoy mountain scenery. The crystalline massif Argentera-Mercantour is a geological, climatic and landscape crossroads: its rugged terrain and its many landscapes are home to rich clusters of plants and animals. Refuge area during the last glaciations of the Quaternary, the Mercantour is also one of the largest outbreaks of endemic animals and plants in France. Composed of a patchwork of communities at various altitudes and under multiple geological and climatic influences, Mercantour has more than 2000 plant species among the 4200 known in France. Among them, 220 are considered very rare and 40 are not found anywhere else in the world. Among them the orchids that can be observed throughout the massif.
Port Cros
Located in the Var and created in 1963, the national park of Port-Cros, which occupies 700 hectares of land area and 1288 of marine areas, is one of the oldest national parks in France and the first marine park in Europe. It includes the islands of Port-Cros, Bagaud, Gabinire and Rascas. The National Park also manages the nearby island of Porquerolles, the Giens peninsula, Cape Lardier and the ancient Saltworks of Hyeres. To explore the islands and their flora and fauna, many walking trails have been put in place. Hikes are held offshore to observe in their natural environment 70 species of fish that inhabit the sea around the islands.
Les Ecrins
Situated in the Hautes Alpes, the Ecrins National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the Alps. The Beauty of the sceneries, the quiet and tranquillity are the three qualities most sought by visitors to the Ecrins National Park. The site features over 100 peaks more than 3000 meters of altitude, and land occupied by glaciers is huge (17,000 hectares). With 320 species representing the only vertebrate fauna Alpine, it is possible to meet animals such as mountain chamois, ibex and stoats. Golden eagles often fly over marching groups. With over 1800 identified plant species, one can see among others the Anemone of the glaciers, creeping Geum, dwarf Eritriche, Saxifrages, Juniper and Edelweiss, as well as the remarkable natural Bonsais.
THE REGIONAL NATURAL PARKS

Nowadays the Regional Parks are areas of innovation and adaptation in the PACA Region. The image of "reserves" or natural sites excluding any modern economy has had its day. The five Regional Parks Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur even came as precursor in terms of sustainable development. Experiments destined to be prosecuted: Ventoux, Alps d'Azur and Baronnies should indeed keep track of their elders.
Camargue
Largest wetland in France, the Camargue is also the delta of the Rhone. The river, Mediterranean Sea and men have carved it over the water, with one peculiarity: more than a quarter of the park is at sea. Known for its wildlife - its colony of flamingos can count up 20 000 pairs - the park is also developing economic activities. They practice bulls and horse breeding, rice cultivation and the vines, reed exploitation and harvesting of salt, whose production amounts to 800,000 tons per year. In agreement with communities,
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including the Region, the Union of rice farmers, farmers associations, those of wildlife and flora, the Camargue Regional Park promotes tourism discovering the natural and cultural heritage.
Luberon
72 member municipalities (32 at its creation), more than 150,000 inhabitants, 1,200 km of trails. It combines since 1977 the preservation of agriculture to a moderate and harmonious development of the habitat. Regularly consulted on the quality of life and the future of their area, people take part to the drafting of the guidelines of the charter, a contract drawn up after consultation, setting out the objectives and the means to implement, and reviewed every ten years. Today, the park supports agricultural practices that respect the environment (including organic), promotes local products and provides insight on space management real benefits to all residents. Since 1997, UNESCO has recognized the NRP of Luberon in the world network of biosphere reserves.
Queyras
The Queyras is the highest European Regional Park, with 15 peaks over 3000 meters. Existing since 1977, the NRP priority develops the protection of natural resources and landscapes, the valorisation of cultural heritage, the support and enhancement of economic activities. Revealing rare plants such as edelweiss, orchids or wormwood, it also houses a fabulous wildlife, such as golden eagles and peregrine falcons, chamois and ibex. To educate the younger, the park sets up a real program of environmental education. The border situation with Italy also leads to jointly promote the common wealth, for example the proposed tourist combination of Queyras and Val Varaita in Piedmont. Another major cross-border project: getting the seal of UNESCO for the Queyras and four Italian parks surrounding Mount Viso (3841 meters).
Verdon
Born in 1997, the Verdon has identified water quality and resources as a priority of its first charter. With Durance, Verdon provides water to dozens of counties, totalling nearly 3 million people (out of a total of 4.7 million in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur). It also provides millions of cubic meters to agriculture and industry being therefore of major importance for the regional economy. Verdon is the largest Regional Parks and forest occupies nearly 40% of its area. A common database of flora and fauna with the Luberon is in progress, and an atlas will be posted on the Internet, available to the public.
Les Alpilles
The creation of the Alpilles Park dates 2007, following a process shared by all stakeholders. A public inquiry (the first in France for a proposed regional park) offered everyone the chance to speak, to give his opinion and share suggestions, proposals and critics. The aim was to achieve a coherent and shared project, engaging in a sustainable future for the Alpilles next twelve years. The Charter of the Park is based on five strategic priorities: protecting, managing and sharing the natural and cultural heritage; conducting an agricultural and urban land control policy; developing an economy respecting the territory; developing sustainable tourism and controlling visits to natural areas; promoting the participation and mobilization of local residents as basis of local democracy and eco-citizenship. The Park Charter takes in consideration some key environmental issues, such as climate change and preservation of biodiversity and natural resources. That is also a development project valorising the resources and expertise of the territory, which is reflected in the consideration of specific issues such as solidarity towards people with disabilities, support for local traditional activities (olive, Viticulture...), protection of landscape and sites, fulfilment of lifestyle and involvement of the inhabitants.
THE REGIONAL GARDENS AND THE REMARKABLE GARDENS

The Regional Gardens are about one hundred in Provence-Alpes Cote d'Azur. Botanical or exotic, sciencebased or educational, they receive each year hundreds of thousands of visitors. Marked by a great variety - Great Himalayan blue poppies in the Alpine garden of Lautaret (Hautes-Alpes), Box of Le Ntre at the Chateau de Gourdon (Alpes-Maritimes), Chinese bamboo, Californian agaves, South African proteas at Rayol-Canadel (Var) - they are the image of a region where the sun widely shared accompanies heterogeneous climates and microclimates: Alpine, Mediterranean or subtropical, as in Menton. Thanks to this variety, in addition to botanical and exotic plantations, a multitude of spaces have been arranged for hiking. Cultural discovery in the Cubist garden of the Villa Noailles; scientific at Lautaret garden, where the University of Grenoble acclimate near 2000 Alpine varieties; historical at Harmas Jean-
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Henri Fabre (Vaucluse) or at priory Salagon (Alpes de Haute- Provence). In addition to other gardens with original topics such as scented gardens, medieval gardens, and stonework. The label "Remarkable Garden created in 2004, by the Ministry of Culture and Communication with the assistance of the national council of parks and gardens, aims to recognize and enhance the parks and gardens open to the public and well maintained. This label concerns both old gardens, protected or not in respect of historic monuments, and contemporary gardens. The criteria taken into account for the allocation are the composition, integration into the site, the presence of outstanding elements, the botanical interest, the historic interest, the quality of the communication and documentation, the maintenance and management plan. 330 Parks and gardens benefit from this label in France, which 38 are located in Provence-Alpes-Cted'Azur. It is the region that counts most of gardens labelled. The label provides the following advantages: The mention in the documents circulated by the Ministry of Culture and Communication. The support for obtaining specific traffic signs. The possibility of obtaining some tax advantages, as provided for by the general code of taxes. The support of national council of parks and gardens, the Committee of the parks and gardens in France and the regional association. The label commits in return the owners to: Ensure a regular maintenance of their gardens Open the public at least 50 days in the year Participate in the national events (rendezvous at the gardens and European Heritage days) Place a documentation at the disposal of the public Affix the plate with the logo of the label.
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C) DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF CULTURE

The development and promotion of culture concern a wide range of activities, dealing with built and natural heritage too. We could say it concerns the valorisation and "exploitation" of cultural contents of any kind. In the following we give a concise description of the festivals in the region, considering that this can give the idea of the quantity and quality level of the cultural offer in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, as well as of the interest in culture as a lever of economic and social development.
THE FESTIVALS
With almost 300 festivals and 2000 scheduled events during the summer 2010, the cultural operators of Provence- Alpes-Cte dAzur confirm that culture is a decisive factor in the attractiveness of the region. This cultural asset depends equally on the important international rendezvous, as well as on the many minor events disseminated from the Alps to the coast, Cam argue and Province.
The Opera International Festival of Aix-en-Provence is an opera and classical music festival established in 1948 and taking place each summer in Aix-en-Provence. It is one of the major opera Europeans festivals. In 2009, 64.700 festivalgoers took part in the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence. 12% coming from Europe and worldwide, 47% from the Provence-Alpes-Cte d'Azur region and 31% from the rest of France. The Festival is being opened up to an increasingly younger audience with highly successful targeted activities that reached almost 2,000 youngsters in 2009. The Festival brings together regional as well as national and international economic organisations, patron or partner companies and professionals from all over the world. Every year the national and international press provide widespread coverage of the event. In 2009, 241 journalists covered the Festival, the majority of whom came from abroad (19 nationalities represented). Additionally to the six televised broadcasts, and to the tens of radio broadcasts, 74 subjects or televised reports were dedicated to the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence.
The Chorgies d'Orange festival dates from 1860 and is the oldest festival in France. Over the years, the Chorgies have retained all of their freshness and originality, due in part to the name, which comes from the Greek "choreos", linking them to the Grecian-Latin tradition, to the magnificent site where they take place: the perfectly preserved Roman Theatre, which can hold 9,000 spectators, and which still has its stage wall, the guarantee of exceptional acoustics, and to their vocation, which is lyrical and musical performances, placing them among the very best French festivals and certainly one with an indisputable international reputation. The first performance took place in 1869, with "Joseph", an opera by Mehul. At that time, the classic Greek and Roman tragedies were staged there, and the Roman Theatre was also used to promote the French dramatic authors of the era. The use of the Roman Theatre as the stage for lyrical and musical performances became prevalent in 1971, with the creation of the "Nouvelles Chorgies", which met with immediate, overwhelming success. All of the world's great lyrical artists have performed there, bestowing international prestige on this ideal stage, which continues to prove itself with each passing year.
The Avignon Festival presents, each year, between 35 and 40 different shows, French and non-French, totalling about 300 performances, transforming about 20 venues, most often historical and outdoors, into theatre spaces. It delivers between 100,000 and 150,000 tickets for shows charging admission and welcomes between 20,000 and 40,000 spectators to its free events. As for the spectators themselves, 35% come from the region around Avignon, 20% from the Ile-de-France, 35% from other French regions and 10% from abroad, with an average attendance rate of more than 90%. The festival brings together nearly 450 journalists from France and abroad that write over 2,000 articles on the Festival, which is covered live through television and radio programs. All the major supports of the written press send correspondents to it. It generates economic benefits for the city estimated at 23 million euros, without counting the financial impact of the other events (the festival off, professional encounters, etc.).
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The three following events take place on the seaside. They are very known examples of how culture can constitute the base for a local great development. The Cannes Film Festival, founded in 1946, is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious film festivals. It is held annually (usually in May) at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrs. The Nice Jazz Festival, held annually since 1948 in Nice, on the French Riviera, is one of the jazz festivals of international significance. At the inaugural festival, Louis Armstrong and his All Stars were the headliners. Over the years, many artists, such as Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Helen Humes, Herbie Hancock, and Miles Davis, regularly appeared at the festival. It still remains one of the Riviera's biggest annual events. In 2010 the International Jazz Festival in Antibes Juan-les-Pins, the oldest running jazz festival in Europe, will be celebrating its 50th birthday. This cultural event, which remains, beyond divisions and trends, one of the stronger moments of jazz in France and Europe. Since the beginning the world renowned, Jazz Juan has become one of the most efficient vectors of communication for tourism and culture in Antibes Juan-les-Pins, as has theatre for the city of Avignon and opera for the cities of Aix-en-Provence and Orange!
The Rencontres d'Arles (formerly named International Meetings of the Photography of Arles) is an annual summer photographic festival, founded in 1970 by photographer Lucien Clergue, the writer Michel Tournier and the historian Jean-Maurice Rouquette. With programming composed mainly of productions unpublished, the Meetings of Arles have acquired a major international relevance. At its last edition in 2009, the festival has hosted 72.000 spectators, including 11.000 foreigners, 5.000 professionals and 8.000 pupils. Often produced in collaboration with museums, French and foreign institutions, exhibition presented in different places of the city constitute a real scenography. Several sites such as the chapels of the 12th century, or some industrial buildings of the nineteenth, are open to the public for the only duration of the festival. Many photographers have been revealed thanks to the meetings of Arles, what confirms the importance of this festival in its role as a launching pad for photography and contemporary art.
For 30 years now, the International Festival of Piano of La Roque d'Anthron has imposed itself as an important reference in the global musical and piano environment. If the sites of the Festival are diversifying for several years, the Park of the Chteau de Florans remains the top place of these interviews where to confront all creations: traditional and contemporary, all styles: jazz and electronic, and all the artists: the young talents as the greatest international interpreters. The acoustic qualities of this scene, ideal for the recitals of piano as well as for concertos and symphonies, increase the charms of this mythical and magical garden, covering the whole history of the Chteau de Florans. 80.000 Spectators, more than 400 artists and more than 90 concerts in 10 places. Press: 10 emissions of radio, 32 concerts registered, 23 ads and TVreports and 70 radio-reports in France.
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4 - The Ple Industries Culturelles et Patrimoines

As pointed out in the previous chapters, the PACA Region is one of the richest in heritage and cultures and related initiatives in Europe, as well as developed in cultural tourism. The Ple Industries Culturelles et Patrimoines is a non-profit association, whose activity consists in putting in contact all the private and public entities dealing with heritage and culture. The final aim is the economic development of the region. The members of the association include businesses, research labs, training centres, non-profit organizations, museums, and festivals. They come from a wide variety of sectors and their activities are complementary, covering a broad spectrum of competences. The Ple ICP focuses on three main areas of intervention: Cultural Heritage and Historical Monuments, Natural Heritage, Development and promotion of culture.
Cultural Heritage And Historical Monuments

Brief description related to context (current activities): Develop new products exclusively for restoration work: design of material and neutral methods for restoring works of arts. Promote art, sites and monuments to visitors and consumers of leisure and cultural products, through the use of multimedia and new technologies. Design neutral support structures that do not alter the art on which they are applied. List actual or potential public or private stakeholders: Private and public actors dealing with preservation and restoration of heritage and historical monuments (private companies, research centres, education and training centres, specialized employment agencies, etc.) All the actors of the tourist trade (public bodies, private enterprises, consumers).
Natural Heritage
Brief description related to context (current activities): Develop the use of geomatics engineering and computerized techniques for studying landscapes. Develop new methods to better prepare the integration of manmade constructions into natural sites. Develop new systems to modelling landscapes and simulating their evolution. List actual or potential public or private stakeholders: Private and public actors dealing with the management of natural sites and parks. Private companies in the ICT and building sectors. Private and public actors dealing with environmental studies. All the actors of the tourist trade (public bodies, private enterprises, consumers).
Development And Promotion of Culture

Brief description related to context (current activities): Design new systems for the presentation of heritage sites, which combine 3D imaging, identification methods and content distribution on all types of media. Develop systems to provide real time information on organized events (ex. time, venue, delays, etc.) List actual or potential public or private stakeholders: Private and public actors dealing with heritage and cultural events. Private companies in the ICT and new media. All the actors of the tourist trade (public bodies, private enterprises, consumers).
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THE MEMBERS OF THE PLE ICP

In the following we consider as resources of the PACA Region, and specifically of the Ple ICP, with regard of the possible contribution to the CHORD project, the activities of some of its members, taking into consideration that the development of a region can be linked not only to tourism but also to the implantation of economic activities related to the heritage and cultures. Some of these resources are specifically heritage and cultural resources (museum, heritage sites, natural parks, cultural events, etc.) some others are economic actors and public bodies dealing with heritage and cultures. We present and shortly describe some of the members of the PRIDES, in the aim to give an idea of how a territory rich in built and natural heritage and cultures can constitute the premise for the development of a specific economic system. At present the members of the Association are around one hundred, concentrated in the Arles area, but always growing in number and extending to the whole PACA region, as well as to new fields of activities.
Classification
Historicalmonumental
Name
Acta Vista (Association)
Brief description
The main goal of Acta Vista is the sustainable development of people in their environment. That is pursued through the restoration and valorisation of the cultural and natural heritage and the valorisation and job insertion of specialized HR Born as laboratory of study and research on building materials, the LERM developed also to stone and its special features related to ageing in the field of historic monuments, and specializes on the built heritage renovation A-CORROS is a technical consulting firm specialized in the diagnosis and corrosion protection of works of art, metallic historical monuments and archaeological collections, on earth and underwater. L'Ecole d'Avignon is a centre of resources on heritage building. The restoration of heritage building covers today the all field of towns and villages centres. It is this enlarged conception of traditional grouping that we call architectural heritage. It is also the intervention field of l'Ecole d'Avignon, whose actions concerns the conservation and restoration of this heritage: architecture, materials, jobs, techniques, resources Specialised in cultural, ancient and monumental heritage, Art Graphique et Patrimoine (Graphic Art and Heritage) offers its photogrammetry and multimedia services to all the field players in heritage: architects, institutions, local communities, museums, cultural organisations and restoration companies Founded in 2005 by an archaeologist specialized in information and communication sciences, Altearch Mediation offers multimedia and ICT services and solutions for the digital enhancement of cultural heritage and for the territorial and tourism development
Website
www.actavista.fr
LERM (Enterprise)
www.lerm.fr
A-CORROS (Enterprise)
www.a-corros.fr
Ecole d'Avignon (Research/Educ ation Centre)
www.ecoleavignon.com
Art Graphique et Patrimoine (Enterprise)
www.artgp.com
Altearch Mdiation (Enterprise)
www.altearchmediation.com
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Cultural engineering and dissemination
HORMIGAS (Association)
Patrimoine Conseil (Enterprise)
Atelier Cdric Lelivre (Enterprise)
Mastran (Enterprise)
SMBR (Enterprise)
Nature & Landscape
Tour du Valat (Research/Educ ation Center)
Nature & Landscape
Parc Naturel Rgional de Camargue (Public body)
Muse dpartemental Arles Antique (Public body)
Association specialized in advice and project management for the conservation and enhancement of heritage through ICT, Hormigas has developed, among others, the creation of frescos using the traditional techniques adapted to the technology of digital printing, and the interactive glass. Patrimoine Conseil operates in preventive conservation and restoration of the regional, national and international cultural heritage, in collaboration with a network of heritage professionals. They offer all the services linked to museum activity, including professional training. Created in 2006, the Atelier Cdric Lelivre deals with the intervention on the heritage of libraries, archives and museums in order to improve their conservation and use. They specialize in risk evaluation, preventive conservation, new materials and techniques research, professional and public education. Building company specializing in ancient heritage restoration and preservation, using traditional products and materials, and ancient techniques. Building company specializing in ancient heritage restoration and preservation. Just another example of how the built heritage originated a leading economic sector in the PACA region. Research activities for the conservation of Mediterranean wetlands. Convinced that it will only be possible to preserve wetlands if human activities and the protection of the natural heritage can be reconciled, the Tour du Valat has for many years been developing programmes of research and integrated management that promote interchanges between wetland users and scientists The Camargue Regional Nature Park, situated between two stretches of coast where urbanisation is rampant, aims at providing a natural leisure area as a counterpart to every new zone of industrial or urban activity. Its core responsibilities in practical terms, are the harmonisation of agricultural and environmental policies, the protection of nature and the water management, the provision of information and assistance for visitors and tourists. Museum of Ancient Art (conservation, restoration, archaeological laboratory, library, permanent and temporary exhibitions). In addition to the functions common to all museums, the MDAA offers expertise in restoration (consulting, training, mosaics restoration, research on materials), collaborating with more 15 Mediterranean countries.
www.hormigas.net
www.mastran.com
www.tourduvalat.org
www.parccamargue.fr
www.arlesantique.cg13.fr
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Festivals & Events
Les SUDS ARLES (Association)
Festivals & Events
Rencontres Internationales de la Photographie (Association)
Festivals & Events
ACTA (Enterprise)
Contemporary culture
Ecole Nationale Suprieure de la Photographie (Research/Educ ation Centre)
IUT Informatique Universit de Provence (Research/Educ ation Centre)
Phonurgia Nova (Enterprise)
ESHKAR (Enterprise)
Festival of World music, The Suds Arles aims at appreciating the cultural, architectural and natural heritage, through the organization of concerts in heritage sites and the presentation to a wide audience of the Provencal music and culture One of the major photo festival worldwide, the Rencontres aim at promoting and disseminating the photography in all its expressions, organizing exhibitions (50 per year), special events, workshops and internships for professionals and amateurs, pedagogic activities for school audience. That constitutes an example of promotion of a territory through an event. ACTA is a history engineering company, offering entertainment and quality performances. The team can develop interventions both in the schools and in archaeological sites. Actas specialty is the experimental archaeology of sport: ancient Olympic and gladiators games, combining spectacularity with the seriousness of the research, managed together with archaeologists. The only French national school of photography. Its primary mission is training in 3 years photographers with strong knowledge and experience in artistic, technical, historical and theoretical issues. Together with the Rencontres contributed to "put Arles on the map" of contemporary culture. Located in the heart of a town internationally known for visual culture, the researchers and teachers of IUT are involved in the development of new digital cultures. Creating new training paths and new career opportunities, the school offers its students a higher education oriented towards the professional life, through training projects in the field of ICT applied to the heritage and cultures. Phonurgia Nova is an association dedicated to enhancing the sound in its artistic dimensions. Its activities cover the publishing of educational books, training, retaining a "memory" of sound, organization of specialized workshops or meetings. Originally based in Paris, it established in Arles where synergies have been developed with the Suds Festival, the School of Photography, the Museum Arlaten and the Rencontres de la Photo. Eshkar, a revolutionary audio-guide system to assist the visit, interactive and multimedia, it works hands free. It recognizes what a visitor looks, how many times and how long. Afterwards the system sends to a computer, via the net, a reconstruction of the visit
www.sudsarles.com
www.rencontresarles.com
www.actaarcheo.com
www.enp-arles.com
http://sites.univprovence.fr/iutarles/
www.phonurgia.org
http://eshkar.fr/
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IUP Administration des institutions culturelles (Research/Educ ation Centre) Regards et Mmoires (Association)
The IPU aims to provide to the future managers of cultural organizations, methods of management, while simultaneously providing a strong culture in the field of sociology, history of art and cultural policies. The association promotes the social inclusion and the approach of young people to the heritage. It develops its activities in the image and visual field, organizing and managing projects, proposals, exhibitions, and collaborating with schools, training centres and social institutions. Since 2001, the PACA Agencys actions were aimed at gaining greater knowledge about and seizing control of the economic, social and cultural issues related to heritage. Nowadays the ADVP is intensifying an open approach to territorial and cultural problems, which take into consideration the ways various levels of heritage (historical, cultural and natural) interact.
www.iupaic.univcezanne.fr
www.regardsetme moires.com
Agence Rgionale du Patrimoine (Agency for the Development and Valorisation of Heritage (Public body)
www.agencepatrimoine.eu
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5 - SWOT analysis of the Ple ICP

Strengths Weaknesses
Economic fabric mainly composed of SMEs
Lack of formalized relations between business and research Lack of practical training in some specialized trades (restoration)
Mix of laboratories and research centres of international relevance Training centres and issues unique in France Region rich in heritage and cultural events of international importance Tourism and cultural tourism very developed
Insufficient export
Involvement of the actors Partnership with at least 4 other regional PRIDES (Regional Clusters for Innovation and Sustained Economic Development) Integration of the Ple ICP in the regional economy Innovative and growing economic sectors
Topics wrongly considered not very innovative
Little innovative image of the heritage
Rapid evolution of the expectations and motivations of the consumers
Opportunities Association between the excellence of heritage and culture and the excellence of linked activities Will of the public subjects to differentiate through the heritage and culture Considerable potential export market Enhancing activities and enticing for young people Growing demand of cultural contents by the new media Cultural tourism booming Will of private economic actors to settle in the region
Threats
Partial dependence on public orders
Possible antagonism between conservation and exploitation Difficulties in quantifying cultural tourism Risk of loss of know-how and aging of the workforce Small size enterprises
Devaluation of some manual professions
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6) Ple ICP Best Practices

The following three cases are examples of projects started and in some cases in an advanced state of realisation. Their synthetic description is also aimed to give an idea of the variety of the projects the Pole ICP is implementing in the PACA Region, together with its members as well as the local institutions.
Neo Pozzol
Preparation of pozzolanic binders and mortars for the restoration of old buildings. This project aims to develop a range of binders and mortars whose neutrality and sustainability is ensured and that allows restorers to better handle the support treated. This material is similar to those used in additions to the binder during the Roman era. This project aims to involve companies that specialize in the restoration of historic buildings throughout Europe and the Mediterranean area. Financing Instrument and resources will be supplied by the following entities: a building/restoration company; a company of research on materials; a school of restoration of ancient buildings; a geo-science research centre.
Erespa
The Culture and Heritage Industries Cluster, in collaboration with the City of Arles has initiated a study, ERESPA (Evaluation des Retombes Economiques et Sociales du Patrimoine), of the economic and social spin-off of Heritage, based on the work of PACA Regional Heritage Agency, and aimed to carry out a permanent observation system. This survey, structured around the co-production of reliable and shared data, is expected to support the economic, social and cultural development of the territory. A dedicated website has been created: http://www.erespa-impact-patrimoine.fr/ A specifically developed system allows data storage and processing. It is also a tool for information sharing and research for cultural players willing to engage in a steady observation, and also includes other towns in the Provence-Alpes-Cte d'Azur region: Brianon, Aix-en-Provence, Grasse and Vaison-La-Romaine. Parallel to this study, a statistical survey on Arles visitors is being carried out during the summer 2009 on the main heritage sites (historical-monumental and natural) and cultural events, but also in some hotels, residences, and information points in the area of Arles.
Archeomed
Centre for conservation, restoration and valorisation of the heritage. This centre will be composed of a resources centre, a research laboratory, networks, training and education of the public cell, and a seat for heritage enterprises. The strong presence in Arles of old and new skills and trades relating to cultural heritage, such as keepers and restorers (book, ceramics, glass, metal, stone, ethnological heritage), submarine archaeologists (public and private), businesses of the restoration of built heritage, originated the idea of the mutualisation of spaces and means and the idea to design a "hotel of the heritage enterprises". The strong technicality that these companies are developing, their raised specialisation, and their size often modest, encourage them naturally to develop many partnerships, to form groups of enterprises, pooling the use of means and initiating collaborative projects. That is the reason why it seemed logical - thanks to the availability of land in Arles, among others by industrial fallows, and thanks to the support offered by the Ple ICP, to create a dedicated home of companies working in areas related to heritages and the cultural industries (some of them are members of the Ple). A dozen businesses, at least, should be able to install, at the beginning. Archeomed will also enable the local and regional communities to benefit from equipment not only attractive and unique in the Mediterranean, but also having a strong media potential.
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Sources
Pole Industries Culturelles et Patrimoines www.industries-culturelles-patrimoines.fr PACA Region www. regionpaca.fr "Limpact conomique et social du patrimoine en Rgion Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur" - Agence pour le Dveloppement et la Valorisation du Patrimoine www.agence-patrimoine.eu Schma rgional de dveloppement touristique 2006-2010. Rgion Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur Les publics du Patrimoine Antique en Rgion Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur - Agence pour le Dveloppement et la Valorisation du Patrimoine www.agence-patrimoine.eu The Plus Beaux Villages de France Association www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org Direction rgionale des affaires culturelles de Provence-Alpes-Cte d'Azur www.paca.culture.gouv.fr Chiffres Cls 2010 Statistiques De La Culture - Ministre de la Culture et de la Communication. www2.culture.gouv.fr Villes et pays dart et histoire www.vpah.culture.fr Municipality of Frejius www.frejus.fr Municipality of Brianon www.ville-briancon.fr UNESCO World Heritage Centre whc.unesco.org Terre de Festivals 2010. Rgion Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur - Rgie Culturelle Rgionale Monuments protgs en Provence-Alpes-Cte d'Azur. Ministre de la Culture et de la Communication Etude nationale des retombes economiques et sociales du patrimoine. Direction de lArcitecture et du patrimoine - Mini Ministre de la Culture et de la Communication Dossier Les jardins remarquables en PACA. Directions rgionales des affaires culturelles (DRAC) Evaluation des Retombes Economiques et Sociales du Patrimoine http://www.erespa-impact-patrimoine.fr/
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Component 3: Collaborative transnational network for innovative cultural heritage poles Subcomponent: Joint analysis of criteria, needs and constraints Deliverable: Cultural Heritage Poles Study
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. 2.
SWOT analysis of Chios Island................................................................................................ 2 Cultural resources in the island of Chios ................................................................................. 5
2.1 Artistic, natural, historic and archaeological resources in the island of Chios, Greece ................................................ 8 2.2 Local food and beverage .................................................................................................................................... 45 2.3 Events and festivals ........................................................................................................................................... 48
3
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6
Cultural poles ..................................................................................................................... 50

Archaeological Pole............................................................................................................................................ 51 History and Art Pole........................................................................................................................................... 53 Nature and Landscape Pole ................................................................................................................................ 54 Villages and Crafts Pole ...................................................................................................................................... 56 Food & Beverage Pole ........................................................................................................................................ 57 Mediterranean areas involved in the project: cultural tourism themes .................................................................. 58
4 5
The Cultural District: best practice ....................................................................................... 60 A model for promoting cultural initiatives in Chios Island ...................................................... 61
4.1 Island of Chios ................................................................................................................................................... 60
5.1 A model for organizing road shows ..................................................................................................................... 62
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: SWOT analysis summary .................................................................................................... 4 Figure 2: Historical Background ........................................................................................................ 6 Figure 3: History and Art Pole: resources .........................................................................................54 Figure 4: Nature and Landscape Pole: resources ..............................................................................55 Figure 5: Villages and Crafts Pole: resources ....................................................................................56 Figure 6: Food & Beverage Pole: resources ......................................................................................57 Figure 7: Model for organizing and running road shows ...................................................................63
1. SWOT analysis of Chios Island
Chios Island has great cultural and historical interest, which, with a systematic support and promotion, will ensure many benefits for the local community. Representative examples of this cultural heritage are the local traditional products (mastic -a worldwide unique natural product, oranges and mandarins, traditional wines, perfumes marmalades, liqueurs and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages e.t.c), a plethora of cultural events (the customs of religious festivals, the Agro tourism festival, the Mastic festival, the Carnival festivals and many other Religious festivals), scientific and cultural international congresses, music and dance festivals and theatre festivals. Important points for visit are many archaeological, historical and religious sites (some protected by UNESCOs World Heritage), inhabited medieval settlements (Mesta, Pirgi, Anavatos etc.) and sites of a great architectural and natural interest (Kambos etc). Additionally, living standards remain high and the locals are able to support the enhancement and promotion of the local cultural heritage. In the recent years, many European Programmes have helped to promote this heritage and to develop opportunities for its valuable contribution to the local economic development. The SWOT analysis clearly shows that the island of Chios has major opportunities for tourism development, particularly in the culture and nature segments of the market. However, these opportunities are offset by a number of grey areas. Specific actions have to be implemented, in order to eliminate structural divides, thereby strengthening the areas ability to exploit opportunities associated with tourism development and at the same time counteract the threats inherent in the competitive scenario. The following two tables summarize the results of the SWOT analysis of the island of Chios. The first table lists the areas strengths and weaknesses in relation to the cultural tourism market. The second table describes external factors that could either positively (opportunities) or negatively (threats) affect the reinforcement of the areas competitive positioning.
Strengths rich cultural heritage a great number of cultural assets for promoting tourism existing successfully organized events for the promotion of cultural tourism existing exhibitions and festivals, which have contributed to the promotion of the cultural assets of the area numerous tourism resources eight thousand years of history live traditional customs and habits of the locals in the rural areas restoration of many historical monuments and sites under a common framework of protection of the national inheritance past cultural and economical prosperity (maritime business and commerce), which survives in the Chian international cargo boat maritime business of today world-wide exportation monopoly of the luxury products, such as mastic (Mastic has aromatic, medical and cosmetic uses and is inclusively locally cultivated) economical and cultural contacts with USA, United Kingdom, Canada etc, through the presence of local organised immigrant communities Growthing collaboration with branches from all over Greece (Athens, Pireaus, Kifisia, Thessaloniki, Chanthi, Volos, Nafplio and airport of El. Venizelos) and abroad (Nicosia, Jeddah, Paris, New York)
Weaknesses problems in the industrial and transport infrastructure low technological level of innovation centres shortage of coherent cultural policy low skilled human resources shortage of travel packages with cultural heritage elements many unguarded monuments shortage of tourist conscience and promotion of tourist products problem in urban transport (insufficient structure) in the city of Chios long distance to the capital and other big cities of Greece
Opportunities presence of hotels and other tourist services, with potential extension of tourism activities to the rural areas of the Island presence of many archaeological and historical monuments and museums presence of many Christian monuments (churches, monasteries) links of local culture with alternative forms of tourism transport infrastructure by plane or boat connecting Chios with Greek and exterior destinations presence of the Aegean University and the Maritime commerce Academies financing of cultural and natural heritage within the framework of EU structural funds development of well equipped computer infrastructure presence of medieval and post-medieval villages and continuity of traditional occupations (the local inhabitants are still occupied in the same form of agriculture) declaration of certain historical monuments under special protection (UNESCOs World Heritage)
Threats internal migration of the majority of skilled workers to large cities (Athens, Thessaloniki e.t.c) increasing environmental degradation, due to external and uncontrollable factors reduction on financing coming from EU structural funds crucial competition in terms of prices with other destinations worldwide economic crisis depopulation of the medieval and postmedieval villages in central and southern Chios (Anavatos, Mesta etc.) bad publicity from foreign media, which present a negative image of Greece and dont recommend it as a holiday destination
Figure 1: SWOT analysis summary
2. Cultural resources in the island of Chios

The island of Chios, located in the north Aegean Sea, has a rich and varied heritage. Visitors can enjoy picturesque scenery, areas of unspoilt natural beauty and numerous sites of historic and artistic interest. Chios is an island where the historic past is still living in the present. One can find traces of all different eras. It is evident that the island had inhabitants since the Stone Age. Traces of the different civilizations that ruled over the area are often still visible in monuments and buildings.
3000 BC 2600-2000 BC
1600-1100 BC 600 BC 493 BC
431 BC-146 BC
146 BC 250 AD
650 AD 1042-1055 AD
1089 AD 1124-5 AD
Neolithic findings in the Cave of ghio Glas (a village located in the northwest region of the island) Early findings in the area of Emboris, which lies in the southeast region of Chios. The first king of Chios was Amphiklos or Amphialos, a man that came to the island following an oracle. Then, the Ionians from Asia Minor inhabited Samos and Chios, connecting the island with the rest of the Ionian region. Around the 7th century BC, Chios not only flourishes in the maritime sector, but in other sectors as well. It is said that Homer passed by the island and that Chios inspired the Homeric epics. An ancient settlement found in the southern part of the island, in the area of Fana, is probably a remnant of the Mycenaean period. Around 600 BC, the Great Clause (Megali Ritra) was established on the island. The first democracy in the world was based on this law. Destruction of Chios by the Persians. Chios then became an ally of the Athenians in the Athenian Alliance. The Chians enjoyed prosperity over the next few years. At the beginning of the Peloponnesian war the Chians were allied with the Athenians until the defeat of Sicily, when they joined forces with the Spartans. When the Antalkidios Peace was signed Chios was again allied with the Athenians. At the time of Alexander the Great there was a Macedonian garrison in Chios. When Alexander passed away his successors took over and for Chios the period of decline was just beginning. Imposition of Roman rule. Martyrdom of St Isidoros during the expulsion of Christians. It is said that the mastic tree (called Schnos in the Chian dialect) started to cry when it saw the Saints body dragged under it. Destruction of Chios by the Arabs. The Emperor Constantine Monomachos keeps his promise and begins building the Nea Moni Monastery. The Emperor had promise the two monks that found the Holy Icon of the Virgin hanging from a branch of myrtle that, if he regained his throne (as they predicted), he would furnish the Monastery with a dowry. Raid by Turkish pirates Raid by the Venetians
1170-71 AD 1204 AD 1261 AD
Second raid by the Venetians The Francs threaten Chios. According to the Treaty of Nympheon, Chios was given to the Genoese, who are permitted by the emperor to maintain an establishment there, including a palace, a church, gardens, public baths, dwelling places and their own consul. 1292 AD Raid of Chios by the Sicilian, Roger de Loria. 1300 AD Raid of Chios by the Turks 1303 AD Raid by the Catalan, Roger da Flor. 1304-1329AD Chios comes under the temporary rule of the Genoese. A treaty with the Emperor concedes to the Genoese a ten-year right to protect the island provided it remains under Byzantine sovereignty. 1346 - 1566 AD Genoese rule. Chios prospers during the Genoese period. A commercial Genoese firm, called Mana, maintains control of the islands commerce. Although they oppress the inhabitants they manage to organize the commerce of mastic and the rest of the products. They bring to the island the cultivation of citrus trees and the raising of silkworms. Castle villages are created in the South to protect mastic production and mansions are established in the area of Kambos. The population increases and the living standards become very high. Although the Turks conquered the Byzantine Empire and attacked Chios as well, the Genoese manage to keep them away. 1566 - 1821 AD Turkish rule. The Chians are still oppressed, however they are granted privileges due to the production of mastic. The Turks imposed taxes on the Chians and forced them to pay the taxes with mastic. When the Greek Revolution against the Turks broke out in 1821, the Chians did not participate. 1822 AD When Lykourgos Logothetis, a Greek rebel from Samos, came to Chios he tried to free the island with the help of Antonis Bournias. This effort failed and Admiral Kapudan Pasha Kara Ali brought the Turkish fleet in the island and had started to burn, destroy and massacre the Chians over a period of 15 days in order to teach them a lesson for their disobedience and ungratefulness. Over 25,000 people lost their lives during the Massacre of Chios. Soon thereafter, Constantine Kanaris, from the neighboring island of Psara, leads his fleet to Chios and burns the Turkish flagship in the port of the island. Admiral Kapudan Pasha Kara Ali, as well as other Turkish officials, lost their lives. They were all buried in the Turkish cemetery that lies in the Castle of Chios town. 1823 - 1912 AD The Chians that had managed to escape from the Turks came back in the island in 1832 and began to rebuild their lives. The harsh freeze of 1852 destroyed the crop while the earthquake of 1881 destroyed everything that had been left standing and 3,500 people were killed. Nevertheless, the Chians did not give up and in 1912 the island was liberated and was united with the Greek State. 1939 - 1945 AD During the 2nd World War, the Chians fought against the Germans and many escaped to the Middle East. Chios achieved its liberation in 1944 along with the rest of the country. Figure 2: Historical Background
Just as in the past, Chians try to make the best out of everything, regardless of the suffering they have endured over the centuries. Chios is a very rich island and currently maintains a high standard of living as well as a rich culture. Over the course of time, traditional locally produced food products have come to the fore and gained visibility. Thanks to their high quality and distinctive character, many of them have been awarded official status both nationally and at EU level.
The islands assets can be summarized as follows: historic sites and monuments, including churches and monasteries archaeological sites villages with distinctive architectural features sites of natural and scenic interest museums traditional food products crafts events and local traditions
Some of the main tourist resources making up the vast heritage of the island of Chios have been identified. These resources cover a wide range of themes strongly associated with cultural tourism and are illustrated in the following sub-sections. Sub-section 2.1 describes historic sites and monuments, archaeological sites, villages, areas of natural and scenic interest, and museums. These resources are grouped by geographical location. Sub-sections 2.2 and 2.3 describe traditional food products, crafts and the main events of interest to tourists.
2.1
Artistic, natural, historic and archaeological resources in the island of Chios, Greece
In order to make it easier to identify the different types of resources and their geographical location, a list of the islands cultural heritage attractions by area is given below. Since visitors enjoy cultural resources after having first identified and chosen geographical areas and destinations, the resources have been grouped by island of the Prefecture of Chios, which includes also two smaller inhabited islands, Psara and Innousses. To make it even easier for potential visitors to discover and explore the island of Chios, the resources have been divided into four sub-areas based on the geographical distribution of heritage sites and resources and on the areas geomorphologic features:
Island of Chios, Northern part Island of Chios, Southern part Island of Inousses Island of Psara
Island of Chios, Northen part:
Type Archaeological site
Resource Nea Moni
Description
Responsible body
The Nea Moni Monastery was built in the 11th 3rd Ephorate of century and was dedicated to the Assumption Byzantine Antiquities of the Virgin Mary. The Monastery is listed in of Chios the monuments protected by UNESCOs World Heritage. Nea Moni (New Monastery) is a monument of international significance. The catholicon (main church) is the most important specimen of the insular octagonal domed type of church and is lavishly decorated with marble revetments and mosaics. The mosaic arrangement of the church presents a unique option of the accord of painting decoration and architecture. Under the same architectural style many octagonal Basilicas where built throughout the Island. This womens monastery was established by 3rd Ephorate of the Holy Anthimos Vaghianos in 1930. The Byzantine Antiquities holy man, who had healing powers, is listed in of Chios the Book of Saints of the Church.
Panaghia Voethia
Kournas Monastery
Dominican monks built the Kournas 3rd Ephorate of Monastery during the Franks Occupation of Byzantine Antiquities of Chios Chios between 1346 and 1566. The Monastery is comprised of a church, monks quarters and annexed buildings. The quarters are of significant interest due to their magnificently sculpted decor within the interior staircase pilasters. The inscriptions on the doorframes within the church are very similar to the ones in Nea Moni and are quite significant. The Monastery passed to the Orthodox monks around 1658. The fact that the church today honors the name Zoodohou Pighi is of no surprise considering the period the Monastery passed to the hands of the Orthodox. In the beginning of the 20th century the monastery became active in religious painting as did other monasteries located on the island. The icons that are exhibited there display a peculiar, local technique that is worth studying in detail. The cloister of Aghios Markos was built in 3rd Ephorate of 1886 on the Penthodos mountain and is Byzantine Antiquities approximately 15 kilometres from the town of Chios of Chios. It was built by the ascetic Parthenios, who was from the village of Dafnona in Chios and led his ascetic life in a nearby cave. The Monastery offered valuable services to the Greek army during the liberation of the island in 1912 from the yoke of the Turks. Religious painting developed in the Monastery around 1900. Today, two monks live in the Monastery and a library has been preserved.
Cloister of Aghios Markos
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Cloister of Aghion Pateron
This cloister was built in the cave where the 3rd Ephorate of three monks, who are believed to have Byzantine Antiquities established the Nea Moni Monastery, took of Chios their monastic vows. In 1688, the cave was give to the monk Jeremiah, who was from Crete and who constructed the Temple and built the quarters. In 1868, following Jeremiahs death, the Holy monk Pahomios, from the village of Elata in Chios, obtained the buildings and converted them into the largest monastic centre on the island. Religious painting began to flourish in 1900. Entrance is forbidden to women after sunset. The Chian monk Neilos founded this 3rd Ephorate of monastery (1770), which is located in the Byzantine Antiquities area of Kofina. The wise theologian of Chios Athanasios Parios lived there as a monk. He was buried in the area of the grave of Saint Nikiforos of Chios. Here, also, is the grave of Yiorgos Zolotas, one of the most significant personalities of Chios. Established in 1880, the Monastery of Aghios 3rd Ephorate of Stefanos is located in Vrontados, Chios. The Byzantine Antiquities small chapel of Aghios Stefanos originally of Chios stood in the area where there is todays bell tower. The Monastery came under the care of the Holy Parthenios, who also initiated and completed reconstruction of the Church that exists today. The church celebrates the feast day of St. Stefanos on December 27th of each year.
Aghios Yiorgis Reston
Aghios Stefanos Monastery
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Mirsinidi Monastery
Founder of this monastery is the monk 3rd Ephorate of Christoforos Seremelis (1897). It is dedicated Byzantine Antiquities to Panaghia Myrtidiotissa (Virgin of the of Chios Myrtles), whose miraculous icon was found by the monk in the sea below the monastery. It celebrates its feast day on September 24 when crowds of worshippers come to honour Her Grace. The monastery offered valuable services during the German occupation as well as during the resistance movement of World War II. The vestments of the national martyr Gregory V are kept here. This Monastery was founded in 1920 by 3rd Ephorate of Panaghiotis Antonopoulos, whose sister Byzantine Antiquities served there as abbess. It is dedicated to the of Chios Birth of the Virgin (Genesion tis Panaghias, September 8), which pre-existed the monastery. A new church, which was built later, honours the Dormition of the Virgin (Kimissis tis Theotokou). This Monastery is located in the village of 3rd Ephorate of Diefha, which lies in the northern part of Byzantine Antiquities Chios. It honours the name of Aghios Yiannis of Chios Prodromos (St. John the Baptist) on August 29th of each year. In 1574, it was renovated by the monk Iakovos Lagadiotis and was considered the most significant monastery following Nea Moni. Men descending from the Chian aristocracy lived in the Moundon Monastery as monks. The Monastery maintained an impressive library containing an exquisite parchment that is dated to 1462 A.D. This parchment probably belonged to the Holy Matrona who was a citizen of Chios. The Turks destroyed the Monastery in 1822; however, it was reconstructed in the years to follow. The interior walls of the church of the Monastery display a series of impressive wall paintings dating around 1620, 1730 and 1849. These wall paintings are maintained in good condition and display a combination of the folk technique with Western influence.
Pera Panaghia Monastery
Moundon Monastery
12
Historic sites
Castle of Volissos
The traditional village of Volissos, which is 3rd Ephorate of domiciled in the Municipality of Amani, is Byzantine Antiquities built on the side of a tall and of a steep hill of Chios surrounded by a mediaeval castle. Given its significance, the Castle of Volissos was included in the Circumnavigation of Castles programme by the Ministry of Culture, making it accessible to tourists. The Castle was built during the Byzantine period and, according to tradition, is considered a work of General Velissarios (6th century). However, based on research, it is most possible that its construction dates back in the 11th century during a period of general reorganisation of the island. In the mid-15th century the Castle was restored by the Genoese.
Historic sites
The Castle of Grias
The Castle of Grias (Old Woman) is built in a 3rd Ephorate of prominent position above Kardamila, the Byzantine Antiquities head village of the NE of Chios. The Castle is of Chios accessible via an old pathway, which has been clearly marked. This is a medieval Castle comprising of two towers that are joined by a strong rampart. The Eastern tower is semi-elliptic and the Western tower in round. The Castle is part of a generally organised defence system that existed on the island during the medieval periods. Remnants of Hellenistic ramparts verify that the area had been fortified from ancient times. During the liberation movement of 1912, the Grias area was the stronghold of the battle. It was fortified and, despite attacks by the Turks, it remained undefeated. Local tradition speaks of the Castle being named after an old woman who climbed up the steep cliffs from Kardamila to escape from pirates. According to tradition it is also said the Western tower of the Castle communicated with the so-called Koulala Well via a tunnel. This was a wide, wellmade well which was built lower than the Castle and dates back to the Genoese Domination (1346-1566).
13
Historic sites
Castle of Orias
Above the village of Kambia, at the top of a 3rd Ephorate of high cliff near the chapel of St. Paraskevi, Byzantine Antiquities stands the Castle of Kambia, which is referred of Chios as the little fortress of St. Paraskevi by locals. It is built on Chios most beautiful natural landscape overlooking the flourishing gorge of Kambia. According to historians, the Castle dates back to the Byzantine period (as in the case of the Fortress of Apolichnon, according to Zolota), however, no archaeological study has been conducted for further verification. Nevertheless, . Horeanthis states that the name Castle of Orias indicates the castle origin dates back to the Byzantine period and speaks of the well-known tale of the Castle long-lasting siege by the enemy army. Oria (i.e. beautiful daughter, Queen), which was inside the fortress, protected by the Fortress fortification and the favourable position of defence, courageously encountered the conquerors. It is said that when the Castle was taken over by treachery the heroin fell from the rampart and killed herself in order not to into the hands of the enemy. The respective folk song Castle of Orias is known all over Greece. The Ta Markou tower, situated in a rich and 3rd Ephorate of distinctively natural landscape of Northern Byzantine Antiquities Chios, is built close to Psispilounta village of of Chios the Amani Municipality. The ensemble (monument and surrounding environment) is a construction and plantation complex of unique interest comprising of interesting fauna and flora and the ancient watering system. The Tower was built in the 15th century and constituted the central defence tower of a medieval settlement, whose remnants are distinguished in the landscapes rare natural beauty. This fortified settlement protected from crossings from the northern shores of Chios towards the Fortress of Volissos. Today, the ground floor of the Tower, as well as a part of the 1st level, has been preserved.
Historic sites
"Ta Markou" Tower
14
Museums
Nea Moni Museum
The building where the museum is housed is 3rd Ephorate of an old two-storied cell situated NW of the Byzantine Antiquities main church of the Monastery. It has been of Chios restored during the early 80s thanks to a donation from Mr. Chandris. Because of the pillage that the Monastery suffered by the Turks during the massacres of Chios at 1822, the items exhibited are not numerous and date mostly after that time. Among them are included post-Byzantine icons, ecclesiastical silverworks, ecclesiastical and popular embroideries and woven textiles. The most important item is the 'Pefki', a silk woven with gold and silver threads curtain, with stylized floral motives. According to the woven dedicatory inscription, it was made by chian craftsmen for the Monastery of Nea Moni, in 1742. Its original use is uncertain. The need to protect, but also the willingness The Church to teach the youth and the visitors, led the Committee of citizens of Kourounia, and particularly the Kourounia church committee, to establish the Kourounia Ecclesiastical Museum. This is the first purely Ecclesiastical Museum on the island of Chios. The Museum is housed in the villages Old Primary School (1913), which was restored for this reason and is divided into four sections: The first section presents paintings by the great byzantine Hagiographer Georgios Panaghiotakis, who lived in Chios at the beginning of the past century. The Hagiographies in question adorned the church of the village until recently. The paintings are maintained by the art conservator Takis Matzoukis. The museum also exhibits paintings by the Hagiographer Georgios Kefalas from Kourounia. The second section presents photographic material with religious subjects and customs of Kourounia citizens. Efforts have been made to complete two more sections that concern ecclesiastical utensils and books, some of which are already being displayed in other parts of the ecclesiastical museum.
Museums / Ecclesiastical
Kourounia Ecclesiastical Museum
15
Museums / Archaeological
Volissos Archaeological Collection
Located at the Volissos Square is one of the K Ephorate of most remarkable remaining historical Prehistoric and buildings known as Konaki. It is a 19th Classical Antiquities century, three-storey stone building, which represents the traditional architecture of Volissos. The building of the Archaeological Collection houses all of the areas ancient items and holds periodical exhibitions. Also, the first periodical exhibition entitled Ariousa land, excellent wine of Greek identity is hosted there. The exhibition is about a journey into history of the creation and dissemination of the ariousio wine, which is a local product of Chios. The exhibition presents the historical and archaeological findings of the ariousio wine-making and dissemination from ancient to the later Byzantine years and Turkish rule. Anavatos is a Medieval - Byzantine tower- 3rd Ephorate of village that is found in the northern region of Byzantine Antiquities Chios. It is quite impressive due to the fact of Chios that it plunges into a large granite rock at the top of the cliff. Although it is a deserted village, it still preserves its history, a sensation often encountered by visitors when wondering through its stone-paved streets. The Greek War of Independence (1821) and the Massacre of 1822 are two important chapters of the islands history and are directly associated with Anavatos. The Church of the Taxiarchis (the Archangel) is still preserved. It is the only building which stills stands in this ghost-town. Not far from the walls gate there is an overbearing structure which protrudes amongst the buildings along the east side. It is the so called Three-story building, consisting of an olive oil press, a school, a water reservoir and the Church of the Theotokos (the Virgin Mary).
Villages
Anavatos
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Orchids flowers, tulips and herbs
Visitors all over the year can enjoy the wildflowers of Chios. However the variety and profusion of flowers is greatest from late winter to early summer. Autumn and winter landscapes have fine showings of Colchicum, Cyclamen, Crocus, Sternbergia and many other plants. Few know that Chios has been characterised by experts as a geological paradise. Here one can find the most ancient rocks throughout Europe, the most ancient Ammon fossils in Greece, as well as the most impressive faults and the largest number of karstic formations. Three of these caves(Olympi Cave, Aghio Galas Cave, Cave of Lithi) that were recently explored by experts stand apart from the rest, not due to their size, but thanks to their exceptional beauty and particular interest: The Aghio Galas Cave is located at the northwestern end of the island at a sixty five (65) kilometres distance from the city of Chios. The long distance to the cave is worth it in order to see the scenery and caves natural beauty. The village is actually built on a cliff at the explored part of the cave and offers a unique view of the Aegean Sea and the historical Psara island. The cave is open to the public. Prefecture of Chios ENA Chios SA
Nature cave
Agio Galas Cave
Hot springs
Aghiasmata
In the northern side of the island, 55 Municipality of kilometres from Chios city and 15km from Amani Volissos, Aghiasmata is located. It is the name of an entire region in Northern Chios that took its name from the therapeutic waters that spurt from the ground, in temperature of 70th degrees of Celsius! The beach and the landscape that surrounds it are of unique, wild beauty. In the summer visitors can combine their vacations with visits to the therapeutic waters.
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Monuments
Early Christian basilica of St. Isidore
According to excavations by the Third 3rd Ephorate of Commission of Byzantine Antiquities five Byzantine Antiquities successive architectural phases were of Chios corroborated. In the first phase, probably at the 5th Century AD, the basilica was built on the ruins of an older roman building and many of its architectural elements belong to the roman building. A three -aisled basilica is preserved from the second phase. In phase C, a new three-aisled church of larger dimensions, was designed. The phase C could belong to the period of Constantine IV Pogonatos (668 - 685), as tradition indicates. However, until today there is no archaeological evidence to support this. In phase D the church became cross-shaped with a dome and circular apse inside externally and internally. Regarding the chronology of the fourth phase, the Allatius Codex refers to the earthquake of 1389. In Phase E a minaret was added in the centre of the northern wall. This building is a typical example of late 8th Ephorate of neoclassical architecture. It is a stone-built, Contemporary and three story building containing an elevated Modern Monuments basement and expanded third floor. The interior of the building is also interesting, since it is specially designed to house the National Bank of Greece on the ground level and the residence of its Director is on the first floor. The building was constructed in 1926. Due to the increasing needs of the Bank, there have been various renovations of the interior of the building. The last renovation was appointed in 1994 to the architect G. Papazoglou, who also conducted the relevant study.
Monuments
National Bank of Greece
18
Monuments / Archaeological Sites
Daskalopetra / Homers stone, The teachers (=daskalos) stone (=petra)
The Daskalopetra rock, which is located at K Ephorate of Daskalopetra beach in the area of Vrontado, Prehistoric and is one of the islands most well-known Classical Antiquities monuments. Tradition links it with Homer and is considered to be the School of the great poet. Chios is one of the seven regions (Izmir, Chios, Colophon, Ithaca, Pyrgos, Argos and Athens) that are claiming Homer's origin and it has the most possibilities, given that there are valid testimonies by a number of ancient writers and poets. The Daskalopetra rock, which is a sightseeing attraction, has attracted vivid interest and various interpretations. Others link it to Homer, whereas others consider it to be the altar of a pagan god. Despite the wear it has sustained, archaeologists identify the cubic elevation at the top of the rock having characteristics of a monolithic monument as the temple of goddess Cybele, the Great Mother, who was worshiped in ancient Chios.
19
Rimokastro
On the plateau of Mt. Aipos, above the K Ephorate of Vrontado settlement, remnants of farming Prehistoric and and stock raising facilities, dating back to the Classical Antiquities Classic period (5th 1st century BC), have been preserved. It is remarkable that in some cases the ancient foundations of the retaining walls and fences have been preserved in situ and are used for the same purpose throughout the centuries. The visitor is able to see the entire archaeological site from two points, Rimokastro and Astyfidolakko, where two spectator stands have been constructed and information boards have been placed. Those who love hiking can walk from one point to the other, along a specially marked path. The total distance is 4.5km. The most significant building complex is that of the Rimokastro, built above the gorge of the Krikeli torrent, better known as Agriou. The main building complex, which was most probably the owners residence, has a symmetrical plan and sheltered areas on either side of the central quadrangular yard along the EW axis. It is most probable that the SE apartment was an architecturally designed tower that was common of homesteads in the 4th century BC. Ancillary buildings and large tanks served the various farming and inhabitants needs. There is evidence that the area was in use up until the turn of the 5th century to the 4th century BC, thus up until the Roman periods, whilst there are also findings indicating that the area had not been totally deserted until the Byzantine periods.
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Island of Chios, Southern part
Type Archaeological site
Resource Castle of Chios
Description
Responsible body
The first architectural phase of the Castle of 3rd Ephorate of Chios dates back to the Byzantine period (the Byzantine Antiquities end of the 10th century). Following, it was used of Chios as the administration centre in the Genoese and Ottoman periods. Its entrance is through the Central Gate, which was reconstructed by the Venetians in 1694 and is located at the south end. In the enclosed area, near the gate, stands the two-story building, known as the Ioustiniani palace. The church of Saint George, the Mosque, the big watch-tower, the Byzantine fountain, the ottoman baths and the ottoman cemetery are some of the monuments worth visiting, while walking at the picturesque lanes of the castle. An extension of Chios town to the South, 8th Ephorate of Kambos is a vast inhabited and cultivated Contemporary and orchard of citrus-tress. Kambos is a unique Modern Monuments open museum of the special architecture of Chios and of the natural environment of the last 500 years. Kambos history dates back to the Byzantine period and continues with the Genoese and Turkish conquerors. The prosperity of Kambos is attributing to the Genoese domination dating 1346-1566.
Archaeological site
Kambos
21
Historic sites
Castle of Apolichnon
The Castle of Apolichnon is located NW of 3rd Ephorate of Armolia village and is seated in the Byzantine Antiquities Municipality of Mastichochorion. The Castle of Chios overlooks the entire area up to the sea. The castle was built in 1440 by the Genoese Nicholas Banca Giustiniani. This is verified by the Latin inscription on the lintel above the entrance of the castle. The castle has trapezoid shape; it is enclosed by double ramparts and contains 62 rooms. In addition to this, is has a large tower and smaller defence towers on the upper corners. Facing the large Tower is a cistern in which rain water was gathered from the rooftops, providing drinking water for the inhabitants. The castle has a direct view of the watchtowers located at the shores from Komi to the Lithi Sea, comprising part of the islands defence communication system. In the event of an invasion by the enemy, the watch-towers and castle communicated with smoke signals in the day and fires in the night so as to prepare its defence. The Tower of Dotia is situated close to the Pirgi 3rd Ephorate of village on the road to Vroulida beach, in an Byzantine Antiquities area with the most massive mastic production. of Chios The scenery is extremely distinctive. In a unique manner the mastic shrubs encircle the impressive exemplary monument of military architecture of Chios medieval period. It is a Medieval building constructed during the general fortification of the island by the Genoese at the start of the 15th century (14101415). This is located at Frangovouni in a short 3rd Ephorate of distance from Chios town. It was established by Byzantine Antiquities Osios Pahomios in 1898 and still abides by of Chios strict rules; entrance is forbidden to males. The nuns are occupied with hagiography, embroidering and weaving. Many miracles have taken place in the monastery in various times.
Historic sites
Tower of Dotia
Saints Constantine and Helen Nunnery
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Aghioi Anargyri monastery
This Monastery, located in the village 3rd Ephorate of Thimiana, was built around 1639. The Saints of Byzantine Antiquities which the Monastery has been named after of Chios (St. Damianos and St. Kosmas) are known to cure illnesses and diseases. Thus, in the old days, many people suffering from illnesses (and more specifically, neurological diseases) resorted to the Monastery with the hope of finding cure. According to the legend, the number of nuns living in the Monastery had always been 28. It seems that every time the number was about to become 29, one nun died, thus maintaining a stable number. Since 1987, the Monastery ceased operation following the death of the last nun, Sister Filothei. The Reverend Neofitos Koumanos and his son, 3rd Ephorate of Reverend Minas, built the Monastery between Byzantine Antiquities 1572 and 1595 under the Patriarch Jeremiah II. of Chios The Monastery was built on the top of a hill, just outside the village of Nechori. The Monastery has become famous worldwide. It is directly linked with Chios recent history and more specifically with the Massacre of Chios in 1822 when the Turks slaughtered and burned 3,000 Chians who had flocked to the Monastery from surrounding villages to be saved. Today, the atrocities of the Massacre are still evident in the blood stained marble floor of the church. The Mausoleum, located in the courtyard of the Monastery, displays the bones of many victims of the Massacre. This monument was established by the monk 3rd Ephorate of Cornelius in the village of Halkios. It honours Byzantine Antiquities the name of the Virgin of Protection. Her feast of Chios day is October 28.
Aghios Minas
Aghia Skepi Isihastirio (The Retreat of Saintly Protection)
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Monastery of Plakidiotissa
Established in 1625, this monastery is located 3rd Ephorate of in Kalimasia. Its name derived from the stone Byzantine Antiquities plates (places) found in the area. It is honoured of Chios on the same feast day as the Dormition of the Virgin (Tis Panaghias), August 15th. During the horrible massacres of 1822 most of its 600 nuns were slaughtered or deserted the monastery. One of the few, who returned, found the icon of the Virgin in a miraculous way. This Monastery was established in 1305 in 3rd Ephorate of honour of the Dormition of the Virgin, but was Byzantine Antiquities renamed Monastery of Taxiarhon in 1306, of Chios after the discovery of the icon of Archangel Michael (one of the Taxiarchi) in the following miraculous way: when the monk Parthenios of Morea, painted the icon on the Greek mainland, he dedicated it to this monastery and tossed it into the sea. The waves brought it to the shore of Thimiana in Chios. The villagers who found it decided to build a church in which to place it, but the Archangel appeared in their dreams and instructed them to bring the icon to this monastery instead. The present monastic structures were built after the original ones were destroyed in the terrible earthquakes of 1881. The monastery celebrates its feast day on November the 8th. The Monastery was built by the noble Roidis in 3rd Ephorate of 1470 near the village of Mesa Didima. He Byzantine Antiquities originally intended to build a summer villa, of Chios however the St. Matrona appeared in a dream and instructed him to build the Monastery instead. His sisters were the first two nuns, who jointed the Monastery. The spiritual leader of the Monastery during the Turkish Occupation was the Holy Nikiforos of Chios. The Holy Nikiforos of Chios wrote the 24 Hymns of Aghia Matrona. The Monastery celebrates the Saints Feast Day on October the 20th of each year.
Pamegiston Taxiarhon Monastery
Aghia Matrona Monastery
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The Monastery of Zoodochos Pighi
The Monastery was established by three 3rd Ephorate of monks from the Monastery of Athos, Averkios, Byzantine Antiquities Gervasios and Serapionas, at the end of the of Chios 18th century. The Monastery is located in the village Armolia, where the church of the Virgin Mary had been previously constructed. Over time, the Monastery became an important spiritual centre of the southern villages. The Monastery was destroyed during the Massacre of Chios (1822); however it was renovated in 1828. The Monastery of Aghios Georghios (St. 3rd Ephorate of George) was established in the 19th century. It Byzantine Antiquities is located in the village Pirgi and the of Chios guesthouse or xenona is definitely worth seeing. It is decorated with the traditional, geometrically shaped xysta, (meaning scratched designs) which represents Adam and Eve.
Aghios Georghios Monastery
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The Metropolitan Church of Chios
The Metropolitan Church of Chios (St Victors) Church of Greece stands magnificently in the centre of the capital, next to the Korai library. It is dedicated in memory of the three martyrs, Minas, Victor and Vincent, and it is celebrated on the 11th of November, date which coincides with the Chios day of independence from the Turks (11 November 1912). In the place of the Holy Metropolis there was an older church that was built in memory of St Victor by the Genoese, when they occupied Chios. Within the church one will notice the Russianstyle chest on the Holy Table, as well as other valuable utensils and objects. The shrine of the protomartyr of Chios, St. Isidoros (251 AC), which was returned to Chios from Venice in 1967 is of significant importance. Moreover, the prelatic adornment of St Nectarios, Metropolitan of Pentapolis, who chose monkhood at Nea Moni is also on display. Another item that stands out is the Mitre of Dorotheos Proios, Metropolitan of Adrianoupolis and Chian national martyr, who was hung in Constantinople in 1821 together with the Holy Martyr Patriarch Grigorio V. The impressively designed pebbled yards (liladoto) (early Christian representations, scenes from paradise, geometrical patters etc) made with a traditional, local style can be found in many manors on the island indicating the good spirit and devotion of the craftsmen of that era.
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Museums / Archaeology
Archaeological Museum of Chios
The museum of Chios was constructed K Ephorate of between 1966 and 1971 in an area of 2500m. Prehistoric and The building is comprised of exhibition rooms, Classical Antiquities storerooms, workshops and offices, which cover an area of 1200. The museum contains collections of prehistoric and archaic findings from excavations of the British School in Emborios, Neolithic findings of the British excavations in Aghio Galas, Archaic and Classical findings from the British excavations in Fana and various findings from the salvage excavations conducted by the 20th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities. Its renovation was completed in 1998 and the museum was open to the public in November 1999. The Archaeological Museum of Chios was nominated for the 2001 European Museum of the Year Award. Within a group of 120 European museums, 39 nominees were selected, including the Archaeological Museum of Chios.
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Museums
Chios Byzantine Museum (Medjitie Mosque)
The Byzantine Museum in Chios is located within 3rd Ephorate of the 19th Century Ottoman mosque, which is Byzantine Antiquities located in the central town square. This museum of Chios has been operating since 1980 and contains items that were donated from collections, as well as findings discovered in local excavations. The dates of the items on display range from the Early Christian period to the post-Byzantine period (5th 18th century). The courtyard displays stone objects discovered during excavations, as well as tombstones from Muslim and Jewish graves. There is a significant collection of sculptures dated during the Genoese occupation of Chios, 1345-1566, which serves as evidence of the period. Important items of this collection are the sarcophagus of Ottuboni Ioustiniani, located in the courtyard next to the stairway, as well as two large slabs from lintels with carvings of Aghios Georghios (St. George) slaying a dragon, displayed on the porch. On the right side of the courtyard, canons, made from iron and brass, are on display. They were taken from the bastions of the Castle (Fortress) of Chios and it has been verified that two of the canons were constructed in 1687 and 1689, respectively. A third canon is from France since it has the coat of arms of the kings of France inscribed. In the porch there are also column capitals of the 6th century AD, an iconostasis closure slab, impost blocks of double half-columns with crosses and other objects that belong to the various churches of Chios. The wall-paintings that were detached from the Byzantine church of Panaghia Krina (dated late 12th century) are also on display. These wall paintings were made by tge painter Michael Chomatzas in 1734.
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Museums / Art Ioustiniani Palace
This historical building, dated between the 14th 3rd Ephorate of and 15th century A.D., is situated between the Byzantine Antiquities central gate of the Castle of Chios and the main of Chios square of the town. It was, perhaps, the headquarters of the Genoese Podesta. Disfigured by Turkish alterations and additions, it was restored during the years 1980-1986 by the Archaeological Service. The building maintains a fortress-like appearance and has two floors, each containing one room. On the northern side of the Palace, there is an external stairway which leads to the walls and the southeast tower of the Castle. In the actual exhibition Byzantine murals, postByzantine icons, Byzantine and Genoese sculptures and small-scale works of art are on display.
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Museums / History
Chios Maritime The Chios Maritime Museum is located in the The Board of Museum centre of the city, housed in a mansion Directors of the belonging to the late Anastassios and Marouko museum Pateras. The house was donated in 1991 by the inheritors of the estate to a public benefit foundation, which bears their name. What is of particular interest is that the Chios Maritime Museum has covered a significant gap in the maritime history of the island. It is well known that, over the centuries, the people of Chios have contributed a great deal to shipping and commerce. One of the essential goals of the Museum is to illustrate this significant social aspect of the island, by collecting and classifying historical information of the maritime tradition of the area, for example developments in shipping and in commercial ships. The museum also hosts a series of lectures and conferences on the shipping tradition of Chios in collaboration with other museums of the Greek Archipelago. One of the main features of the Museum is a small, but significant collection of the Progressive Cultural Union of Vrontados (known locally as PEKEV), which consists of models, parts and instruments of ships and, most significantly, of portraits of sailing ships and steamships, painted by the famous native marine artist Aristedis Glycas (Vrontados, 1870-1940). These last items are impressive pieces of popular art and date to the late 19th century early 20th century. Models of ships from different periods as well as rare photographs of maritime life complete the collection.
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Museums / Traditions /Art
Koraes Library Ethnological Traditional Museum
The Koraes Library is Chios central public Department of library. A historic institution, whose history Secondary Education goes back to 1792 and it is one of the oldest of Chios Prefecture and biggest libraries in Greece. Originally, the library was an annex to the Great School of Chios. The Folklore Museum and the Art Gallery, an integral part of the Koraes Library building, contain mainly items that belonged to Philippos Argentis personal collection. In 1932, Philippos Argentis founded the Argentis Association, whose mission was to preserve and promote the historical and folklore wealth of the island of Chios (i.e. valued items, traditional costumes and garments etc). In 1937, a room in one of Chios Middle Schools was dedicated to housing the folklore museum. Since then, the museums collection has grown larger and richer thanks to donations, as well as additional purchases by Philippos Argentis. Given the growth of the museums collection, its founder decided to expand the library by building an additional floor so as to have under one roof the folklore collection and the historical and topographical paintings of the island of Chios, also donated by Philippos Argentis. This new section was officially opened in 1962. Following the death of Philippos Argentis in 1974, his son Pantelis donated more of his fathers books and paintings. It was at this time that the museum expanded to its current configuration. Visitors should pay special attention to the paintings showcased at the librarys entrance and along the staircase and the corridors of the upper floor. All of these paintings depict Chios history and came from Philippos Argentis personal collection. The busts of the librarys benefactors, Adamantios Koraes and Philippos Argentis, occupy a prominent position on the buildings main floor. They are displayed next to the coats of arms of Chios most noble families and to window displays, containing manuscripts and personal items that belonged to Koraes and other important persons, along with medals, stones, fossils as well as numerous books and various paintings. 31 Along the staircase leading to the upper floor are hung historical and topographical paintings,
Museums / History /Food and Beverage
Citrus
Citrus is the place where memories emerge out Xydas Vagelis of documents, photos and tools, all related to the history of citrus fruits at Campos. In fact, Citrus Memories is a gallery which includes the following divisions: Citrus Cultivation Cultivation practices, tools, methods of production related to the oranges, tangerines etc Citrus Society People, owners and workmen, who played the main role at the cultivation and commerce blossom in the world market Citrus Commerce The unique wrapping of fruits, one by one, and the distribution of the products initially to the Turkish markets (Constantinople and Smyrna), early in the 15th century and later to the European markets up to the end of the 20th century Citrus Area Presentation of the estates of Campos with emphasis on the surrounding walls, the orchards and the draw-wells
Museums / Folklore
Folklore Museum of Kalimasia
In 1995 the Chairman, John Kolliaros and the The Board of members of "Friends of Folklore Museum of Directors of Kalimasia" corporation began to gather folklore Kalimasia Museum material. They thought to use the basement of the junior high school, which was of a total surface of 550 m. Initially, with the aid of wealthy fellow villagers, they erected the oil-press and the ouzo distillery. Next, they constructed with stone the blacksmith's, the tailor's shop, the shoemaker's shop, the traditional house, the coffeegrocer's. They also made the curtain of Karagiozis and a field with a hut, a well and a threshing floor. All the items and the clothing were donations of the Inhabitants of the villages and the city of Chios.
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Museums / Folklore
Folklore Museum of Chalkios Municipality of Kambochora
The municipality of Kambochora, in its many Municipality of cultural endeavours, established and opened Kambochora its Folklore Museum in the residential area of Chalkios. The museum, which operates under the supervision of the Cultural and New Generation organization of the municipality, exhibits traditional objects from the regional heritage, in complete harmony with the daily habits of the inhabitants of the region. The municipality of Kambochora, having the delight and magnificence of the cultural heritage of Kambochora, has contributed in promoting the cultural spirit through a series of actions and activities. The municipality organized an expedition of collecting traditional folklore objects in order to establish the Folklore Museum in Chalkios. The restored area of the oil press has become a museum worth visiting. The Public Art Gallery of Chios is an exemplary Municipality of Chios exhibition hall for a regional city like Chios and it has been a pole of attraction for visual arts, not only for the island of Chios but for Greece in total. The village of Armolia is located in the Municipality of southern part of Chios island on a fertile plain. Mastichochoria The inhabitants of Armolia maintain a long tradition in ceramic pottery, such as pitchers, vases, jars, bowls, cups, etc. This village is famous for its pottery, decorated with flowers, birds and fish. In the village, there are small, stone houses, narrow side streets and cobbled roads. One of the most impressive iconostasis on the island can be found in the Church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) and is dated in 1744. This church is adjacent to the villages central Church of Aghios Dimitrios. On the hill, in the west of the village, stands the Byzantine castle of Apolihnon, which was built in 1440. Between Armolia and Pirgi villages, a river runs through a narrow valley with mastic trees before it reaches the cove of Kato Fana, where one can visit the homonymous Archaeological site.
Museums / Art The Public Art Gallery of Chios
Villages
Armolia
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Villages
Pirgi
Pirgi, which was named after the well- Municipality of preserved central tower, is the largest and, for Mastichochoria many, the most important village in Chios. It is also called the painted village due to the unique architectural designs known as xysta (faade decorations comprised of geometric and natural motifs), which are clearly evident even today. Pirgi is a medieval village with stone houses connected together, beautiful balconies decorated with xysta and small, sun-dried tomatoes hanging from the balconies. The village is comprised of narrow streets, geometrically designed wall embellishments and remarkable churches. These are vital features that compose the villages character. The medieval village called Olympi is located 3rd Ephorate of thirty-one kilometres south of the city of Chios Byzantine Antiquities and six kilometres after Pirgi village. Its of Chios beautiful houses, connected to each other, used to form its defensive wall. The narrow streets, cobbled roads and rigid, yet simple architecture, testify the villages medieval origin. The whole village has been categorized as a medieval monument. Here, one can see the skepastra and doxharades. The villagers are occupied with agriculture and beehives. The defensive tower of the village is also very impressive. The central tower is one of the few that are still preserved in Chios medieval villages.
Villages
Olympi
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Villages
Mesta
Mesta lies 35 kilometres southwest of the town 3rd Ephorate of of Chios in the area of Mastichochoria (the Byzantine Antiquities mastic villages). It is a perfectly preserved of Chios castle village, dated to the medieval period. The houses were built one right next to the other, creating a protective wall surrounding the village. The open-hearted and kind people of Mesta still preserve the traditions of the 14th century. The villages most important custom takes place during the carnival festivities where the Agas trials, a satirical replica of the trials that used to take place under the Turkish Occupation, are presented. The village is well known for its unique wine Mestousiko that is one of the best wines of Chios and souma, a drink that is produced by the distillation of figs and grapes. It is a drink for robust drinkers, but pure and with particular flavour.
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Aegean Botanical Garden
The Aegean Botanical Garden lies in the southeast part of Chios island, in the Municipality of Ionia, at Nenita village, beside Aghios Trifon monastery. The planting areas, constructed in many levels, occupy 16 Km2 in total and have been amended in order to host native plants of the Aegean area only. The green house is intended for plant propagation. The offices and laboratories serve scientific, educational, and cultural purposes. In the Aegean Botanical Garden there are also walking paths, a small amphitheatre and a small conference room. Objectives: Ex situ protection and preservation of the Aegean Flora Registration and in situ preservation of the native plant species of the Aegean Botanical Garden Conservation of genetic stock of Aegean plant varieties (native varieties, plain series) Environmental training, information and sensitisation on environmental matters Cooperation with other Botanical Gardens, contribution to the creation of a Greek Network of Botanical Gardens Continuous enrichment of the plant collections of the Aegean Botanical Garden Contribution to the economic development of the broader area, by planning ecotourist activities, in cooperation with the local administration, as well as private entrepreneurs
Chios Prefecture, within the 3rd Community Support Framework, Regional Operational Program of North Aegean 2000-2006 ENA Chios S.A.
Emborios Mavra Volia beach
Emborios is a unique place of Chios and Greece Municipality of in general. Mavra Volia is considered by most Mastichochoria people the best beach on the island, if not one of the most exquisite. The beach features deep, crystal blue waters and smoothly shaped black pebbles. These pebbles are the result of the lava that exploded and covered the area from the nearby volcano many years ago.
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Nature cave
Olympi Cave, Cave of Lithi
Few know that Chios has been characterised by experts as a geological paradise. Here one will find the most ancient rocks throughout Europe, the most ancient Ammon fossils in Greece, as well as the most impressive faults and the largest number of karstic formations. Three of these caves (Olympi Cave, Aghio Galas Cave, Lithi Cave) that were recently explored by experts stand apart from the rest, not due to their size, but because of their exceptional beauty and particular interest: The Olympi Cave is located in the southern region of the island and is at a thirty three (33) kilometres distance from the medieval settlement of Olympon
ENA Chios S.A. Prefecture of Chios
The Cave of Lithi is an exceptionally beautiful cave in its natural form without human intervention. It was explored and mapped by the Hellenic Speleological & Exploration Club in July 2003. The cave of Olympi is open to the public. Monuments Church of Aghioi Apostoloi (Holy Apostles) The church insular octagonal domed style and 3rd Ephorate of is a small reproduction of the catholicon (main Byzantine Antiquities church) of Nea Moni. It is a very well preserved of Chios Byzantine monument, richly decorated outside with brick patterns (denticulate bands, phialostomia, brick arches). The interior is covered with wall paintings made by Antonios Domestichos, Kenygos, from Crete, in 1665. An inscription over the main entrance of the church informs us that monk Symeon, who later became the metropolitan bishop of Chios, erected the church "from its foundations" in 1564. This probably refers to a renovation of the monument, since its architectural and morphological features point to the conclusion that it was erected in the middle of the 14th century. Restoration of the wall paintings of the church began in 1985 and is still in progress. The monument is open to the public and it is used for religious purposes only once a year, on June 29, on St. Peter and St. Paul's day.
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Monuments
Panaghia Krina
The exact date that the church Panaghia Krina 3rd Ephorate of was built remains unknown. The date 1287 Byzantine Antiquities was inscribed in the southern portion of the of Chios church and is believed to be its construction date. Nevertheless, it is believed that the church was erected between the end of the 12th century and the beginning of the 13th. The church has been well maintained; its architecture is of the island octagonal style and slightly resembles to the main church (katholicon) of Nea Moni. It is comprised of the dome, the esonarthex and the exonarthex. The catastrophic earthquake of 1881 destroyed the hemispherical portion of the dome in addition to the smaller dome of the narthex, which was reconstructed shortly after. The majority of the interior walls are covered with paintings, the first of which is dated to the 13th century. Six different periods are exhibited on at least two layers, which characterize how Chian art progressed over time. The first illustration (dated around the 13th century) is directly across the entrance of the church, on the narthex and stretches into the main portion of the church where the more recent layer dating from the Turkish Occupation is apparent. This illustration depicts scenes and portrayals of the saints and extends into the main portion of the church. Another example from the Byzantine period is also located on the narthex, yet it is of a completely different style. This illustration depicts various portrayals that are not clearly visible. The wall paintings that were detached from the second layer depict 12 prophets, dated to the end of the 14th century, in addition to two marble blocks derived from the original iconostasis of the church, are all displayed in the Ioustiniani Palace in the Castle (Fortress) of Chios. Portions of the murals painted by Michael Chomatzas in 1734 are also on display in the Byzantine Museum of Chios (the Medjitie Mosque).
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Monuments
The "Mitarakiko" Estate, (Owened by N. Platis)
Mitarakiko is located in Kambos, Chios and is 8th Ephorate of one of the areas most significant estates. The Contemporary and estate is comprised of the main building, the Modern Monuments auxiliary building anestatiko, a second ground-floor building (atelier) and the old mansion with the pebble-paved yard. These buildings are surrounded by a water reservoir, benches and a well which are exclusive characteristics of the Kambos area. Mitarakiko was the home of the famous Greek painter, G. Mitarakis, who lived in the atelier. The main building and the atelier were built after the 1881 earthquake. This estate was declared to be a historical monument in the 1992 Ministerial Decree. Today, Tetteriko is the largest estate in 8th Ephorate of Kambos. The 10 acre property contains the Contemporary and main building (mansion), two auxiliary Modern Monuments buildings and a pebble-paved yard surrounded by a reservoir, a well and a fountain. The 1881 earthquake destroyed the mansion; however, it was rebuilt soon after, exhibiting patterns of the neoclassical architectural style, which is also found in other estates in Kambos. The Ministerial Decree of 1990 characterized the buildings, reservoir, well, fountain, pebblepaved yard and Antoine Tetteris orchard in addition to the wall surrounding the estate as preserved, historical monuments.
Monuments
The "Tetteriko" Estate (Property of A.Tetteris heirs)
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Monuments
The "Perivoli" Estate
Perivoli, meaning orchard, is one of the most 8th Ephorate of significant estates in Kambos. The main Contemporary and building consists of two floors and it was Modern Monuments constructed exclusively from the ochre-yellow stone from Thimiana, Chios. The stairway leading to the upper floor is a work of art with its elaborately engraved columns and stone handrail. The magnificent eclectic-style main gate is also an element of exceptional interest. In the pebble-paved yard, one can find a well and a cistern. There is also an auxiliary edifice inside the building. The mansion, like most Kambos buildings, was reconstructed following the 1881 earthquake. The main building, in addition to the auxiliary, was restored between 1979 and 1980. Since 1982, the lodge maintains a 24-bed capacity to house visitors. The Ministerial Decree of 1990 characterized the main building, reservoir, well, fountain, pebble-paved yard and wall surrounding the estate together with Odysseus Xydas orchard as historical and preserved monuments.
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Emborio Archaeological Site
At the steep slopes of Prophet Elias hill, K Ephorate of archaeological excavations have brought to Prehistoric and light ruins of a settlement dating back to the Classical Antiquities early historical years of the 8th century B.C., which had been strategically built for sea communication, given that from the its position the shores of Asia Minor, Samos and Ikaria could be seen. The upward climb is tiring, but the view of the Aegean from the archaeological sites refreshment bar, as well as the archaeological findings are rewarding. At the plateau section of the hill, slightly lower than the highest peak, at a 250m elevation is the settlements fortified Acropolis with the Megaron (the leaders seat) and the altar of the Temple dedicated to Athena. Outside the Acropolis, on the steep slope of the hill, is the main settlement with over 50 houses built on spacious level ground. Yet another sacred temple has been excavated on the South side of the Emborio harbour. If one would like to visit the archaeological site during the summer months he/she should choose a time of the day that is not too hot (early in the morning or in the afternoon).
Temple of Located on a low hill at the leeward bay of K Ephorate of Phanaios Apollo Phana are the remnants of the Temple of Prehistoric and Phanaios Apollo. Nowadays, the small chapel Classical Antiquities of Saint Theodore stands in the same position. The term Phanaios corresponds to the fact that Delos, Apollos birthplace, was revealed to Leto and this is why it is considered the Delion of Chios. Remnants of the temple, built in the end of the 6th century B.C., as well as the sections of the perivolos (enclosure) have been preserved. The Temple of Phanaios Apollo was not only important for Chios, but for Ionia in general. It was famous even to the Egyptians and this is evident from the series of Egyptian scarabs that were found during the excavations.
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Island of INOUSSES:
Type Museums / History
Resource Inousses Maritime Museum
Description The Maritime Museum of Inousses was founded in 1965, in order to accommodate models of boats, half-models, paintings, nautical instruments, documents and books, all related to Inousses nautical tradition. All objects of the initial collection were donated from families of Inousses. The museum is located in the Palace of Pantelis A. Lemos. The visitors of the Museum have the opportunity to see interesting exhibits and to perceive the significant nautical tradition of Inousses. In the museums Room Marina Lemou many cultural events take place. Collections and Exhibits: 1. Collection of ships of Napoleon years, made from French captives in the prisons of England 2. Collection of travellers arms and battle arms of the 18th and 19th century 3. Painting Collection of Aristidi Glika, that portrays sailor and steamboats of Inousses 4. Collection from half-models and models of boats from the beginning of the 20th century up to today This retreat was established in 1962 by the Panagou and Katigos Pateras Family. The Monastery exemplifies Byzantine architecture and its interior maintains religious wall painting by the famous religious art painter, Fotis Kontoglou. The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary maintains strict rules and regulations concerning its operation.
Responsible body
The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary
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Island of PSARA:
Type Churches and monasteries
Resource Kimisis Theotokou Monastery (The Assumption of the Virgin Mary)
Description The monastery was built on the 16th century and played an important role in the revolution of 1822, when it was destroyed by the Turks. It was restored by the monk Athanasios in 188090. The last monk died in 1983. Every year on August 1, people of Psara bring the icon of the kimisis to the city and say prayers. After the Vesper for the feast day of the Saviour (Tou Sotiros) on August 5, the icon is returned to the monastery. The church of Aghios Nikolaos (St. Nicholas) is located on the top of a small hill and offers a breathtaking view of the port and the village of Psara. Construction began in 1785 and was completed in 1793. During the Massacre of Chios, the church was bombarded; however, it was later reconstructed in 1863. From this point Constantine Kanaris began his attack to the Turkish flagship.
Responsible body
Aghios Nikolaos
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Monuments
"Mavri Raxi"
The K Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities (K EPCA) has conducted archaeological researches at the hill of "Mavri Raxi" and at the location of "Arxontiki". At "Mavri Raxi" the walls and the loopholes of the revolution of 1821 were restored, as well as the Hellenistic houses that date back to the middle of the 3rd up to the 1st century BC. At the southwest of the island, in the location where S. Xaritonidis had found Mycenaean graves in 1961, the K EPCA continued the redeeming excavations, mainly of the visible graves, which were in danger from the intense weather phenomena and the illicit trade of the antiquities. 65 graves that date back to the YE III A2 where found. The building remains, which were found, are on the coastline and are dated in the same period with the funeral gifts. They are storage areas with earthenware jars. As it is evident from the rich funeral gifts and the graves, that reveal a period of 200 years, Psara, located at the centre of the Aegean, had always admirable facilities that could serve trade to and from Lesvos, Chios, Mikra Asia and Hellespont. Recently the recreation and tidying up of the archaeological site in "Arxontiki" has begun. The construction of the road to the archaeological site has been completed and the surrounds of the excavations are being tidied up. Soon the archaeological site will be accessible to tourists.
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2.2
Local food and beverage
Food is a key element of any country or region cultural heritage and the customs, ideas and values of a society are reflected in its traditional dishes. The mainstays of the Mediterranean diet are a fundamental part of the culinary traditions of country living. The traditional crafts that exist throughout the province are based on manufacturing techniques that can be traced back to the typical habits and customs of rural communities and the everyday needs of family life. Based on these ancient traditions the artistic flair and skill of master craftsmen today transform each object into a work of art. Southern Chios is covered by mastic trees or Schinous, as they are named by the locals. For unknown reasons the plant produces its magical resin only on this blessed part of land and nowhere else in the world. Due to its uniqueness Mastic has made Chios renowned from ancient times, playing a primary role in the economical and social history of the land to this day. Some of the local food products and traditional crafts made in the island of Chios are described below.
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Island of CHIOS, Northern part: Product Ariousios wine Description Area of production Relevant authority / organization The Board of Directors of the cellar of Ariousios wine
The Ariousios wine is of great quality Village of and was used for healing purposes too. Kourounia, The wines of Chios were also in great Northern Chios demand during the Byzantine era. The imperial dinner table would always include the superior wine of Chios.
Island of CHIOS, Southern part: Relevant authority / organization
Product Mastic (a worldwide unique natural product)
Description If a trademark was to be established for Chios, then surely it would be the mastic tree. It is a gift and at the same time a curse since it has always been the bone of contention for conquerors. This evergreen tree called Schinos, belongs to the botanical family Pistachia. The average growth of the tree ranges from 6 to 10 feet tall and it begins to produce mastic at the age of 5 to 6 years old. This amazing tree thrives within the 21 mastic villages of southern Chios only. The oldest references to mastic have been traced back to Herodotes, in the 5th Century B.C. The people of Ancient Greece chewed mastic to whiten their teeth and if you think about it, mastic was the only chewing gum back then! During the Roman period, toothpicks were made from the mastic tree and the use of mastic spread to the harems of the East. Tradition says that God blessed the mastic tree which began to "cry" in 250 A.D., when St. Isidoros cried out in pain during his martyrdom.
Area of production
The Mastic tree The Mastic growers thrives within the association 21 mastic villages of southern Chios only.
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Citrus
Citrus fruits are not only consumed as Settlement of fruits. The Agricultural Association of Kambos Chios Citrus Cultivators and other small sized manufactures use these precious treasures to produce refreshments and fresh juices. Also Chian tangerines are unique and they are considered to be a distinguished variety. The Chian spoon sweet played a key Settlement of role in social life, since there was some Kambos kind of semantics, which associated the different occasions of life with the colour and the kind of sweets offered in each one. Therefore, people served white sweets at marriage announcements, coloured sweets in celebrations, dark-coloured sweets in mourning and so on. The Mastic Sweet: The Chios mastic, an exclusive product of the island, combined with sugar, gave birth to the spoon sweet mastic, also known as hyporvrychio, a different and more intensely flavoured form of vanilla. Since the last century, this kind of mastic has been spread in the Greek Diaspora and mainly in Constantinople as the welcome sweet by the name of the White Sweet. It is still the official treat in the Patriarchate today. The island of Chios, known as the Southern part of cradle of spices and aromas, produces Chios island a variety of soft and smooth ouzo, depending on the recipe used.
The Agricultural Association of Chios Citrus Cultivators
Sweets of the spoonmarmalades
The Chian Ouzo
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2.3 Events and festivals Chios Island offers a rich variety of events, including traditional local festivals and major cultural attractions. Some of the main events of tourist interest grouped by sub-area are listed below. Island of CHIOS, Northern part: EVENT Rocket-play custom Religious festivals WHERE AND WHEN Vrontados Annually at Easter time All over Chios island All year FOR MORE INFORMATION www.chios.gr www.chios.gr
Island of CHIOS, Southern part: EVENT New years model - boats Agro tourism festival Carnival events: the custom of Agas Carnival events: Mostra of Thimiana WHERE AND WHEN Chios Municipality December Chios Municipality August FOR MORE INFORMATION www.chios.gr www.chios.gr/na
Mesta, Pirgi, Lithi, Olympi www.chios.gr annually at the beginning of the Holy Week Thimiana www.chios.gr annually at the beginning of the Holy Week All over Chios island All year www.chios.gr
Religious festivals
Island of PSARA:
EVENT Religious festivals (Memory of Holocaust of Psara) Religious festivals (Feast of Association Konstantinos Kanaris)
WHERE AND WHEN Psara June Psara June
FOR MORE INFORMATION www.psara.gov.gr www.psara.gov.gr
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Religious festivals (Barbakeia) Religious festivals (Holily Panigyris)
Psara July Psara August
www.psara.gov.gr www.psara.gov.gr
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3 Cultural poles
The analysis of cultural resources of Chios Island and the evident variety of cultural assets as illustrated in the tables above clearly indicate a strong province-wide potential for cultural tourism. Promoting tourism development in the area through the CHORD Project involves identifying thematically grouped resources based on the travel motivations and interests of potential visitors. The resources are analysed according to category and then grouped into cultural poles, defined by themes of interest to the potential market. Five pre-existing or potential cultural poles for Chios Island are identified: Archaeology History and Art Nature and Landscape Villages and Crafts Food & Beverage
Below follows a brief description of the theme of each of the poles, in relation to Chios Island, and a list of resources. In order to promote tourism development in the area, the main existing or potential players, either directly or indirectly involved in promoting cultural tourism in the island of Chios, are also identified: Prefecture of Chios Municipality of Chios Municipality of Mastichochoria 20th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities 3rd Ephorate of Christian Byzantine Antiquities Greek Ministry of Culture Board of Directors of the cellar of Ariousios wine Agricultural Association of Chios Citrus Cultivators
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Board of Directors of Kalimasia museum Chios brand of Aegean University Mastic growers association Chamber of Commerce Homerion Cultural Centre of Chios Academy of Commercial Navy Engineers Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Islands and Fisheries Hotel owners association Travel Agencies ENA CHIOS S.A. Development Corporation
For each pole other local authorities and organizations either specifically or potentially interested in promoting the pole, are also indicated. The section ends with a description of cultural themes common in the Mediterranean areas, participating in the CHORD Project, in terms of tourism development.
3.1
Archaeological Pole
Chios Island offers a great variety of fascinating archaeological sites and museums. The resources bear witness to the unbroken link of the local life, culture and civilisation of the Island during the last 8,000 years. The populations that lived in this strategic, and important for sailing and commerce territory, managed to survive through the various historical periods and under different cultural influences and to retain a traditional Greek culture in everyday life upto-today. The various monuments, museums and historical sites, as well as the survival of numerous lifestyles, habits, customs, cultivations, foods, crops etc. that remain unchanged throughout all these long years prove the aforementioned conclusion.
Figure 1 Archaeological Pole: resources
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Nea Moni Nea Moni Museum Kourounia Ecclesiastical Museum Volissos Archaeological Collection Castle of Chios Kambos Archaeological Museum of Chios Chios Byzantine Museum (Medjitie Mosque) Ioustiniani Palace Chios Maritime Museum Koraes Library Ethnological Traditional Museum Citrus Folklore Museum of Kalimasia Folklore Museum of Chalkios Municipality of Kambochora The public Art Gallery of Chios Inousses Maritime Museum Mavri Rachi
Island of Chios, Northern part
Island of Chios, Southern part
Island of Inousses Island of Psara
As regards existing and potential promoters of the Archaeology Pole, in addition to town councils, which are responsible for the resources, other existing or potential promoters of the Archaeology Pole that can be involved are local promoters such as local tourist offices and cultural associations actively promoting and protecting archaeological sites and resources.
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3.2
Churches, monasteries, castles and monuments scattered throughout the island are a living testimony of important historical events. Chios has the best preserved medieval defence networks in the Mediterranean (fortresses and towers, watchtowers, fortified settlements). It is a remarkable preservation of the defence system, which presents similar characteristics with other areas of the Mediterranean, as well as elements that travel the visitor back to the Medieval period and the recent past, but also to ancient Greece.
The islands medieval past is marked by the monuments of the Byzantine, Genoese and Venetian period that were salvaged, both in the capital and in the villages. It is the islands key Eastern Mediterranean position, from a geopolitical point of view, that resulted in acquiring such significance during the Byzantine Empire (seat of the Naval Administrative Region of the Aegean), as well as in a conflict between the Genoese and the Venetians concerning its occupation.
The mediaeval period comes to life in the islands numerous fortresses and towers, which protected the inhabitants from pirates, invaders and potential conquerors. More specifically, during the years of the Genoese Domination (1346-1566), settlements were built in the villages in the south of Chios, where mastic is produced (Mastichochoria), in order to defend against external invasion, but also to control the work force.
It is remarkable that to this day the Fortress of Chios, as well as the mediaeval fortress villages, continue to be living settlements.
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Nea Moni Moundon Monastery Daskalopetra / Homers stone ,The teachers (=daskalos) stone (=petra) Rimokastro Castle of Volissos Castle of Grias Castle of Orias "Ta Markou" Tower Aghios Minas monastery Aghios Georghios Monastery Early Christian basilica of St. Isidore The "Mitarakiko" Estate, (Owened by N. Platis) The "Tetteriko" Estate (Property of A.Tetteris heirs) The "Perivoli" Estate National Bank of Greece Emborio Archaeological Site Temple of Phanaios Apollo Castle of Apolichnon Tower of Dotia Island of Chios, Southern part Island of Chios, Northern part
Figure 3: History and Art Pole: resources In addition to town councils, which are responsible for the resources, other existing and potential promoters of the Archaeology Pole can be local tourist offices and cultural associations.
3.3
The island of Chios offers many areas of outstanding natural beauty for eco- and geo-tourists to enjoy. Visitors can enjoy the wildflowers of Chios, especially from late winter to early summer, when the variety and profusion of flowers is greatest. Autumn and winter landscapes have fine showings of Colchicum, Cyclamen, Crocus, Sternbergia and many other plants. Few know that Chios has been characterised by experts as a geological paradise. Here one will find the most ancient rocks throughout Europe, the most ancient Ammon fossils in Greece, as well as the most impressive faults and the largest number of karstic formations. Chios is an island with countless, unspoilt beaches, with many alternations that enchant the visitors. Even if they decide to spend the whole summer on the island they will be able to visit a new beach every day!
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Orchids flowers, tulips and herbs Aghio Galas Cave Aegean Botanical Garden Emborios Mavra Volia beach Olympi Cave, Cave of Lithi
Island of Chios, Northern part Island of Chios, Southern part
Figure 4: Nature and Landscape Pole: resources Existing and potential promoters of the Nature and Landscape Pole include the Prefecture of Chios, local municipalities, the Chios brand of the Aegean University and the Chamber of Commerce.
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3.4
The resources bear witness to the strategic maritime and commercial sailing importance of the Island of Chios throughout the history. The focus is on the existence of sailing communication and commerce between the Islands of the Aegean Sea and the nearby continents throughout the historical period and the strategic importance of the Island of Chios in this commercial and sailing network. Also, the evolution and the flourishing of this commercial navy amongst the inhabitants of Chios Island up-to-today are very important. The resources bear witness to the unbroken link of the local life, culture and civilisation of the Island through the last 8,000 years. Traditional customs and habits of the people remain alive in the rural areas.
Chios Maritime Museum Koraes Library Ethnological Traditional Museum Folklore Museum of Kalimasia Folklore Museum of Chalkios, Municipality of Kambochora Inousses Maritime Museum Island of Inousses Island of Chios, Southern part
Figure 5: Villages and Crafts Pole: resources In addition to town councils, local tourist offices and cultural associations, other potential promoters of the Villages and Crafts Pole include art colleges and local guilds.
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3.5
Food & Beverage Pole
Chios Island has a world-wide exportation monopoly of the luxury products such as mastic (Mastic has aromatic, medical and cosmetic uses and is exclusively locally cultivated). But the island is also famous for citrus fruits, the precious treasures that are used in small sized manufactures to produce refreshments and fresh juices. Also Chian tangerines are unique and they are considered to be a distinguished variety. Moreover, the Ariousios wine is of great quality and is used for healing purposes too. The wines of Chios were also in great demand during the Byzantine era. The island of Chios, known as the cradle of spices and aromas, produces a variety of soft and smooth ouzo, depending on the used recipe. Finally, the Chian sweet of the spoon played a central part in social life, since there was some kind of significance associating the different occasions of life with the colour and the kind of sweets offered in each one. Therefore, people served white sweets at marriage announcements, coloured sweets in celebrations, darkcoloured sweets in mourning and so on.
The following table lists the islands major food and beverage resources.
Mastic (a worldwide unique natural product) Ariousios wine Citrus Sweets of the spoon-marmalades The Chian Ouzo factory Museum / factory Local manufacturers of Chian sweets factory
Chios (21 mastic villages of southern Chios) Chios (Kourounia village) Chios (Kambos) Chios Chios
Figure 6: Food & Beverage Pole: resources A number of associations, which are set up to protect and promote local products, already exist in Chios, indicatively mentioned: the Mastic Growers Association, the Agricultural Association of Chios Citrus Cultivators and the Board of Directors of the cellar of Ariousios wine. Small sized manufacturing companies could be involved in activities promoting the Food & Beverage Pole either individually or jointly.
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3.6
Mediterranean areas involved in the project: cultural tourism themes
Mediterranean areas often share the same natural potential for development as cultural tourism destinations. This can be explained by taking into account their rich and varied archaeological, historic, natural and culinary heritage. Ancient history is a key theme, common to Mediterranean regions, including those participating in the CHORD Project. These areas were inhabited in ancient times by advanced civilizations, signs of which can still be found in a diversity of archaeological remains and artefacts. Culture and innovations brought by foreign settlers spread throughout the areas, taking root and becoming assimilated in such a way that traces of different historical periods and civilizations often co-exist in the same place. Over the centuries, Mediterranean regions were ruled over by different civilization, which integrated many of their predecessors culture and customs. Mediterranean areas, including those involved in the CHORD Project, share a favourable geographical location in terms of accessibility, beautiful scenery, and fertile land. The natural and scenic resources in participating areas are some of their strengths and thus need to be protected and promoted. Signs of the foreign states that once ruled over Mediterranean areas in the past can also be seen in the local architecture. Towns and villages in the Mediterranean grew and developed around their original street plan, which is often still visible today in roads and sometimes whole neighbourhoods, offering visitors an insight into different historical periods. Different places in each Mediterranean area have each preserved its own unique cultural identity, and many local traditions, customs and habits are still alive today. The tendency to preserve and promote topicalities, often associated with farming culture and old religious rituals, is one of the common aspects of all the areas involved in the CHORD Project. Crafts, another important shared feature of participating areas and Mediterranean regions in general, have strong associations with the arts and trades of the past. Today local crafts have a social and economic value that needs to be preserved and passed on to future generations. Last but not least, food is one of the means of expression of the traditions and culture of a nation. Although each Mediterranean region has its own specialities, their culinary traditions were influenced and enriched by the eating habits imported by the different civilizations that inhabited these lands in past centuries.
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In conclusion, if suitably promoted and communicated, the cultural heritage of all Mediterranean areas, particularly those involved in the CHORD Project, represents an enormous opportunity for economic and social development, especially if this opportunity is exploited by implementing policies of quality tourism and environmental sustainability.
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4 The Cultural District: best practice

Success stories and benchmark models of areas promoting tourism, especially cultural tourism, highlight the importance of a systemic vision and approach, a key part of the cultural district rationale. In line with best practice methodology, as described in literature, two case studies were identified according to the following criteria: areas with a varied cultural heritage systemic approach and complexity in the number of players involved (Public Sector, Businesses, Citizens)
4.1
Island of Chios
ENA Chios S.A., Mobile Tourist Information Unit, financed by the Prefecture of Chios and in collaboration with the 3rd Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities of Chios, offers every year since 2000 free guided tours by an official guide, from July until August in a program called: Guided Tours Monuments of Chios.
Objectives The Guided Tours are scientifically organized and can vary from year to year in accordance to equivalent visiting needs. Also, the program can be adjusted to many different sites or museums either in Chios or elsewhere. The programs form and content can be adjusted as well in accordance to the different groups of people that follow this weekly seminar (congress participants, university students, high-school students, visitors and tourists etc). This program could be adjusted according to the particular monuments and needs in every region either in Greece or abroad.
Promoters and partners The Prefecture of Chios The 3rd Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities of Chios
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The Ministry of Culture The Aegean University
Actions taken The faculty of the post-graduated cultural tourism studies of the University of the Aegean has been collaborating with ENA Chios S.A. in using its program and its staff for their experimental practices.
Tools There is a handbook, which describes the most important local cultural tourism sites. In this way, the traveler is helped in understanding more the history, the landscape, the architecture and the every day life of local people. Moreover, it is a pilot for many forms of cultural, educational and alternative visiting and tourism that the Island is capable of supporting.
5 A model for promoting cultural initiatives in Chios Island

ENA CHIOS S.A. proposes a model for promotion of cultural initiatives that could include: Free information and guidance to important sites, flexible enough to meet the needs of the different groups of people A Network of cooperation, with the rest of the partners, that could lead in the promotion of tourism Website in the Internet that will offer an economic tourist package to the most important sites of the Island Participation in special cultural tourist events and conferences and promotion of Chian products Promotion of Chian cultural heritage by radio and TV broadcasts, articles in newspapers and brochures given from tourist agencies Contacts of local tour operators with other tour operators in Europe, offering tour packages that include Islands in the MED area with common cultural interests Chios presentation posters for international events
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Invitation of the other partners to local events and offer of guided tour in monuments of Chios
5.1
A model for organizing road shows
Going back to the use of road shows as a tool for building a cultural district concept and raising brand awareness, the logistics of this kind of communication activity require careful organization and management, including a detailed schedule of events. To ensure the efficacy of the road shows, a model was designed to act as a blueprint for planning a series of events that can be repeated at different times and in different target markets. The key stages in organizing and running a road show are described below.
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Destinations Targets
Choose cities with international airports that can represent a cultural model for a very large surrounding area. Specialist travel and tourism operators: travel agencies and tour operators journalists from media related to tourism, culture, and food and wine Objectives: create a mailing list of at least 30 operators in order to ensure the attendance of at least 15 create a mailing list of at least 30 target editors in order to ensure the attendance of at least 15 journalists and representatives of 2 media (press and/or radio/television) Techniques: e-mail campaign informing the invitees of the roadshow on the agenda and follow-up via telephone Timing: send invitations at least one month before the event Request confirmation of attendance: no later than 10 days before the event Reminder: 3 days before the event
Invitations
Format
Use the workshop format since the target is business-related. The meeting must have a strong business and professional aspect and at the same time it should offer light entertainment, representative of the area being promoted. Presentation of the cultural district and initiatives taking place in the area (events and incoming tourism organizations supporting tourists and operators) Distribution of promotional material (brochures and presentation folders) Tastings of local products and displays of traditional handicrafts
Content
Venue Follow-up
Centrally located, easily accessible deluxe / luxury conference centres / hotels offering conference facilities. Press conference: hold an in situ press conference illustrating the results of the roadshow and invite media representatives from non-specialist radio, TV and press organizations so that coverage of the event is not confined to the specialist media. Compile a press review on the roadshow. Attendee recall (operators and journalists): by e-mail and telephone, in order to strengthen contacts.
Figure 7: Model for organizing and running road shows
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Sources
Prefecture of Chios, www.chios.gr Municipality of Inousses Island, www.oinousseschios.gr Municipality of Psara Island, www.psara.gov.gr ENA Chios S.A. Development Corporation Municipality of Mastichochoria 20th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities 3rd Ephorate of Christian Byzantine Antiquities The Greek Ministry of Culture The Board of Directors of the cellar of Ariousios wine The Agricultural Association of Chios Citrus Cultivators The Board of Directors of Kalimasia museum The Chios brand of Aegean University The Mastic growers association The Chamber of Commerce of Chios Homerion Cultural Centre of Chios The Academy of Commercial Navy Engineers The Ministry of Culture The Ministry of Commercial Navy The Hotel owners association Travel Agencies
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CHORD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 2
2.1 2.2 2.3
SWOT analysis of the Province of Seville ........................................................3 Cultural resources in the Province of Seville ..................................................6
Artistic, natural, historic and archaeological resources............................................................... 7 Local food products and traditional crafts ................................................................................. 10 Events and festivals .................................................................................................................. 12
3
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5
Cultural poles ...................................................................................................13

Archaeological Pole .................................................................................................................. 14 History and Art Pole .................................................................................................................. 15 Nature and Landscape Pole...................................................................................................... 16 Villages and Crafts Pole............................................................................................................ 17 Food and Wine Pole.................................................................................................................. 19
Best practice in promoting cultural heritage .................................................20
1. SWOT analysis of the province of Seville

The Province of Seville is spectacularly attractive to tourists and has qualities that show its comprehensive, varied enticements capable of satisfying the most demanding of visitors. Sevilles major strengths are the fusion of cultures between peoples (Tartessians, Iberians, Arabs and Christians) and the heritage of monuments in its towns that is the richest in Andalusia, with nearly 300 monuments declared as being of Cultural Interest. If we talk of natural heritage, the Sierra Norte and Doana parks make up another of the provinces pillars. Together with these, there are the five Green Ways that cross Seville and the other protected areas. In addition, there is the rich craftsmanship, the fiestas and popular customs. Not to mention the cuisine, flamenco, the museums, bulls or horses. All of this makes the province of Seville an unforgettable place with major opportunities for tourism development, in the culture and nature segments of the market. The provinces main weakness is the lack of tourist information about some of the towns. These areas could take advantage of the tourism on the provincial capital and encourage harmonious tourism development.
Seville is close to the seacoast.
There is little information about some of the towns.
Every town and village has festivities that could be used to attract tourism. Good tourist infrastructure.
Limited financial resources. Little cohesion among the towns within the county. Poor service due to the low qualification of the staff. There are few tourist offices and their facilities are outof-date. Difficulties to adapt to the quick technological advances related to this sector. Business is obsolete because it is not properly planned and managers are reticent about new projects. People normally buy some of the products in the capital city of the province. Managers and trademen are not very prone to changes. Limited qualification and sensitization to quality aspects. Not very go-ahead local population. Migratory movement of young people to big towns. Tourism is not given importance by local population.
Good transport network and accessibility. Important historical and artistic resources. Gastronomy as a tourist appeal. Towns and villages are located in important natural surroundings. There are many tourist itineraries in the province. High quality of life and relaxing environment. There are plans to foster sustainable tourism in the province.
Hotel industry has risen its offer both in quantity and quality.
Opportunities
Threats
There are still many villages to be exploited for tourist purposes.
Competition of new tourist markets.
Promotion of local gastronomy. Possibility of setting up more routes or itineraries. Possibility of fostering local festivities (there is one in each village). Changes in the demand mean that rural tourism is being increasingly requested. The fact that the Guadalquivir river runs through 17 different municipalities has not been exploited for tourism yet. Boom of the residential, cultural and leisure time tourism. The weather is good for tourism throughout the whole year. There is a wide margin to improve and increase the leisure time offer, both in the public and private sectors. Proximity to big international tourist areas (Seville and Cordoba).
Low budget to improve the tourist projection. Average customers do not consider rural areas as a visit complementary to that of big cities like Seville. More funding is required from public institutions. Big department stores are monopolizing the demand. The lack of suitable job opportunities could mean the loss of highly qualified staff (graduates). Unfavourable economic situation and increasing unemployment.
Alternative product sales are rising (sun and beach tourism).
2.
Cultural resources in the Province of Seville
The Province of Seville, situated in inland Andaluca, has a rich history, having ruled over the area many different civilizations. After the Tartessian period the Romans, building aqueducts and long straight roads to link the major towns, changed the face of the countryside and towns. Their first colony in Spain was Italica, one of the most important attractions in the province. But it was the Moslem civilization which had the most lasting impact on Andaluca and, of course, on the Province of Seville. Today some of the best preserved legacy from these periods can be found in Seville at the Archaeological Museum. The varied crafts produced locally, often with distinctive features that make them unique, are a result of the historical heritage that the province has received over the course of time. Gastronomy is also a key part of the local culture, with an important diversity and quality of products. The areas assets can be summarized as follows: historic sites and monuments, including churches and monasteries archaeological sites villages with distinctive architectural features sites of natural and scenic interest museums traditional food products crafts events and local traditions.
Some of the main tourist resources making up the vast heritage of the Province of Seville have been identified. These resources cover a wide range of themes strongly associated with cultural tourism and are illustrated in the following sub-sections. Sub-section 2.1 describes historic sites and monuments, archaeological sites, villages, areas of natural and scenic interest, and museums. These resources are grouped by geographical location. Sub-sections 2.2 and 2.3 describe traditional food products, crafts and the main events of interest to tourists.
2.1
Artistic, natural, historic and archaeological resources in the province of Seville
In order to make it easier to identify the different types of resources and their geographical location, a list of the main provinces cultural heritage attractions by area is given below, grouped by municipality and divided into four sub-areas based on the geographical distribution of heritage sites and resources: Seville and Aljarafe The east of the province of Seville The south of the province of Seville The north of the province of Seville
Seville and Aljarafe

Seville Type Historicalmonumental Resource Reales Alcazares Description The Almohads were the first to build this royal palace, which is one of the best remaining examples of mudejar architecture. It is the largest Gothic cathedral and the third largest church in the world. The builders used some elements from the ancient mosque, and the Giralda, a minaret, was converted into a bell tower. It is a dodecagonal military watchtower built by the Berbers during the Almohad dynasty in order to control access to Seville via the Guadalquivir river. Responsible body Seville Town Hall, Trust of the Real Alczar and the Town Hall. Excmo Cabildo Catedral de Sevilla
Cathedral and Giralda
Torre del oro
Ministry of Defence
Santiponce Type Archaeological site
Resource Italica
Description Italica was the birthplace of three emperors and one of the earliest Roman settlements in Spain founded in 206 BC. The Roman ruins and remarkable mosaics of Italica are located just outside the village of Santiponce. There is also a well preserved Roman theatre in Santiponce.
Responsible body Culture Council of the Junta de Andaluca.
The east of the province of Seville

Carmona Type Historicalmonumental
Resource Alczar del Rey Don Pedro
Historicalmonumental Archaeological site
Alczar Puerta de Sevilla Roman Necropolis
Description An outstanding feature of this building is its rich decoration. The palace is arranged around a patio with marble columns, tiled walls and mudejar arches. These characteristics show a clear Arab influence. The Alczar is on the Puerta de Sevilla, and it was a nearly impregnable bastion. The Necropolis is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Iberian Peninsula since it has a great number of paintings.
Responsible body Town Hall of Carmona.
Town Hall of Carmona. Culture Council of the Junta de Andaluca.
Ecija Type Historicalmonumental
Resource Monumental site in Ecija
Description There are many outstanding monuments in Ecija, among them different Baroque churches and palaces such as Santa Mara, Santa Cruz, Santiago, San Gil or San Juan.
Responsible body Town Hall of cija.
Osuna Type Historicalmonumental
Resource Colegiata de Nuestra Seora de la Asuncin
Description Sensational architectonic complex established in 1535.
Responsible body Art Trust of Osuna.
The south of the province of Seville

Utrera Type Historicalmonumental Historicalmonumental
Resource Castle Parroquia de Santa Mara de la Mesa
Description Old Medieval fortress of certain Muslim influence. Gothic and Renaissance styles are mixed in this major church of big dimensions and slender tower.
Responsible body Town Hall of Utrera. Town Hall of Utrera.
Bajo Guadalquivir Type Resource Nature & Doana landscape National Park
Description The park has a biodiversity unique in Europe. The marsh is especially important because thousands of European and African birds fly over it in their migrations or breed and hibernate there.
Responsible body Department of the Environment of the Junta de Andaluca.
Sierra Sur Type Nature & landscape
Resource Pen de Zaframagn Natural Reserve
Description Although it is a small reserve it is a very important place from the fauna point of view. It has the biggest colony of griffon vulture in West Andalucia.
Responsible body Department of the Environment of the Junta de Andaluca
The north of the province of Seville

Sierra Norte Type Nature & landscape
Resource Sierra Norte de Sevilla Natural Park
Description The main features of this region of Sierra Morena are its wide meadows, its holm oaks and cork oaks where some species in danger of extinction like the black stork and the imperial eagle nest.
Responsible body Department of the Environment of the Junta de Andaluca
2.2
Local food products and traditionnal crafts
Food and going out for tapas are key elements of the provinces cultural heritage. There is a close relationship between the traditional crafts produced locally and the folklore and different celebrations like Holy Week or local Ferias. Seville can be considered one of the most important centres for traditional religious image makers in Spain. Some of the local food products and traditional crafts made in the province are described below. Seville and Aljarafe
Type Food & crafts Resource Food (Seville) Description Some of the best known Seville's typical dishes are: Gazpacho, Pescaito frito, Huevos a la Flamenca, Cocido Andaluz, and Rabo de Toro. The numberless bars of this city use to offer socalled Tapas, "mini-dishes" for the small hunger. The traditional sweets are mostly of Moorish influence and are often prepared with honey, but also with wine. The most typical Sevillian handmade articles are tiles, artistic pottery and furniture. It is also remarkable the harness making, forging, and other jobs related to leather and glass, bookbinding, musical instruments making and craft related to objects used at Easter and other festivities. Wine production has a long tradition in the Aljarafe. The mosto (a type of young wine) from the Aljarafe, known worldwide, can be tasted from November onwards every year.
Food & crafts
Crafts (Seville)
Food & crafts
Food (Aljarafe)
The east of the province of Seville

Type Food & crafts Resource Book binding (Dos Hermanas, Alcal de Guadaira, Utrera, Carmona and cija.) Description Even though today industrial binding and printing methods take the lead, handmade binding still survives, especially when it comes to the restoration of antique books. The Sevillian campia (cultivated land) is one of the most fertile areas of Andalucia. The vegetables grown there are the basic ingredients of its gastronomy.
Food & crafts
Food (Campia)
The south of the province of Seville

Type Food & crafts Resource Food (Sierra Sur) Description Mantecados (a kind of shortbread), polvorones (very dry sweet of a floury consistency), roscos (ring-shaped bun), alfajores (kind of gingerbread) and other Christmas sweets. Tapas are a key feature of this area. The main ingredients for the tapas are chacinas (pork sausage meat), seafood and products from the rich vegetable garden of the Guadalquivir river.
Food & crafts
Food (Bajo Guadalquivir)
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The north of the province of Seville

Type Initiative Food & crafts Resource Food (Sierra Norte) Description The gastronomy of this area is based on big and small game, cured ham and Iberian pork sausage meat.
Different places in the province of Seville

Type Food & crafts Resource Iron forge and design - Campia area (Carmona, Mairena del Alcor and cija), La Vega (Cantillana, La Rinconada and Lora del Ro), Aljarafe (Bormujos, San Juan de Aznalfarache, Mairena del Aljarafe, Camas, Aznalcazar), and other locations such as Puebla del Ro, Alcal de Guadaira or Cazalla de la Sierra. Saddling - La Campia (cija, Caada del Rosal, Herrera), Aljarafe (Salteras, San Juan de Aznalfarache), Bajo Guadalquivir (Pilas, Villamanrique de la Condesa, Lebrija, Las Cabezas de San Juan, Coria del Ro, La Puebla del Ro), La Vega (Cantillana), Sierra Sur (El Saucejo), Metropolitan area (Dos Hermanas). Bronze lost wax casting (Utrera, Alcal de Guadaira, Valencina, Salteras and Aznalcazar) Description The application of several techniques displays a variety of products (gates, handrails, bars, streetlamps, railings, balconies...) designed for architecture decoration and restoration of distinctive buildings.
Food & crafts
Saddling has its most important activity in objects related to horse riding.
Food & crafts
Food & crafts
Food & crafts
Food & crafts
Wicker and esparto grass (Salteras, Coria del Ro, Sanlucar la Mayor, Cazalla de la Sierra, la puebla del Ro, Utrera and Ecija). Textile Crafts - Campia (El Viso del Alcor), Aljarafe (San Juan de Aznalfarache, Castilleja de la Cuesta, Mairena del Aljarafe, Carrin de los Cspedes), La Vega (Brenes), Sierra Norte (Gerena), Bajo Guadalquivir (Coria del Ro, Villamanrique de la Condesa, Pilas, Puebla del Ro). Ceramics (province of Seville)
Bronze lost wax casting is a technique that uses strictly artisan procedures, obtaining different sized, high quality, beautiful shapes. There are many traditional motifs such as bull-fighting and also new models according to new tendencies and contemporary aesthetics. One of the crafts most linked to Sevilles rural craftsmanship history is the one related to the design and manufacture of objects from vegetable fibres, specifically wicker and esparto grass. There are many different products of different uses and physiognomy: religious embroidery with gold and silver thread on velvet, lame, damask and silk, thread embroidery and lace, regional costumes, openwork, and silk shawls.
Food & crafts
Cabinet-making (province of Seville)
Food & crafts
Glass staining (Dos Hermanas, Alcal de Guadara, Mairena del Aljarafe and Olivares).
Seville ceramics present a great variety of techniques, styles and products. There are products assigned for decorative covering, such as tiles, floor tiles, logs or functional objects such as plant pots, bowls, vases and pitchers. Cabinet-makers mainly work on style, design and assignment furniture, more than traditional and popular style furniture. The work of restorers is also important. Glass staining maintains a historical presence as an element of decoration in churches and temples. In present times it coexists with objects for domestic decoration or collaborating in the construction of special themes.
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2.3
Events and festivals
The Province of Seville offers a rich and varied calendar of events, including traditional local festivals and major cultural attractions. Some of the main events of tourist interest grouped by sub-area are listed below.
Event
Description
Responsible Managing Body/Organiser
Traditional folklore: Feria de Abril (Seville)
Traditional folklore: Semana Santa (Sevilla)
Traditional folklore: Romera de Valme (Dos Hermanas) Traditional folklore: Feria del Verdeo (Arahal) Traditional folklore: Fiesta de la Guitarra (Marchena) Traditional folklore: Festival flamenco de Morn de la Frontera Bienal de flamenco (Sevilla) BIACS (Sevilla) Seville European Film Festival (Sevilla)
For the duration of the fair, the fairgrounds are totally covered in rows of casetas (individual decorated marquee tents which are temporarily built on the fairground). It is possible to find crowds partying and dancing "Sevillanas", drinking Jerez sherry or manzanilla wine and eating tapas. Easter in Seville is one of the best-known religious events within Spain. The week features the procession of pasos, floats of lifelike wooden sculptures of individual scenes of the events of the Passion, or images of the Virgin Mary. Some of the sculptures are of great antiquity and are considered artistic masterpieces. It is one of the most important pilgrimages of Andalucia and it has been declared of Tourist Interest. It commemorates the reconquest of Seville by Ferdinand III This fair celebrates the harvest of the olive (most of the population makes a living out of this activity). It takes place during the second week of September and it has been declared of Tourist Interest in Andalucia. It is one of the most important flamenco festivals of Andalucia. Town Hall of Arahal
Town Hall of Marchena
It is one of the oldest flamenco festivals of Seville.
Town Hall of Morn de la Frontera.
This festival features dancers, vocalists and guitarists direct from Spain in a mesmerizing display ranging from flamenco puro to innovative new works. It is a biennial contemporary art exhibition. Film Festival organised to promote European film culture and to offer the European film industry an annual meeting point.
Town Hall of Sevilla, (Instituto de la cultura y las artes) BIACS Foundation Town Hall of Sevilla (ICAS)
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3.
Cultural poles
The analysis of cultural resources in the Province of Seville and the evident variety of cultural assets as illustrated in the tables above clearly indicate a strong province-wide potential for cultural tourism. Promoting tourism development in the area through the CHORD Project involves identifying thematically grouped resources based on the travel motivations and interests of potential visitors. The resources were analysed according to category and then grouped into cultural poles, defined by themes of interest to the potential market. Five potential cultural poles for the Province of Seville were identified:
Archaeology History and Art Nature and Landscape Villages and Crafts Food & Wine.
For each of the poles it follows a brief description of the theme in relation to the Province of Seville and a list of resources. In order to incentivize tourism development in the area, the main existing or potential players either directly or indirectly involved in promoting cultural tourism in the Province of Seville were also identified: Seville Town Council Diputacin Provincial de Sevilla, Prodetur (Seville Provincial Tourist Board) Chamber of Commerce of Seville Confederacin Empresarial Sevillana (Seville Business Confederation) Mancomunidad de Desarrollo y Fomento del Aljarafe (Aljarafe Development Community) Consorcio de Medio Ambiente Estepa-Sierra Sur-El Pen (Estepa-Sierra Sur-El Pen Environment Consortium) Asociacin Red para el Desarrollo Turstico de las Ciudades Medias del Centro de Andaluca (Medium Cities of Central Andaluca Tourist Development Association) Asociacin para el Desarrollo Integral del Territorio de Sierra Morena (Sierra Morena Development Association) Consorcio Va Verde (Green Route Consortium) Fundacin Va Verde de la Sierra (Green Route Foundation) Alcal de Guadara Town Council Fundacin para el Desarrollo de los Pueblos de la Ruta del Tempranillo (Villages of the Route of Tempranillo Development Foundation) Asociacin para el Desarrollo del Territorio de la Comarca de Doana (Doana Region Development Association) Asociacin de Ciudades Andaluzas de Turismo del Caballo (Horse Tourism Association) Asociacin Turstica de las Comarcas de Estepa y la Sierra Sur Sevillana (Estepa and Sierra Sur Regions Tourist Association) Asociacin Comarcal Gran Vega de Sevilla (Gran Vega Region Association) 13
Asociacin interprovincial de municipios para el desarrollo del Turismo Sostenible de la Faja Pirtica (Pyrite Belt Sustainable Tourism Development Association) Asociacin para el Desarrollo Integral del territorio de Sierra Morena (Sierra Morena Development Association) Asociacin Red de Conjuntos Histricos y de Arquitectura Popular de Andaluca (Network Association of Historical Sites of Andaluca)
For each pole, other local authorities and organizations either specifically or potentially interested in promoting the pole are also indicated.
3.1 Archaeological Pole

The Province of Seville offers a great variety of fascinating archaeological sites and museums. Over the centuries this area was inhabited by many different peoples and civilizations. Numerous archaeological remains dating from the Roman age can be found in and around towns throughout the province. These include well-known monuments such as the Roman Amphitheatre in Italica as well as less famous but equally fascinating sites for anyone interested in archaeology.
Figure 2 Archaeological Pole: resources Italica Roman Ruins: amphitheatre Italica Roman Ruins: theatre Roman Necropolis City walls Archaeological museum Munigua Roman Ruins Sevilla Villanueva del Ro y Minas Carmona
Santiponce
As regards existing and potential promoters of the Archaeology Pole, in addition to town councils responsible for the resources, local promoters such as local tourist offices and cultural associations actively promoting and protecting archaeological sites and resources may be involved.
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3.2
Churches, monasteries, castles, palaces and monuments scattered throughout the province are a living testimony to important historical events. Under the Arab ruling, Seville entered into an age of splendour. After Ferdinand III the Saint conquered Seville for Christianity, Muslims were forced to leave whereas Mudejar and Hebrews stayed. A lot of churches were built to replace the mosques and many building were rebuilt and transformed in Mudejar style. Seville experienced its apogee after the discovery of America and the monopoly on the trade relations.
Figure 3 History and Art Pole: resources Reales Alcazares Cathedral and Giralda Torre del Oro House of Pilates Salvador Church San Marcos Church Santa Catalina Church San Pedro Church Santa Paula Convent Santa Maria de las Cuevas Monastery Alczar del Rey Don Pedro Alczar Puerta de Sevilla Santa Mara Church Santa Cruz Church Santiago Church San Gil Church San Juan Church Peaflor Palace Benamej Palace Los Palma Palace Alcntara Palace Fernndez Golfn Palace Lasso de la Vega Palace Los Castrillos Palace Valdehermoso Palace Villaverde de San Isidro Palace Colegiata de Nuestra Seora de la Asuncin Osuna cija Carmona Sevilla
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Castle Santa Mara de la Mesa Church
Utrera
In addition to town councils responsible for the resources, existing and potential promoters of the History and Art Pole could include local tourist offices and cultural associations.
3.3
With an extraordinary wealth of bird life, the province of Seville is one of the best places in Europe for bird-watching. This invaluable bird diversity is due to the provinces unique natural areas, which range from the Sierra Nortes abrupt mountains with extensive cork and holm oak forests to the tranquil lakes of the provinces three endorheic systems, not to mention the mosaic of ecosystems that make up the Doana Natural National Park. These places are also ideal setting for practising outdoor sports, including hiking, horse riding, and cycling routes.
Figure 4 Nature and Landscape Pole: resources Doana National Park Sierra Norte de Sevilla Natural Park Pen de Zaframagn Natural Reserve Caada de los pjaros Natural Reserve Complejo Endorreico de La Lantejuela Natural Reserve Laguna del Gosque Natural Reserve Complejo Endorreico Lebrija-Las Cabezas Natural Reserve Complejo Endorreico de Utrera Natural Reserve Doana region Sierra Norte region Coripe Puebla del Ro La Lantejuela Martn de la Jara Lebrija-Las Cabezas Utrera
Existing and potential promoters of the Nature and Landscape Pole include Environmental Ministry of the Junta de Andaluca and the town councils of the municipalities where the protected areas are situated.
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3.4
Traditional crafts can be found throughout the Province of Seville. Popular traditions can also be enjoyed at the many festivals and pilgrimages associated with folklore and religion. Several towns and villages have particularly interesting historic centres either for their well-preserved buildings or traditional craft industry.
Figure 5 Villages and Crafts Pole: resources Ceramics Furniture Harness making Forging Leather Glass Book binding Musical instruments making Easter objects Historic centre Book binding Dos Hermanas, Alcal de Guadaira, Utrera, Carmona and cija Campia area, La Vega, Aljarafe, and other locations such as Puebla del Ro, Alcal de Guadaira or Cazalla de la Sierra La Campia, Aljarafe, Bajo Guadalquivir, La Vega, Sierra Sur, Metropolitan area Utrera, Alcal de Guadaira, Valencina, Salteras and Aznalcazar Salteras, Coria del Ro, Sanlcar la Mayor, Cazalla de la Sierra, la puebla del Ro, Utrera and cija Campia, Aljarafe, La Vega, Sierra Norte, Bajo Guadalquivir Many places in the province of Seville Many places in the province of Seville Dos Hermanas, Alcal de Guadara, Mairena del Aljarafe and Olivares Carmona Sevilla
Iron forge and design
Saddling
Bronze lost wax casting
Wicker and esparto grass
Textile Crafts
Ceramics Cabinet-making Glass staining
Historic centre
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Historic centre Historic centre
cija Osuna
In addition to town councils, local tourist offices and cultural associations, other potential promoters of the Villages and Crafts Pole include art colleges and local guilds.
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3.5
Food & Wine Pole
The Province of Seville offers a range of food products that have been awarded PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status, as well as other traditional locally produced foods. Some of them have been protected by the Designation of Origin (DOP). The following table lists the provinces major food and wine resources.
Figure 6 Food & Wine Pole: resources Oil from Estepa (DOP) Mantecados from Estepa (PGI) Wine from Lebrija (DOP) Wine from Los Palacios (PGI) Wine from Sierra Norte (PGI) Manzanilla table olives Anisette Iberian pork products Oil Estepa Confectionary Wine Wine Wine Fruit and vegetables Liqueurs Dairy products Lebrija Los Palacios Sierra Norte Province of Seville Cazalla de la Sierra Sierra Norte
There already exist a number of organizations in the province set up to protect and promote local products. These include the different Regulatory Boards or the Quality Wine from Lebrija Association. Manufacturing companies could be involved in activities promoting the Food & Wine Pole either individually or jointly.
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4. Best practice in promoting cultural heritage or in integrated quality management

Plan Campia Turstica
Objectives The aims of the Tourist Development Plan for the Sevillian Campia were to create and put into use some infrastructures for tourism, to adapt the natural and urban environment for its tourist use and to develop strategies to strengthen the management system. Promoters and partners Agreement of collaboration among Consejera de Turismo, Comercio y Deporte (Department of Tourism, Trade and Sport), Diputacin Provincial de Sevilla (County Council of Seville), Confederacin Empresarial Sevillana (Business Confederation of Seville) and Prodetur. Resources 4.748.620,00 Actions taken The different actions taken have been addressed to the promotion and marketing of the tourist destination, to awareness campaigns to foster the quality of the offer, the restoration of the historical heritage, the creation of new museums or the training and professional development of the people working in the tourism sector. Key results or outputs Restoration and improvement of the historical heritage, creation of new museums, professional development.
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CHORD
MANCOMUNITAT DE LA RIBERA ALTA Cultural Heritage Poles Study
0. TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 SWOT ANALYSIS OF MANCOMUNITAT DE LA RIBERA ALTA 3
2 CULTURAL RESOURCES IN LA RIBERA ALTA 2.1 Historic, monumental and artistic heritage 2.2 Cultural equipment and cultural events 2.3 Natural or landscaping heritage 2.4 Folklore and festivals 2.5 Local food products
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3 CULTURAL POLES 3.1 Landscaping Pole 3.2 Gastronomy Pole 3.3 Festivals and planned events Pole 3.4 Monumental heritage Pole
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4 THE CULTURAL DISTRICT: BEST PRACTICE: CREATION OF DISTRICT TOURIST BOARD RIBERATURISME
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5 PROMOTING CULTURAL INITIATIVES IN LA RIBERA
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6 SOURCES
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1. SWOT ANALYSIS OF THE MANCOMUNITAT DE LA RIBERA ALTA

Tourist Diagnosis
The internal and external analysis produced, provides a wealth of information about the tourist scene in general, the configuration of the current tourist project and the operation of the particular sector. Taking as a starting point all this information, we proceed to do a complete diagnosis of The Ribera de Xquer as a destination for cultural excursions, task that well develop through a DAFO analysis. The DAFO anaysis is a tool for assessing the current situation and the potential destination for the tourist products development. In their use, four aspects are analyzed: 1. The strong points highlight the values to foster and they constitute competitive advantages that well exploited can provide the basis to differentiate the destination in the tourist market. Weaknesses are aspects that are under the control of the destination which can be influenced by applying improvement measures. The risks or threats are determined by market conditions or environment not exerting destination control over them, but it should be taken into account in order to establish corrective measures to minimize the effects at least partially. Opportunities are positive elements to the destination that if they are well exploited, they offer opportunities of tourist development for the destination.
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To execute it in the most detailed way all the factors have been analyzed that, from our point of view are decesive in the configuration of the tourist product, which are the following:
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The legacy assets of tourist interest existing in the Ribera Alta base for the configuration of the tourist product; the cultural heritage, natural heritage, ethnological heritage and cultural facilities. The region as a reception area for the visitors, in which there is a confluence of multiplicity of urban nature, landscape and public facilities, decisive for its tourist projection (urban environment). The offer and supply for turism. The current tourist activity from the supply perspective (basic tourist facilities and services) and tourist demand. Today, the level of tourist management existing in the destination, both public and private, as well as the position of the local population towards a possible popular destination. The image and the current position of Ribera del Xquer.
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Conclusions and Proposals

The Ribera de Xquer has a wealth of tourist resources. The most remarkable are: the artistic- historical heritage: Islamic towers, castles, houses, chapels and churches of importance, traditional architecture, it also has significant cultural resources: paths, the Albufera, lakes, river Xquer. There is a widespread tradition on horse riding and water activities; and the most important: the gastronomy is one of the most important bases on the regional tourism: the orange, rice, wine, honey, oil, the kaki and vegetables. The following are the main conclusions of the assessment:
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Cultural Heritage The action plan has to be focused on attracting tourists interested in the cultural heritage and the activities related to this sector. Therefore, the actions of interpretation and heritage accessibility and, also placing value on cultural resources as the archeological site from Enova. Some important monuments of the region remain close to the public, so they will focus their attention on this point, developing a program for opening monuments. The heritage is in a state in general, quite bad. For that reason, the measures of heritage protection must be an important point in the measures to be developed. The configuration of different museums and cultural spaces is needed for highlight the important elements in the region.
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Ethnological Heritage The Ethnological Heritage is important for its festival and cultural events planned, as it can be seen in the inventory. To this end, the disemination of these events is really important in the sense that it could be interesting to fill the whole calendar, attracting many tourists and visitors. It is also interesting to create programs based on experiential activities in which the tourist can be inmersed in the territorial identity of the region.
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Cultural facilities Given the lack of these facilities, the creation of many cultural sites will be suggested: museums of orange, rice, wine and oil, honey, nature classrooms. But the most important and necessary will be the Center of Attention or reception of visitors or tourist, which must be located in a place that centralize and distribute the demand or application.
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Tourist management It is necessary to promote the establishment of rules for the management of tourist quality, and also to foster the creation of new companies, especially rural tourism, ecoturism and active tourism, to generate and strengthen the offer in this regard. On the other hand, and being such a big territory, it should be suitable to articulate the communication between all the agents implicated in the planification through an internal system like intranet. Formation and awareness of all the inhabitants is essencial, since the plan constitutes the entire population and, for that reason they have to accept the tourist fact as something beneficial for them. The business association will be one of the important points of the plan. Although there is an association with a considerable consistency, it will encourage the union of more members. On the other hand, it is essencial to increase the information about the demand since there is little territorial data, for this reason, it is important to create a new observatory of tourist behavior. The recently established Tourist patronage has to receive a continous strenghtening through measures for its boost and promotion.
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Urban environment The Ribera lacks of necessary infraestructure to create a good tourist service, so the plan should be focused in this aspect. The first point in which some deficiencies has been found is the tourist signs. Some activities such as cycling, hiking, riding and active tourism must be encouraged. For that reason, it should be necessary to strengthen the tourist infraestructure in this aspect. The embellishment of the urban environment will
also be a point to be developed, together with the landscaping, the lighting and the restoration of monuments, and the building o viewpoints, given the high landscape value of the area.
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Tourist offer and demand Appart from creating an observatory of the tourist demand, the creation of hotel accommodation has to be encouraged, especially in the interior regions, also the activities of active tourism, tours, tourist transport, etc. Image and market position The emergence of media has to be potentiated with a powerful brand and a well structured promotion unit. The current logo has no elements of strenght and innovation, so it will propose a change or evolution to a renewed brand image. It is absolutely essential the implementation of a tourist website, in which diferents aspects of the region are shown. This website should be updated continuously and strongly positioned in Google, including some Adwords advert campaigns.
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STRENGTHS
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WEAKNESSES
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Extraordinary rich varied heritage for the Creation of tourist products of cultural content: Architectural, gastronomic, natural archaeological, etc. Festivities of National and local tourist interest.
Lack of directories which inform of the existed resources in order to provide to the visitor a global vision of the region. Lack of inbound tourist. Resources with poor or grow old. Proximity of big centers which attract tourism. Poor sensitivity to population heritage importance. Cultural events unable to attract a great number of visitors. Lack of a wide leisure and cultural offer designated to the foreign population. The inexistence of a set of cultural planning. Lack of signpost resources. Lack of tourist infrastructure: interpretative center of the region, tourism offices, abandon of tourism. Lack of a handbook about corporative image. Out of order and inexistence of information channels about the region on the web.
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Incipient business development based in the Cultural tourism. Houses of Culture: Cultural diffuses. Informative supporter diffusion. Interest and participation of businessman.
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State grand for the adjustment of resources. Collaborative framework agreement with other public and private entities. Creation of a management tourist publicprivate Entity: Riberaturisme. Good inter and intra communications Infrastructure: trains, airplane, cars, etc. Routes of cultural heritage: towers, hermitage, Emblematic buildings and gastronomy.
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THREATS
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OPPORTUNITIES
The creation of a participative innovative tourist product for all the population based in the cultural heritage, new technologies and in methods for active participation. Improve the preservation. diffusion and cultural heritage
Proximity of big urban nucleus with a wide cultural offer. Investor effort for the creation of tourist products of cultural content. The existence of a poor attracted cultural product based in classic formulas. The inexistence of cultural products quite similar to nearer localities. Extend tourist activities in a superior number to the real one in the built up areas. High investment to create an image without using diffusive effective channels. Focus only in the fairs as a diffusive way in the region.
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Implement a politic aimed to preserve and diffuse the cultural heritage. Promote traditional gastronomical products to go ahead with identity and quality. Implementation and diffusion of tourist routes. Design a line of merchandising products based in the heritage. Implementation and empowerment of tourist routes. Increase the development of meeting, festivities, workshops and invents in an international framework. Create a system of management capable of holding interests and where the representative members can take part of it. Focus on more technological development. Raise awareness to the representative members of the cultural management to increase its participation in the projects.
Source: own making
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2. CULTURAL RESOURCES IN LA RIBERA ALTA

The Heritage is a collection of (material or non-material) goods inherited throughout History and belonging to people in order to enjoy it and leave it as a present to futures generations. The heritage can be an endogenous factor to promote a change process since if it is used as a socio-cultural resource and economical active can generate productive service, become a training and employment factor and set up a tourist offer. This is the process by which a cultural good becomes a tourist product. The tourist resources in the region of Ribera Alta are multiple and varied, taking into account their uniqueness, form and function. All of them are related to the historical era where they were built and, because of the different people who have inhabited the regions, the region has several important and unique monumental remains, as small functional buildings that are marking a certain period. The areas assets can be summarized as follows: 2.1 Historic, monumental and artistic heritage 2.2 Cultural equipments and cultural events 2.3 Natural or landscaping heritage 2.4 Folklore and festivals 2.5 Local food products Some of the main tourist resources making up the vast heritage of the La Ribera de Xquer have been identified. These resources cover a wide range of themes strongly associated with cultural tourism and are summarized in the five items named before. Since visitors enjoy cultural resources after having first identified and chosen geographical areas and destinations, the resources have been grouped by municipality.
Historic, monumental and artistic heritage

Ribera de Xquer has a unique heritage that turns the territory into a maelstrom of sensory stimulus that transports the visitor to other times and moments lived in the past. We have Roman sites, Islamic towers, Christian medieval th th castles, Baroque imagery and the esplendorous constructions of large houses and gardens from 18 and 189 centuries. In addition to this cultured heritage, other kind of buildings appear through the fields, between the street corners. Among the construtions we find: mills, laundries, abattoirs, also called folk arcuitecture, which gives the territory the unique flavor of the people from La Ribera. We also find many interesting religious monuments located in natural sites characteristics for their beauty.
Type
Resource
Description
It is constituted of buildings rising in the following three periods: SXIX_XV, XVI y XVII. In the XIX century, after the expropriation, his new owner raised a manor over the hospice of the monastery. The Monastery also has a partition battlemented wall. Nowadays, In the garden. There are still remainders gathering in the walls. In that way, it has prepared to increase the defensive function. The elements of the group are: Monastery: The new church and the Tower of the Bells._ Fortified tower of la Porteria. Ruins of the monastery and adjacent elements. Foster chapel of La Virgen de la Murta, after it was a sacristy. The walls of Alzira were built around a possible river island, from which derives its name in Arabic (Al-Yazira: The Island) had a dual purpose, first the defense, and second the flood protection of Jcar river. The walls were buried by the river, which floods the city from three to four times a year. The walled circuit was formed by a double wall which today contains the historical cener of la Vila, dated in the Islamic period where some of the mosques and baths were setled. Nowadays, the remains are located in two areas of the city, el parque de las murallas and las murallas del Antiguo Mercado
Responsible body
Alzira town council
Archaeological Fortress site monastery of Santa Maria de la Murta, s.xiv; s.xv; s.xvi; s.xvii of Alzira Archaeological Alzira walled site circuit
Alzira town council
Architecture, history
Town council hall of Alzira
This building has a civil Gothic style of the Crown of Aragon. Its oldest part dates from the 16th century and, although we can say that the construction of its plant obeys to medieval patterns alternating the Ghotic style and the Baroque. It is a building with a quadrangular plant and a three water covered with Arabic tiles in whose construction the following local unions have collaborated: stonecatters, carpenters and mull wall. Its interior rooms are arranged around a rectangular gallery. In 1930 it was declared an Artistic National Monument The building was rebuilt in the 17th century on an earlier mosque, with a Gothic basilica and a Gothic factory. It is inserted into the socalled reconquista churches with a single ground covered with a cannon vault open with lunettes and open chapels between buttresses, covered with a mid-cannon vault. Over the transept, a drum covered by a dome over scallops sets up. This was replaced by a new double-sloped roof that covers the entire temple. Construction built in a neo-Romanesque style. The temple of three naves is covered with groin vault, while the the major chapel is fixed with another kind of vault. The access is through a big door which emulates the Romanesque style on which there are three big windows topped by an oculus. They allow the entrance of the light inside of the enclosure. To the left, the bell tower rises separated into three sections and covered with pyramidal spire. In the central part of the second section, there are two windows which placed one above the other emphasizes the verticallity of the entire monument. The third section separated from the previous one by a decorated wide strip includes the group of bells.
Alzira town council
Architecture, Churc,history
Santa Catalina church of Alzira
Private
Architecture, Churc,history
Mare de Du del Lluch Sanctuary of Alzira
Private
Archaeological Napoleonic site battery of Gavarda
The remains of the 18th century fortress are situated in a small promontory on the east side of the new village of Gavarda. The Battery was built in a strategic point since from its position took control over the Jcar River and the road connecting Castilla and Valencia being used during the Independence War. The latest archeological studies show its use as a Fort. It was part of a defensive structure, palace-castle, the adjoining buildings are also part of the palace of Falc and the old Town Hall. In 1978 the old Town Hall was demolished being the tower free of three parts. Subsequently it was used as a storehouse, prison, and even a pigeon house. The interior is covered with vaults built with cane sticks and mud. On the first floor, with vault, within the centre of the tower, there is a ladder with high stairs which will rise over the four levels. In the surrounding area there is a set of Gothic tunnels with diaphragmatic arches that are not open for visitors and are likely to be valued. Firstly, the chape was dedicated to St. Bartholomew, built during the reconquest following the guidelines to maximize the space for the congregation of the faithful people. It is a construction with a single nave, with a plane front, open chapels between the buttresses and diaphragmed arches which holds the double-sloped roof made of Areabic tile. Inside, the only existing decoration is composed by paints in the joists with geometric shapes and rhombus with red and yellow stripes. The construction that has came until nowadays, answers to the buildings from XVI and XVII centuries, the cloister, the new church, the sacristy and the bell tower. The complete work reflects a solid construction in the center of which the empty space of the courtyard in which over the years, some remains have been annexed. The church of the convent, facing the south, was built in 1724. It is a construction built in the early 20th century. It was conceived as an orange store. In 1989, the Town Hall acquired the building. These functional requirements needed premises which main feature was the necessity of space and the width without being necessary the complex structures for the installation of machinery or elements generating energy. Another of the characteristics is its location. The exact date of the building of the store is not known, but it should had been built between 1900 and 1910. Chapel built above the Muslim kings palace who tortured his son Bernardo and his two daughters, Mara and Gracia, for having converted to Christianism. It is a building of a centralized floor formed by a double structure created by an outer heptagon involving the interior and circular floor. Above the interior zone there is a dome with Arabic tiles in blue characteristic of the Valencian domes. Constrution dated in the end of the Middle Ages (s.XV), represents the typical rural palace of the Valencian nobility. Originally, the this palance belonged to the period when the town belonged to the Orgaz lordship, where some of the members of this lineage were born and lived. The architectural features which form it: a square with a central courtyard, patio with Carpantic arches from XV century, remains of the old Town and door of entrance from the Renaissance. Roman villa, dating from the II century. The site corresponds to a Roman villa belonging to a patrician noble man, Publius Cornelius lunianus, and has an area of about 2600m2. The excavations have brought various mosaics, domestic baths, a private temple with a sculpture, the sepulchral inscription of a Roman freedman, marble, coins, glass and lots of pottery remains. The remains revealed that the village consisted on an arcaded courtyard, rich architectural elements (rooms covered by marble, terracotta floor, sculptures) thermal baths and a temple.
Gavarda town council
Tower of la Archaeological Plaa of site history Benifai and art
Benifai town council
Hermitage of Sant Roc de Ternils of Carcaixent
Carcaixent town council
Monastery of Aiges Vives Carcaixent
Private
Architecture, history
Magatzem de Ribera of Carcaixent
Carcaixent town council
Hermitage of San Bernat of Carlet
Private
Architecture, history , museum
Palace of los condes de Orgaz de Sumacrcer
Sumacrcer town council
Archaeological Villa romana site de lEnova
Lnova town council
Cantera Archaeological Romana de site lnova
Dated from I and II centuries, it is located about 500 meters from the Villa. Placed in La Partida dels Francs, the quarry was made by different arms by which the marble was extracted It has been found a quarry in the chapel, it is carved into the rock and an iron wedge of about 20cm in length, the unique in the Iberian Peninsula. Some ceramic remains and card marks in the stone have also been found.
Lnova town council
Cultural equipments and cultural events

The offer of museums in the county is weak, as we can see in the table below, but there are some interesting items. It is important to mention the Museo de la fiesta of Algemes in which we can find anthropological evidences as the dance of La Muixeranga and the recently opened museum Muma of Alzira, in the historic pawnshop. There are eleven permanent museums and collections in La Ribera del Xquer. Certain inland population centers are working in the creation of a new museum. The cultural events which are regularly held in some villages and towns cover various areas of the culture: music, food and traditions.
Type
Ethnographic museums
Resource
Museo de la Fiesta of Algemes.
Description
The museum, venue of the network of museums of the Valencian Council looks for the consolidation of a major research center about the party. There some files are stored for the public consultation by photographic media with the most relevant aspects of the popular festivity. Among the expositive elements are los misterios y martirios, la muixeranga, els bastonets, el ball de la carxofa i arquets, les pastoretes, el bolero, els tornejants, els volants, la Mare de Deu de la Salut y la msica. Noble Gothic-Renaissance house that houses the Municipal Museum of Alzira.It brings together the cultural heritage of Alzira and the Ribera Alta, so it is possible to contemplate the evolutionary aspects under both, physical and human settlements established in the territory, from prehistory to the present day. It has interesting historical and artistic funds of the city and its region.Permanent exhibitions are divided into four sections: cartography, archeology, ethnology and history, and arts. The fair is held every year since 1994. It is a fair in which all the sense are potentiated,overall the sense of taste, since there everybody can taste products and homemade food and the traditional raw materials are recovered. The fair offers all the visitors the Tasting pass by which for a small fee, all the visitors can taste different dishes. In addition the gastronomic pleasure, visitors enjoy a festive atmosphere, and a full schedule of activitites- 8th October: opening of the Fair, encounter of Muixarangas, Puxero contest presentation of desserts made by kaki, presentation of products. Furthermore, they also have the traditional funfair for children and the Restoration area where you can find traditional and popular dishes and an assorment of Tapas. The Valencian Honey Fair organized by the city council and with the collaboration of industrialist of this area is held in mid November. During the two days, you can visit the Honey stands and bee products. Thousands of consumers, including elderly people and school children (who are offered a full breakfast with honey in the Fair) enjoy the Fair where big efforts to promote honey and encourage its consumption are taken. Round tables and contests complete the schedule of the Fair.
Responsible body
Algemes town council
Ethnographic museums
Municipal museum of Alzira
Alzira town council
Cultural event
Fira gastronmica de lAlcdia.
LAlcdia town council
Cultural event
FIVAMEL Montroy
Montroy town council
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Cultural event
Taurine week of Algemes.
Every year in late September in the town is built a wood rectangular bullring where the Fair of calves (the oldest and most important bullfighting and bullfighting on horse. The bullfighting ring is divided into 4 cadafals (areas) that come to auction and its cost is the basis of the budget of the Party, bullfights and evening performances. The bullring is a unique construction: each 9th of September the peas as are known the associations built the bullring just as it was done in 1943, with wood, nails and strings as raw materials. Each pea built its own cadafal> parallel to the faade of the Major Square, so all the 29 cadafals form the rectangular square. The exhibition consists on eight runs and afternoon bullfightings on horseback. The schedule is as follows: during the morning they have the correbous from the pens to the square. After lunch, at the square of Salvador Castell, where the peas have their booths. In the afternoon, more runs and then they have dinner and nightly entertainment in the bullfightring The town of Monserrat and its council develops steadily since the summer of 1981, musical performances included in the International week of Chamber Music which is in its 30th edition. One thing that proves the projection that the festival has experienced is the number of quality of the artists who have passed through it. All of them with a well-known nationality and dense musical career.
Algemes town council
Cultural event
International week of Chamber Music of Montserrat
Montserrat town council
Natural or Landscaping heritage

The region of La Ribera Alta has many natural resources; many of them have a high landscape value for its uniqueness and beauty, or also its enclave. The county offers both beautiful mountain secenary and magnificient beach areas (some with unique dune areas,) with its own ecosystems. However, one of the main attractions is crops, both as a culinary and a landscaping value.
Type
Landscape and Nature
Resource
Rice cultivation in Algemes
Description
Algemes and all the other municipalities of the Ribera Alta bordering the Albufera, cultivate the valuable cereal: the rice. The traditional rice cultivation covers the Whole year. It starts in winter with the forage planting. In March it is crushed to the earth where it has been planted in order to enrich it. The farmers do the margins of the planters in order to hold the water. Once you have done the margins, the rafts that are covered with water and are mixed with the earth for planting the rice. This phase ends in March. Up to March the water is heated, and the stem grows about 30 or 40 cm. In september, the harvest is gathere: a festival of colours. The orange cultivation in the Ribera Alta began in the town of Carcaixent, which was also the birthplace of silk. In 1781 Monz mosen and his friends Maseres and Bodi planted in La Balsa Real the first orange fields which were the basis for the modern transformation of the town. From 1848 the export of oranges began directed to France and since 1863 to Great Britain, The 12th of August in 1861 the company Tanway Carcagente was created in Gandia which handled the construction of and operation of the first narrow gauge railway in the peninsula. In 1864 he inaugurated the trail-rail with animal traction which put together such prosperous regions as La Safor and La Ribera . From this moment, the economic expansion of the area was dramatic. Great fortunes were forged, which still remaining the the big amount of gardens and stately houses which are dotted about all over the fields and villages.
Responsible body
Citys town councils and farmers
Landscape and nature
The orange cultivation of Ribera del Xquer.
Ribera del Xuquers town councils and farmers
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Landscape and Nature
Murta and Casella Valley of Alzira
Its high landscape value is reflected in its rugged montains that flank fertile valleys, and its karstification which results in the presence of numerous sinkholes and caves, creating a landscape of great beauty that contrasts with the coastal plain and the valley of Xquer. Moreover, in the Murta Valley, the Monastery of Santa Maria de la Murta is located and is dated from XIV century. The Casella Valley is an enclave of exquisite magnificence, covered by a thick blanket of orange trees, excellent palm trees and old houses built by local burgeoisie from the late 19th and the early 20th centuries in the socalled Gold era of export and demand of the Orange. The weir of Antella serves as a prey to derive some water from the river to the Acequia (irrigation ditch) and the water continues its course in its first installment or left out by the Portells. According to some historians, the construction began in 1239, finishing the work in 1260, and one step was left The Portells with 25 inches of width, so they could go through both the vessels and the wood which was transported through the river. The parade has become a tourist destination, ideal for rest and holidays of many people who daily visit the dam finding there the ideal place to practice swimming, triathlon, enjoy a swim in the clean and fresh water into the river, sunbathe, walk or do kayaking or canoeing competition with the possibility of of working out in the gym situated in the Penya Piragista of Antella; they can also sail in pedal boats, or to practice hiking, climbing or many other activities in the surroundings.
Alzira town council
Lanscape and Nature
LAssut Antella
of
Antella town council
Folklore and festivals

The Ribera Alta enjoys many festivities throughout the year. The whole calendar is a journey through many and different festivals which share three features: the gunpowder, the music and fire. The Fallas are the most widspread throughout the region, almost all the municipalities carry out the party, togther with the Easter celebrations as Semana Santa. Both festivities gain importance in the city of Alzira. The festivities of Algemes have also great interest. The 7th and 8th of September, with the processoneta, processions and dances crowned with the formation of the exciting and colorful dance La Muixeranga. The local festivities are mostly concentrated during the months of July, August and September and during the summer they highlight the the nights of the Ribera with their glittering fireworks. These festivities are described as follows:
Type
Folklore and Festivals
Resource
Fallas of Ribera Xquer the de
Description
Without the crowds of the Fallas of Valencia, but with the same ingredients, the fallas of Alzira are emphasized as the most relevant in the region. Fallas are celebrated from 14th to 19th of March, in honour to Saint Joseph, patron saint of carpenters. The artistic buildings of combustible materials are the fallas and are composed by ninots. The Fallas comissions are the protagonists of the festivity and each of them plants a falla in front of their casal. During these days numerous events take place, such as parades, la plant, offerings to the Virgin, the awards ceremony, Mascletaes and La Crema. During this time the Ribera of Xquer and particularly Alzira, are transformed and the men of the brotherhood together with the steps take the street in each city of the province. The sound of drums and cymbals, as well as the bands, take a special role during this celebration, as well as the canopies which are characteristics of the Easter. There are many processions and movements which are carried out every day of the Passion, but are notable for their characteristics and because they are very crowded, the procession of Domingo de Ramos acompanied by the representation in live of the entry of Jesus to Jerusalem, the Procession of Silence which is held on the morning of Viernes Santo in which images as Nazarene and the Solitud are
Responsible body
Citys town councils and Comissions falleres
Holy Week of Ribera de Xquer
Citys town councils and Germandats
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shown, and the general procession of the Holy Burial in the same day at dusk when all the steps go out to the street and show us all the passages from the Passion.
Procession of la Mare de Du de la Salut de Algemes
It is a religious procession that takes place in Algemes during the days 7th and 8th of september since 1724. In it some religious dances which represent different acts and sins, which involve people of all ages. The ball els bastonets , la magrana, etc. Start the procession that, after the tour, all the participants of the various dances act their representations at the same time (with the drum and dolzaina) and the muixerangas do their last exhibition closing the door of the parish forming a human tower. The festivity of traditional roots which is celebrated in all the Ribera del Xquer in honor to Sant Antoni around January 17th (Festivity of the Saint). During various months, neighbors or the city council are responsible of collecting the wood to do these bonfires. Traditionally bonfires are built in the Main square and also in different districts and they burn them on Saint Antonios eve. The burning of the bonfire is accompanied by music, folk dances and correfocs once the bonfire is lighted, eating roast meat is quite common. The festival ends with the blessing of the animals in Saint Antonios day.
Algemes town council and colles festeres
Fogueres de Sant Antoni de la Ribera de Xquer
Ribera de Xquer town councils
Local food products

The food together with the citrus landscape and rice is one of the most important elements of the region of Ribera del Xquer. Agricultural activities in the area have favored a gastronomy which main element is the rice, with a combination of horticultural products and varied fishes, depending on the season. The three main rice specialities are: the paella, with its main seasonal varieties: paella valenciana, with onion, beans and artichokes, with cauliflower and ribs, with meat balls, etc.., and the rice with beans and turnips On the other hand, concerning the fish, we find the traditional all i pebre which, together with the typical deserts as arnad form the typical cuisine of the area.
Type
Local food products
Resource
Paella (varieties)
Description
Paella is a typical dish whose ingredients vary depending on the season of the year. Thus, in winter the paellas with beans and artichokes and the paella with cauliflower and pork chops. In summer, the most popular and well known is the Valencian paella with beans named garrof (large bean variety), chiken, rabbit and snails. The paella with fish or seafood, together with others like paella with garlic and cod which are made during the whole year. Generally, its elaboration follows these steps: pour the oil and brown the meat, once the meat is fried the vegetebles must be sauted and after that add the pprika and fry the rice for a few moments, then pour the water or chicken or fish soups. Cooking time is approximately of 20 minutes. It is a very typical dish from the Ribera del Xquer, specially in the interior villages,. For the elaboration of this typical dish, you must brown the potato slices with oil in the saucepan, then the slices are removed and reserved. Then the raisins are put in the same saucepan and then add the rice. The garlic is placed in the center the peas are spreaded. Add the saffron and it is poured over the rice. Finally, add the sofritoand cook it in the oven for an hour. The soup used for this dish is usually the result of the Valencian stew.
Responsible body
Local food products
Arrs al forn (baked rice)
13
Local food products
Arrs amb fesols i naps
The arros amb fesols i naps , also known as caldron and even arros junt ,is a typical dish of the Valencian orchard, is a typical dish of winter due to its forcefulness although it is cooked in festivities in which the people can enjoy this tasty dish. Firstly, we will cook in about three liters of cold water with the white beans that previously have been soaked during 10 hours. We will also put the garreta , the pigs ear, and the fat, cooking them in a medium intensity. Now cook them for 20 minutes taking into account the water we use if we want to obtain well-cooked mellow rice with the exact broth. It is a very typical dish of the Ribera del Xquer, especially for the people who lives near to the Albufera lake. In a saucepan with water, put all the fish, the peeled and chopped onion, bay leaf and some salt. Bring it to boil and cook for about 20 minutes. Strain, reserve the broth and remove the fish. It should be one liter of broth left. Prepare a minced garlic clove, salt and toast saffron. Dilute in a little of broth. Put a frying pan in the fire, pour the oil and when it is hot add the tomato puree, the chopped pepper, stir and cook slowly during 3 or 4 minutes. Add the rice and mix it well to soak the sauce. Pour the hot broth, cook over high heat about 5 minutes and cook it for 15 minutes more over low heat. Check the salt and remove it from the heat. In the Ribera del Xquer, the all i pebre is very common. To make it, in a sauce pan with a glass of olive oil, fry a bread slice by both sides, with more than 1cm thick. Then fry half garlic with two or three chili peppers. When the garlic is brown, remove one or two of them and add a spoon of pprika, remove it and immediately add four glasses of hot water , when the water starts boiling, add one kilo of clean eels, topped and cut into slices about 3 inches thick. Let them beign cooked for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, mash the almonds in a morter (8 or 10 units), the two garlics that we take from the frying pan and two others raw, 2 cloves, a knife tip of cinnamon, 5 black pepper berries, a few springs of parsley, a pinch of salt and the slice of fried bread. After 20 minutes, add the mash and cook if for 5 minutes. It is a very simple dessert from Arab origin and it is mainly made by pumpkin or sweet potato. We cannot forget the almonds which are grinded into flour with which the amalgam base is made. Sugar, nuts, eggs and cinnamon complete the list of ingredients of our arnad of Holy Thursday. To cook this dessert, the pumkin skin must be cleaned and take only its flesh. Mash the pulp and put it in a closely-woven canvas, hanging it in order to leave all the water during the whole night. In a deep casserole put the pumkin pulp and add the sugar. Knead enough. The arnad must be very sweet. Chop 400gr of almonds and the nuts and put them into the dessert, leaving some of the almonds and some nuts that are fried in oil with a little of peeper and put them into the frying pan, mix it all together. It must be done far from the fire. Once everything is well-mixed, put the mixture into samll clay pots forming a pyramid on which 16 almonds will be scattered, 4 in each bowl.
Local food products
Arrs a banda
Local food products
All i pebre
Local food products
Arnad
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3 CULTURAL POLES
From the anlysis of the cultural resources of the Ribera del Xquer, the wide variety of resources that can be grouped into different items and poles, as historical, gastronomic, natural, etc are extracted These resources are sensitive to harness the tourism, some of them are under an intensive exploitation such as beaches, others are at intermediate stages (Culleras castle, Museum of la festa dAlgemes, etc), and other at an incipient phase of tourist exploitation as landscape exploitation of the environment and agricultural experiences. The charcaterization in different items of the existing and analyzed resources in this project will help to group the different motivations and expectations of the potential market for each characterization, to find and improve its marketing, management and satisfaction of the visitior/ tourist. The different poles identified are: 3.1 Landscape 3.2 Gastronomy 3.3 Festivals and planned events 3.4 Monumental Heritage For each of the poles there follows a brief description of the theme in relation to the Comarca de la Ribera Alta and a list of some touristic resources. The stakeholders who interact directly or indirectly with this poles and resources in the Ribera Alta are identified in the following way: Riberaturisme (Area Tourist Board). Consorci de la Ribera. Mancomunitat de la Ribera Alta and the 35 town councils of the area. Cmara Valncia (Chamber of Commerce). Agrupacions locals de comer de cada municipi. Escoles Taller i Escoles de Gastronomia de la Ribera. FEDALCIS (Federaci dagrupacions locals de comer, industria i serveis de la Ribera). Associaci Empresarial Alzira. CEV (Confederaci empresarial valenciana). FEHV (Federaci Empresarial dhosteleria de Valncia i provincia). Touristic Sector Enterprises as Aula desplai (activitats educatives i socioculturals), Projecta Cultura Turisme S.L. Projectes educatius, culturals I turstics, etc. Ribercultur5 (Associaci de guies de la comarca de la Ribera). GALs of la Ribera (Local Action Groups) for the protection of the enviroment, the commerce, heritage and for the developing of some Agenda 21 Local in the municipalities of la Ribera.
15
AVT (Valencian Tourism Agency) Regional Government Tourism Department. Conselleria de Cultura (Culture Department). Regional Government.
Anyway, depending on the different pole, it could interact another players interested in other specific areas as marketing, security, management, etc. Thereupon, it is included a brief description of the different resources which are part of each pole.
Landscaping Pole
The crops in the Ribera del Xquer are the backbone elements of the region since they cover the whole extensin and they have modulated the cultural heritage of the regionover the past centuries, chapels, stores popular modernism, etc. These resources can constitute one of the main topic of the tourist activity for the region and they represent an easy tourist exploitation closely related to the experiential tourism with an adding value. In this sense, the tourist activity in the agricultural area s of the Ribera can cosntitute an income supplement in front of the serious situation of the agriculture, avoiding the constant loss of crops. Refering to the Natural Park of lAlbufera, it is related to the rice cultivation since its surface in the Ribera del Xuquer is occupied by the crop. Finally, we find the municipal natural parks with The Murta and the Casella as the main exponent, with a mountain landscape which in the second place it is combined in the slopes with the citrus cultivation. The monastery of La Murta is an important heritage resource within the natural landscape of La Murta.
Resource
Rice cultivation Citrus cultivation Kaki cultivation Valley of la Murta Valley of la Casella Valley of Aiges Vives Xquer River Azud of Antella Natural Park of La Albufera
Typology
Citrus Landscape
Municipality / Area
Ribera de Xquer (NE) Ribera de Xquer Ribera de Xquer (SW) Alzira
Valley
Alzira Carcaixent
River Natural
Ribera de Xquer Antella Ribera de Xquer (NE)
The public administrations stand as the promoters of the landscape exploitation of the area to provide economic diversification and income supplement to the farmers and social sectors interested in the nature (associations, etc.). Thanks to this boost, some companies are encouraged to exploit such services, although incipient, they have to establish the basis for a tourist development that presents a great growth potential and a high attractiveness for the tourists.
16
Gastronomy Pole
The region of Ribera del Xquer offers a wide range of alimentary products, such as popular cuisine that is characterized inside the Mediterranean diet. Following are presented those resources sensible of tourist use divided into 4 sections are: local food, agricultural products, manufactured products and services related to food and the previous resources.
Resource
Paella (different types) Arrs al forn (baked rice) Arrs amb fesols i naps Arrs a banda All i pebre Arnad Orange Rice Kaki Vegetables Wine Olive Oil Honey Oranges Route Agroitinerari (Farm Route)
Typology
Municipality / Area
Ribera de Xquer Ribera de Xquer
Local gastronomy
Ribera de Xquer Ribera de Xquer Ribera de Xquer (E) Ribera de Xquer (SE) Ribera de Xquer
Farm Products
Algemes Ribera de Xquer (SW) Ribera de Xquer Turs
Manufactured Products
Turs Montserrat and Montroy
Gastronomical services
Carcaixent Ribera de Xquer
We find different agents involved in the creation, the management, and dissemination of the products previously mentioned, among which we highlight the farmers association ( both at local and regional level), the chambers of commerce, trade associations, associations of producers, guarantee of origin ( Kaki of Ribera Alta, Valencian wines, rice of Valencia), etc. In conclusion, manufacturing companies and farmers could be involved in activities promoting the Food and Wine Pole either individually or jointly.
Festival and planned event Pole

On the other hand, scheduled events are the most important around the popular gastronomy of the region, with the exception of the some specialists in chamber music or keep on going with the theme of traditional bullfighting theme. The following are key resources that could be incorporated into a pole with a specific weight in the region.
Resource
Fallas Holy week Procession of la Mare de Du de la Salut Bonfires of Sant Antoni
Typology
Municipality / Area
Ribera de Xquer Ribera de Xquer
Festivals Algemes Ribera de Xquer
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Gastronomic Fair FIVAMEL (Honey Fair) Bullfighting Fair International web of Chamber music Planned Events
LAlcdia Montroy Algemes Montserrat
In this case, the range of possibilities of collaborations and agreements with various skateholders is materialized with the trade associations, cultural association, public administration, tourist agents, etc. The linking of these mentioned resources associated to a more narrow form if it is possible, the scheduled events and festivities with the pole of gastronomy.
Monumental Heritage Pole

In the Ribera del Xquer we can find a large representation of different types of architectural heritage: the religious monuments as churches, mosteries and hermitages, civic monuments, as castles, towers, palaces and bridges. Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs and recent conquests by Catalan-Aragonese people who left their mark on the local cultural heritage, materialized in the the monuments of the region.
Resource
Monastery of la Murta Circuito amurallado Alzira Town council Hall Santuario Virgen del Lluch Ermita de Sant Roc de Ternils Monastery of Aiges Vives Ermita de Sant Bernat Batera Napolenica Torre de la Plaza Almacn de Ribera Palacio de los Condes de Orgaz Villa Romana Cantera Romana
Typology
Municipality / Area
Alzira Alzira
Alzira Alzira Carcaixent Carcaixent Carlet Gavarda Benifai
Civil architecture
Carcaixent Sumacrcer
Archeological Monuments
Lnova Lnova
The collaboration between the different cultural agents who are involved in the territory and those of tourist nature, has become one of the main pillars of the consolidation of the cultural tourism in the region, which is currently being in an incipient phase after the creations of municipal and regional organisms of tourist nature.
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4 THE CULTURAL DISTRICT: BEST PRACTICE: creation of a regional patronage of tourism. General Description
Riberaturisme is an organism of public-private nature, created by the Consortium of the Ribera, whose aim is to ensure that the tourist development o the Ribera is done in a planned and sustained way. The organisation is part of the Consortium of Ribera, a regional consortium that brings together, by incorporating the Mancomunitat of Ribera Alta and Mancomunitat Ribera Baixa, the joined management of the historic region in La Ribera (de Xquer). The concern about the development of the tourist activity in the region, the research of it for the economic diversification in the interior municipalities and the consolidation of the coastal areas, motivated the creation of the Regional tourist agency of the Ribera. For its establishment, several studies on tourist development were taken as a reference, which are detailed as follow: > > > > Comparative study of tourist indicators for the implementation of the Advisory and Tourist cooperation Agency in the region of Ribera Baixa conducted by the tourism department of the Mancomunitat de la Ribera Baixa (2002). Strategic plan of Turism. Cullera (2005) Design of Tourist Product of Carcaixent (2003). Study and evaluation of tourist potentialities and action proposals for tourism development of the region of Ribera Alta. Elaboration of a tourist planning (2005).
During the accounting period of 2009, the creation of a independent organism of the consortium for the tourist managemem was materialized: It was Riberaturisme. The main function of the entity is the revitalization and management of the tourist activities in the Ribera Alta. For that reason, it boosts the aplication of new methodologies and planification criteria, management and promotion of the tourist products of the region from an integral perspective and taking the tourist development not as an end, but as an activity of regional economy. Today, the gastronomy is emerging as the main tourtist product for the mentioned development.
Management
The management of Riberaturisme is based on the shared responsability and the public-private financing. With both assumptions a process of participation and involvement in tourist activities is achieved. This process is necessary and essential for the development and planning. The entities forming the regional patronage of tourism are the following:
> > > > > > >
Mancomunitat de la Ribera Alta Mancomunitat de la Ribera Baixa Cmara Oficial de Comercio de Valencia Confederacin Empresarial Valenciana (CEV) Federacin de Agrupaciones Locales de Comercio, Industria y Servicios de la Ribera (FEDALCIS) Asociacin Empresarial de Hostelera de Cullera y su Comarca (AEHC) Asociacin Empresarial de Alzira (AEA)
The presence of the entrepreneurs is materialized through directive counseling, integrated by:
>
5 representatives elected by the Consortium of La Ribera on a proposal of the Mancomunities, those who will be elected among all the members of them. The presidents of the mancomunities of Ribera Alta and Ribera Baixa will take part, as ex_officio member into the total number. The rest of the representatives of the Mancomunities are allocated as follows: o o Mancommunity whose president holds the chairmanship of the Riberaturisme: a representant Mancommunity whose vicepresident holds the chairmanship of the Riberaturisme: two representants
19
>
1 representative of each of the following entities: Valencian Business Confederation, Bussines Association of Alzira, Association of Hotel management and tourism entrepreneurs of Cullera and Ribera Baixa, Industy and Navegation department of Valencia, Federation of local association of commerce, Industry and services of the Riberas, designated by them.
A chart of the agency is attached:

PRESIDENCY ROSA SEBASTI
MANAGEMENT SERGI MACH
DIRECTION GRACIELA OLIVERT
TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT
TOURIST TECHNICIAN GRACIELA OLIVERT
TOURIST TECHNICIAN MERXE HERNNDEZ
TOURIST TECHNICIAN ANTONI HUGUET
ADMINISTRATIVE GLORIA GARCA
Objectives
The Riberaturisme activity is focused on three main objectives which main goal is, as previously we have stated, the economic diversification of the region through the tourism:
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Configuration of a proper product based on the gastronomy, a common element of all the Ribera, reinforced by the culture, nature and ethnology. Strategic management of the tourism. Specialization of the tourist destination
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Last actions
Here are some of the main activities carried out by the managing entity of tourism:
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Strategic plan of the Ribera Alta Communicative actions (regional magazines, publications CV-newsletter, meetings of the Department of Tourism and the council of Valencia for activating agreements and cooperation mechanisms, etc. These actions are oriented to the creation of the tourist attractors and its dissemination, necessary for the creation of a basis on which sustain the tourist activities. Benchmarking: visit to the Garrotxa (Girona), Historic Park of Navia ( Asturias), and the Cider county ( Asturias), to make real comparisons with regions with similar mechanisms and management sectors. The aim was the demonstration effect fo the assistants. Merchandising and attendance to fairs (focused on the Gastromomy spreading mainly).
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20
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New actions: signs of tourist resources, creation of audivisual materials, interpretation spaces as the Mol de Monsalve, etc. Training courses for tourist agents in the region:
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Name
Cultural heritage of the Ribera del Xquer: empowerment and use of tourist routes.
Objective
Specific training for the exploitation of the cultural itineraries in the Ribera del Xquer.
Addressed to:
Unemployed people with a professional profile as local guides, techinicians in charge of tourism, ADTs, ADLs and entrepreneurs. ADTs, ADLs and social agents of the tourist section.
Date
From the 10th to 19th of February 2010 2nd, 3rd, 4th y 5th of March in 2010. and April and May
The local tourism Improve the training of tourist management of Ribera de technicians to the Xuquer. enhancement of resources from a tourist strategy of the Ribera del Xquer. The rice cooking. Know the different techniques for cooking rice to improve the quality of the cuisine. Tourist promotion of Ribera Improve the ability of the del Xquer through social technicians and managers to networks. carry out the tourist promotion through the use of social networks.
Professionals of the hotels 26th and restaurants sector. 27th of in 2010. ADLs, ADTs, managers, 10th agents of tourist activities 11th of and tourist businesses. in 2010.
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5 PROMOTING CULTURAL INITIATIVES IN LA RIBERA

The Marketing Mix of Riberaturisme is divided into the basic document of the application to the Tourist competitiveness plan of the ministry of industry, tourism and comerce, established in 2009. Its main conclusions about marketing were: > > > > To develop a product with an experiential character. To encourage the tourist promotion with creative means and reduced costs. To focus the comercial distribution of the product/ tourist products based on the specificity of each market. To develop initiatives which allow the loyalty of tourists for long-term period.
Refering to the assistance to the professionals fairs, Riberaturisme takes part in the Tourist Fair TCV which is held in Valencia during the last weekend of February each year with the expectation of creating contacts between different agencies / tour operators specialized in the economic exploitation of the gastronomic resources of a destination. There are also different awareness campaigns to promote the public participation in decisions of interest, by attending local fairs in the region as Agroguadassuar, Fira dAlgemes, etc. All these actions and assumptions have been based on the study produced in 2010, from which the following conclusions have been drawn to the specific demand segments which our tourist product is address to. In this way, the characterization of the potential tourist for our region is summarized in the following table:
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TOURIST MARKET IN LA RIBERA ALTA Marital Region Duration Age Studies status
Valencian Community Madrid Cast. La Mancha Weekends. Couples (married) Single Bank holidays Holidays (no summer) 25 - 54 years 55 - 64 years 2 Grado: FP, Bachillerato, BUP, COU, PREU. 3 Grado: Diplomados y licenciados superiores.
This tourist segment together with its main characteristics will be reviewed depending on the expected and obtained results, as well as the continuous turbulences of the market and the behavior changes and tastes of the consumer. Furthermore, Communicative campaigns will be oriented to maintain the destination demand by the quality and sustainability of tourist activities, so that landscapes and resources are mantained in a condition able to ensure the tourist experience which adds value to the tourist. It is not intended to obtain high scores of a number of visits but the average daily tourist expenditure, real sustenance of tourism in any destination. The study of tourist demand will be improved through a future tourist observatory which will maintain and update the knowledge mentioned before. Once the main characteristics of tourists refering to the cultural motivations, behavior in the destination, expectations and sociodemographic profile are stablished, They continued with the configuration of the tourist product made for the demand and not looking for a demand of a product made from any other point of view, that does not correspond to this one.
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6 SOURCES

Valencian tourist agency. Tourism department. Generalitat Valenciana. Town hall of Alcudia. Town hall of Alzira. www.alzira.es Town hall of Antella. www.antella.es Town hall of Gavard. www.gavarda.es Valencia chamber of comerce www.camaravalencia.com INE, online statistics www.ine.es IVE, online statistics www.pegv.es Valencian federation of municipalities and provinces. www.fvmp.es Valencian museum of the festivity (Algemes). www.museuvalenciadelafesta.com Tourist competitive plan 2009. Riberaturisme. Regional patronage of Tourism Valncia Terra i Mar. Diputaci de Valncia. http://www.valenciaterraimar.org/ Tourism Carcaixent. Town hall Carcaixent. www.turismecarcaixent.es
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Municipality of San Severino Lucano
Table of Contents
Pg.
1. The Territory of the Pollino National Park
2. SWOT analysis of the Pollino National Park
3. Cultural heritage in the Pollino National Park
3.1 Archaeological, Architectural and Nature itineraries (historic sites and monuments, archaeological sites, villages, areas of natural and scenic interest, 9 and museums).
A) Archaeological itinerary B) Architectural itinerary: the castles
12 C) Nature itineraries 14 3.2 Traditional food products: Wine and food itineraries 16
4. Mediterranean areas involved in the project: cultural tourism themes 20
1. The Territory of the Pollino National Park
The area of the Lucania Region side of the Pollino National Park covers a territory of 98,000 hectares in the province of Potenza and includes 24 municipalities. It has a very rough morphology, with altitudes approximately ranging from 300/400m above sea level near the valley floors of the western and eastern side, to 2267m above sea level of the highest peak in the park: Serra Dolcedorme. This also means a wide variety of natural environments. In many cases, this diversity is even evident to the less attentive observer: for example in places where the soil reaches the greatest slopes (western side with an average slope of more than 45%) where, within a few km, it goes from the Mediterranean scrub to deciduous xerophilous forests and then to the beech and loricate pines, typical of the higher altitudes and mountain environments. The Valleys All the valleys converge to the Sinni Valley, which up north bounds the whole Pollino Massif, although not being an integral part. The River Sinni, in fact, rises farther west, on the Mount Sirino and continues its course lapping Episcopia, Fardella, passing between Chiaromonte and Francavilla sul Sinni to stop its flow in the artificial storage of the Mount Cutugno and then proceed to the eastern boundary of the Park at Valsinni where the Isabella Morras castle overlooks the river. The Valley of the River Serrapotamo is parallel to the Valley of the River Sinni and reaches out from the Mount Alpi to Senise where it flows into the river Sinni. The other territories included in this valley are those of Teana, Calvera, Carbone, Fardella and Castronuovo di SantAndrea, which are marked by the tributary streams that run through the existing hill areas alternating with a thick oak forest. This rural landscape is alternated with ravine formations. The highest part of the valley is the Forest Vaccarizzo of great botanical value for its countless species of vegetation. The Valley of the River Frido, covered with forests and ploughed through by the River Frido that originates among the loricate pine trees of Serra delle Ciavole at 1950 m, is one of the most picturesque valleys of the Pollino National Park which is its heart. San Severino Lucano is the most relevant town located in a beautifully prominent position. In perfect harmony with its surroundings are the hamlets: Mezzana, a typical mountain village, starting 3
point of excursions in the heart of the park to the highest peaks of the Massif; Cropani, the edge of the great and fairy-tale Magnano Wood, where the waters of the River Frido flow together with the waters of the River Peschiera; Villaneto and Mancini dedicated to the agriculture and sheep farming, and also Varco dipped into the poplars of Conocchielle and Voscari Woods. The hamlets are situated at the foot of the Mount Madonna di Pollino which houses the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Pollino, a pilgrimage destination for all the communities of the Park. The Valley of the River Sarmento extends to the east of the Pollino Massif; it rises from the beech and silver fir forests in the northern slope of Serra di Crispo; a few miles before San Costantino Albanese it stretches down to the Mediterranean forests of San Giorgio Lucano, Noepoli and Cersosimo. This valley is marked out by unique cultural identities. The small communities of San Paolo and San Costantino Albanese are Arbereshe, that is Italo-Albanian communities. In 1532/1534 the Albanians of the town of Korone, threatened by the Turks, left the country to land in Italy, heading to the regions of Apulia, Lucania and Calabria, repopulating or founding new communities. At present, after five centuries, the Albanian language is spoken, the customs and the Greek-Byzantine religious rituals are kept. The town of Terranova di Pollino is located at 926 m above sea level, the highest among the neighbours, called the "town of the reed-pipes" for its old musical tradition. The picturesque hamlet Casa del Conte is the starting point for excursions to the highest peaks of the Massif (Serra di Crispo, Serra delle Ciavole, Serra Dolcedorme, Monte Pollino). The Valley of the River Mercure includes the territories of the towns of Rotonda, Viggianello, Castelluccio Inferiore and Castelluccio Superiore. In ancient times, there was a vast lake inhabited by large mammals, such as the elephans anticuus italicus and the hippopotamus anticuus italicus. After several archaeological excavations the skeletons of these ancient animals have been discovered, which are preserved in the Natural History Museum of the Mercure in Rotonda.
2. SWOT analysis of the Pollino National Park For the Pollino National Park, where the Leader town of the park, San Severino Lucano is situated, tourism is one of the key policies for economic development and has been the main focus of planning tools for both the 2000-2006 and 20072013 planning cycles. Pollino National Parks major strengths are its wealth of outstanding natural and cultural resources as well as its vast heritage of museums and historic and archaeological sites. In addition, there are enormous untapped opportunities for tourism, where marketable tourism resources are to a large extent still underdeveloped. The Pollino National parks weaknesses are, in contrast, the strong seasonality of tourist demand and the high concentration of tourist arrivals in coastal areas around Maratea and Metaponto. In this scenario, the inland areas of the Basilicata Region, and consequently the Pollino National Park, should be considered as a strategic resource for regional tourism. These areas can relieve the impact of tourism on major coastal resorts and encourage harmonious tourism development in inland areas. Actions have already been put in place to promote tourism in these parts of the region and to position them on domestic and international markets as quality destinations for culinary, eco- and cultural tourists. Visitors can enjoy the local resources (culture, environment, food and wine) by utilizing accommodation providers that are strongly embedded in the area, such as farmhouses, bed & breakfasts and all other types of non-hotel establishments. The SWOT analysis clearly shows that across the board the Pollino National Park has major opportunities for tourism development, particularly in the culture and nature segments of the market. However, these opportunities are offset by a number of grey areas. Specific actions will need to be implemented in order to eliminate structural divides, thereby strengthening the areas ability to exploit opportunities associated with tourism development, and at the same time counteract the threats inherent in the competitive scenario. The following two tables summarize the results of the SWOT analysis of the Pollino National Park. The first table lists the areas strengths and weaknesses in relation to the cultural tourism market. The second table describes external factors that could either positively (opportunities) or negatively (threats) affect the reinforcement of the areas competitive positioning.
Table 1 SWOT analysis summary Strengths Weaknesses
High quality environmental, historic, cultural, archaeological and religious resources that can be promoted to foster tourism development Major food and wine attractors, and increasing awareness of local products outside the region
Poorly trained business owners and staff in terms of tourism

Limited size and undercapitalization of most businesses Inadequate infrastructures and services for citizens and businesses
Well-developed system of events and food festivals

Population mainly concentrated in towns and villages with distinctive historic centres of major cultural interest Unspoilt urban, architectural environmental landscapes and
Few inbound tourism operators

Poor integration between the food and wine sector and tourist services Inadequate local transport structures and infrastructures, particularly railways, with almost no intermodal facilities
Vast undeveloped areas Reasonable supply of manpower Low population density
Opportunities Proximity to well-developed tourist areas and possibility of generating indirect tourism
Growth in the demand for rural, cultural, and food and wine tourism Increasing appeal of minor tourist destinations as an alternative to large metropolitan areas Creation of tourism-related businesses in the commercial and service industries Low environmental impact of tourism development
Threats
Increased competition areas in Italy
from
other
High standards of services offered by other strongly positioned areas in Italy
ICT technologies allowing for considerable improvements in information access in terms of time, cost and reliability Tendency towards the regeneration and preservation of historic centres
Inadequacy of local transport structures in relation to local needs
3. Cultural Heritage in the Pollino National Park
The Pollino National Park has a rich and varied heritage. Situated in inland Basilicata, visitors to the area can enjoy picturesque scenery, areas of unspoilt natural beauty, and numerous sites of historic and artistic interest. The areas wealth of tourism resources is a result of the fact that the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Traces of the different civilizations that ruled over the area are often still visible in monuments and buildings. Other resources adding to the areas cultural heritage include the local customs and traditions. Over time, traditional food products have come to the fore and gained visibility. Thanks to their high quality and distinctive character, many have been awarded official status both nationally and at EU level. The areas assets can be summarized as follows: Archaeological itinerary (includes the archaeological sites and the museums); Architectural tour: the castles; Nature itineraries (includes sites of natural and scenic interest); Traditional food.
Some of the main tourist resources making up the vast heritage of the Pollino National Park have been identified. These resources cover a wide range of themes strongly associated with cultural tourism and are illustrated in the following subsections. Sub-section 3.1 describes Archaeological itinerary, Architectural tour and Nature itineraries, i.e historic sites and monuments, archaeological sites, villages, areas of natural and scenic interest, and museums. These resources are identified in their area, or in the town where are situated. Sub-section 3.2 describes the Traditional food products: Wine and food itineraries.
3.1
Archaeological itinerary, Architectural tour e Nature itineraries (Artistic, natural, historic and archaeological resources in the Pollino National Park)
A) ARCHAEOLOGICAL ITINERARY T o w n o f L A T R O N I C O
The archaeological site
The Caves of Latronico are a cornerstone for the knowledge of the prehistory in Southern Italy. There are four caves, that the specialists call "L1 the big cave, L2, L3, L4. Explorations began at the beginning of the XX century by the Director of the Provincial Museum of Potenza, Vittorio Di Cicco, and Ugo Rellini, a prominent paleethnologist of that period. Their researches, conducted with excavations aimed only at recovering "good material", established that it was a place of worship linked to the sulphurous waters. The researches were then neglected, the provincial road no.57 had demolished part of the caves. The systematic excavations, carried out with a new method called "strategic", restarted between the '70s and '90s, by the Superintendence and the University of Pisa. It was possible to establish that the cavities had been inhabited since the Mesolithic period (8000 B.C.) and were abandoned after 1200 B.C. (Aeneolithic). The complex is visible from the district of Calda. The territory of Latronico is reoccupied during the Iron Age, between the VII and V centuries, by indigenous groups of Aenotria descent (an old name of Italy meaning wine-producing land) practicing agriculture and stock raising, settling in the vast area of Colle dei Greci. The researches have highlighted some areas of larger necropolis dating from the V century, a sign of population growth. For now, no trace of settlement, owing to the preliminary character of the research. The findings are partly kept in the Museum of Policoro and partly in the Civic Museum of Latronico. A fossil fish dating back 30 million years ago is displayed in the site of Solarino Iannazzo.
The museums: The Civic Archaeological Museum, opened in 1996, consists of four rooms, of which two are for exhibitions. After the entrance, in the room on the left are exposed the finds brought to light during the excavations of the caves: pottery, bones, lithic industry, tools made of flint. The exhibition is accompanied by 9
precise and thorough captions, explanatory boards and pictures. The room on the right exhibits finds from the necropolis of Colle dei Greci; in a display window there is a restored skeleton with the findings as presented at the time of discovery. Explanatory panels and pictures contextualize the exhibits. The same building has two rooms dedicated to the peasant culture. T o w n o f C H I A R O M O N T E
The presence of human groups in this site has been demonstrated by rich necropolis scattered in various areas of the town: Serrone, Tuvolo, Spirito Santo, San Pasquale and Sotto la Croce. The graves show that the area has been visited regularly, since IXVIII centuries BC by indigenous groups of Aenotri. Until the I century BC the presences are continuous: the objects of the graves show that the natives suffered the influence of the Greeks, the Lucani, the Romans, and then the Middle Age came. Population increases and decreases are noted, there is also evidence of trade relations with the Etruscans. In addition to the necropolis, it was brought to light a sacred area dedicated to a goddess, still under study, therefore not open to the public. Residential areas have been identified, but no excavation has yet brought them to light. The findings relating to the areas of the necropolis and to the sacred area can be found at the Museo della Sirtide di Policoro: some of them are displayed, but others are on display in various cities across Europe and beyond, and still others are being restored. The museums
The Antiquarium that is about to be realized in Chiaromonte will include an exhibition on the anthropological aspects of an Aenotrian population of the Valley of A map of the finds the River Sinni.
will be displayed, some images of the settlements and
necropolis, aerial photographs showing traces of land use, display of a burial found in Chiaromonte. In addition, the museum will exhibit several osteological showcases that will allow to analyze and reconstruct the living conditions of the populations of the necropolis.
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T o w n
o f
S E N I S E
This town has never been the object of any excavation, the archaeological findings referable to Senise and its territory are few, occasional and out of context. Many finds have been recovered after having been stolen, therefore also the uncertainty about the exact place of origin makes it difficult to reconstruct the stages of life in the area. Some finds that can be dated back to the V millennium and the XII century BC show that the first inhabitations date back to Prehistory. Other findings were recovered dating back to the V century BC, however out of context. The museums The little Antiquarium exposes various material, the result of sporadic recoveries. Almost everything can be dated back to the IV-III century BC, some material from VIII to VI centuries BC, of either local production, or coming from the Greek colonies. However, the precariousness of context, does not allow any
archaeological interpretation.
T o w n
o f
N O E P O L I
The archaeological research in the territory of Noepoli has addressed a situation common to most of the towns in the valley of the River Sinni. Unfortunately, the discoveries of the research have not been published. It is known, however, that between the IX and V centuries BC groups belonging to Aenotria populations lived there. Excavations established that the first communities had already allocated from IX -VII century BC, a period to which some burials can be attributed. Life goes on even in the centuries to come: the tombs of the VII, VI and V centuries BC show the progressive evolution of the indigenous groups. The finds from the tombs are located at the Museo Nazionale della Sirtide but are not on display.
In Noepoli were also brought to light traces of the corresponding inhabited centre, situated in the upper part of the town. T o w n o f C E R S O S I M O
The archaeological researches have found that this centre is an ancient town. In fact, on top of the mount "Castello" there is a plateau sloping towards the west on which the ancient settlement was located, about 1 km away from the village. Around this town, stood an imposing city wall for a perimeter of 930 m, the 11
remains of the town are visible along its route, particularly on the South East and South-West sides. The fortification is made up of large rectangular blocks, well machined and square, arranged in regular rows: a technique similar to the Greek one. Researchers date back this fortification to the VI century BC, a period in which such building methods were used in other centres as a result of the trade relationships among the Greek colonies: Serra di Vaglio, Tricarico, Pomarico; Torretta di Pietragalla, Roccanova. The Museums
The local council, in collaboration with the Archaeological Superintendence of the Basilicata Region, is building a Multimedia Didactic Museum and an Archaeological Park. The Area intended for this purpose is situated in the upper part of the village, and consists of a two floor building, where the ground floor will host an exhibition of ancient costumes and activities of Cersosimo, and a model of the archaeological site, while on the first floor it will be installed a multimedia station for sensory activity with three programmable channels, made of an audiovisual product with animated drawings lasting about 15 minutes, on topics agreed with the experts of the Archaeological Superintendence of Basilicata. The building will house the
exhibition of archaeological finds produced in copy such as: vases and various objects to be allocated in suitable showcases; two models of warriors with objects reproduction; horse and knight with relating ornaments and armours; forex panels for illustration and the history of the archaeological site. Some statues will be placed near the access staircase at a height of about 2 meters representing the Goddess Athena, the Warrior on horseback, and the Lady who welcomes him. These statues are also the subject of the screenplay which will be part of the multimedia installation.
B) ARCHITECTURAL TOUR: THE CASTLES The Isabella Morras Castle It was Benedetto Croce to throw light on the story of Isabella Morra and Diego Sandoval de Castro, the lovers, who through their poignant and dramatic story brought to the limelight the castle of Favale in the territory of Valsinni. The feud was ruled by the Sanseverino, princes of Salerno, a family with whom the Morra family boosted a common Norman origin. The first feudal lord of Favale was Antonio Morra, whose son, marrying Luisa Brancaccio, generated, seven brothers, 12
and the little Isabella. Isabella, assiduous reader of poets, great dreamer of glory, hemmed in among rude people, in that wild place, the gloomy castle that frightened her: the large rooms were cold and mute, especially after her father and her beloved brother Scipione went into exile in France. In the woods surrounding the castle, the maiden had to live lonely for several months, while her brothers went, like all the gentlemen of the time, between hunts and banquets. From the castle you could see the peak of Mount Favale, and Isabella, however, attempted to flee because of her Petrarchian character. She fell in love with the fascinating Diego Sandoval de Castro, with whom she undertook an uninterrupted
correspondence. In her room, during a night in 1546, the barbarian brothers, who had known the intentions of their sister, and especially of Sandoval, swoop over the unhappy Isabella and furious, with blows of a dagger, put an end to her miserable days. The Castle of Episcopia
Built on a high rocky outcrop, the castle of Episcopia dominates the town and the valley below. The original building, probably of Longobard era, rather than a real manor house, it must have been a fortified abode which housed the militia and the stables. Saracens, Byzantines, Normans, then Swabians and Angevins expanded, modified and reused the previous structures. The various layers are still legible on the existing facades. The castle has two opposite towers, different in age and type, and was equipped with has a drawbridge stories that and made legends the access the difficult. castle.
Popular
imagination
created
around
In its shadow, the population has suffered harassments and abuses of power, they still remember the use of the "ius prime noctis" (or the right of the first night) and that of corve, namely the obligation to work for a few days a week free for the Marquis. However, it has also been cause for security and defence over the centuries, as during the brigandage when it was allowed that many families could take refuge in it. The Castle of Lauria
This Castle called "Ruggiero", named after the famous admiral of Aragon, son of Riccardo di Lauria (Richard of Lauria), Grand Executioner of the Kingdom and uncle of Manfredi of Swabia, dates back to the XIII century. The few remaining
structures do not allow a precise reconstruction of the complex, which, however, must have had large dimensions: the pointed arch windows and the type of walls would suggest a Norman attendance. With an octagonal plant, and external walls 13
of considerable size, perhaps the building was developed on three floors and had flanking towers of which there is still the trace. The only access was on the eastern side: there are still a few traces of a very steep staircase and the main entrance is still visible, based on solid rock. The walls are traditional, made of local stone. The castle belonged also to to the Sanseverino family and the Dukes of Candia. A
legend says that the feudatories gave hospitality to attractive maidens which were taught the art of love and espionage. The maidens were sent to the gentlemen who requested them. There are, however, no references of this traffic. The castle was also the centre of resistance to attacks by the French of the General Massena, who, in 1806, severely punished Lauria that had arisen against the Transalpines. C) NATURE ITINERARIES Torrent Peschiera Magnano Woods (Town of San Severino Lucano)
The path climbs up into the woods along the left bank of the Torrent Peschiera, where live the frog of the Apennines, the river crab, the Spectacled Salamander (Salamandrina terdigitata) and the otter, sign of the purity of the water. The route, 3.5 km long, starts near the junction with the road that leads to the refugerestaurant Bosco Magnano, near a stone fountain, at the confluence of the River Frido and the Torrent Peschiera. Description: the remains of a small ditch are to be followed, used in the past to channel the waters that moved the mill Fasanelli and the path gradually rises in the shadow of the forest of alder, willow trees and hawthorn bushes. After a stretch at high altitude, the trail drops back almost to touch the river bed where the maples grow, passes through a beech forest and over a tributary of the Torrent Peschiera on a wooden footbridge. At a clearing the bucolic environment suggests a pause (table and benches). It leaves the dirt road on your right direct to Taverna Magnano and the path continues on the left towards Bosco Magnano (always the torrent on the left), it passes over another stream (Table trail Path Italia) and continues straight on the dirt road until you reach an area equipped with games and two log cabins. Continuing along the dirt road you come to the wildlife fence (former wildlife enclosure of the deer), where deer are part of a project which saw the reintroduction of this ungulate in the Park. Belvedere di Malevento (Town of Viggianello)
A 3.5 km walk, ideal also for families with children, able to show hikers beautiful landscapes in the heart of the National Park. Description: from Piano Ruggio a dirt 14
path goes through the plateau - so wide as to show the historic refuge De Gasperi, really small - and then enters the beech forest where the surprising "Beech of the Seven Sisters" is the "patriarch" of this beautiful forest. The path, left the gloom of the beech forest, reserves to hikers the charming viewpoint of Malevento, overlooking the steep walls of Timpone that allows the view of the Plane of Castrovillari and the mountains of Orsomarso. From the viewpoint are observable splendid specimens of loricate pine trees clinging to the rock. Madonna del Pollino (Town of San Severino Lucano)
The route is an ancient votive path that climbs at high altitude to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Pollino, and is still today used in the month of June on the Feast of Our Lady of the Pollino. Initially indicated as the Path of the Pilgrim, it starts from the provincial road no.102, in the site Mezzana Salice, opposite the Mill Jannarelli. It goes up to meet the provincial road several times to cross it and continue along the slope of the rocky ridge on which stands the Sanctuary. Going on, the path becomes paved and passes through the hamlet Mezzana Frido, before becoming dirt road until it reaches the road of the Sanctuary near a pedestal where the statue of the Madonna stops during the procession. The path follows the road for a short stretch, at the crossroad goes up on the left and runs along the right side of the road. Then it comes to the hamlet Fornace where the trail properly called Madonna del Pollino begins. From Plane Fornace, reported on the board of the park, crossing a ditch, the trail arrives at hamlet Albaneto and starts the crossing of Fosso Jannace up to the Plane of the Cerro. It bends to the right, slightly downhill, to fall back again into the forest and return to the path until this goes down, then begins to climb towards the Passage of Pollino. This is a fracture of the mountain that is also a point overlooking the valley of the River Frido. You go back and resume again the path that goes right up to the ridge to reach out, continuing up to the Sanctuary. Sentiero Bosco Vaccarizzo (Town of Carbone)
Arrived by car near the Forest Refuge in Carbone, drive along a dirt road that goes back to the west into the woods. On the left, a path leads us to the watershed between the valley of Fiumitello and that of Serrapotamo: here begins the most beautiful and scenic part of the route. The trail along the watershed ridge, skirting the western edge of the Wood Vaccarizzo, the landscape, spacious and bright, 15
opens up to the valley of Fiumitello up to the Mount Alpi, which rises to the north before tackling the final ascent which leads us to the scenic summit of Serra La Spina, at the altitude of 1274 m, the highest of the entire route. From here the view is superb: it dominates the underlying Wood Vaccarizzo and the view sweeps to the peaks of the Massif Pollino, still covered with snow in the spring. We now go down from the summit, still continuing along the ridge, to the next saddle where the path then bends right and in a few meters we reach the road; a little further on we encounter a small stone fountain with fresh water, perfect for cooling down. The route now follows the road until it returns to the Forest Refuge.
3.2 TRADITIONAL FOOD PRODUCTS: WINE AND FOOD ITINERARIES The Lucanica sausage
The Lucanica sausage, or more simply Lucanica, is made of selected meats from locally raised pigs fed with natural products. Like all the handmade productions, it is difficult to legitimate it with a definite recipe, considering that it can be found in various versions according to the origin. It is normally prepared using first choice meats, specifically shoulder and clippings of cup, cleansed of nerves, tendons and cartilage. The dough is enriched with fennel seeds and a percentage of red chilli powder. Stuffed in natural pork bowel is left to settle for a whole night and then the next morning, is hung out to dry for 15-20 days. Typically U-shaped, it has a slightly spicy taste and a smell of discrete intensity. The Lucanica sausage is produced especially in Chiaromonte, Castronuovo S. Andrea and Senise. The soppressata (brawn) of the Lucania Region
It has ancient roots especially in the district of Lagonegro where it has been produced for almost three centuries. Of limited production, made of pork meat from local pigs traditionally raised and fed naturally. Only the finest meats of the animal are used, such as the heart of the thighs or the central portion of the loin which, when cubed by knife or special dies, are mixed with a 6-7% of fat also reduced to small pieces. It must be added, salt, peppercorns and paprika powder. Reached the right consistency, the mixture is stuffed into natural bowels and the cured salami so obtained is placed in a wicker basket for a couple of days to rest. After an initial drying followed by pressing, it stays for a month or more in an 16
environment suited to drying. At the time of sale it weighs about 250 gr. and has a fragrant spicy aroma and a mild taste. The brawn is especially produced in Chiaromonte, Castronuovo S. Andrea, Senise. Paddaccio
Paddaccio is especially produced in Rotonda, Viggianello and Terranova di Pollino. The name comes from the spherical shape (Padda: ball). Its a goat and sheep cheese: the milk (mainly sheep) comes from animals raised on pasture, and coagulated with goat or lamb curd obtained directly in the farm. It is to be consumed fresh and has an ivory colour tending to greyish, slightly greasy to the touch, the palate is soft and creamy, with nice sour notes. The Paddaccio is produced especially in Rotonda, Viggianello and Terranova di Pollino. Pecorino (sheep cheese)
The cheese is produced exclusively from raw milk from animals raised on pasture, even up to 1000 m. Fresh milk or heated to 39 degrees, is coagulated with lamb rennet paste, depending on the dose that gives a taste more or less spicy. After 30, 35 minutes, the curd is broken into particles of the size of a grain of corn or rice and allow to drain the mass in the forms for about fifteen minutes. At this point we proceed to stewing and the next day, the shift in brine. The cell of maturing will host the forms for 60-80 days, at the end of this period, the cheeses are dry-brushed and ready for consumption.Pecorino is produced in particular in San Paolo Albanese, Senise and Episcopia. Taparelle, Rascatielli, Fusilli e Mischiglio (handmade pasta)
The unique culinary heritage of the area is also expressed in this handcraft which brings back the recipes of the homemade pasta using more types of flour (of cereals but also pulses) and tools (irons, canes, stems of shrubs). Among the formats still practiced it is worthy to remember the Taparelli (dragged), the Rascatielli (Cavatelli), Fusilli, Ferrazzuoli, the wired at square section, the half Ferretti. A kind of summa of traditional pastries is Mischiglio that is made by mixing durum wheat semolina (or another wheat called fodder) with barley flour, beans and chickpeas flour. It has been found a "route of Mischiglio" that holds together the towns of Chiaromonte, Fardella, Calvera and Teana.
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The Aubergine of Rotonda
It is small, of the size of a golden apple, at the beginning of maturation it has an orange colour with light shades of greenish and then, at complete cycle takes on reddish shades of greater intensity. More than an aubergine it resembles a persimmon or a tomato, in fact, in the area is known as merlingiana or pummadora (tomato in the local dialect). The pulp is fairly meaty, does not blacks even after several hours after cutting: the aroma is intense, fruity. The palate is rightly spicy with a pleasant bitter finish. It is consumed preserved in oil, vinegar, rarely freshly picked up. It is produced exclusively in Rotonda. The white bean and Poverello (the poor one) of Rotonda
Typical of the Basilicata Region, and more specifically of the town of Rotonda, this is a demanding bean: it loves the cold air, goes unwillingly under 600 m of altitude and favours places with summer maximum temperatures around 30 degrees that strengthen the simple sugar content in the seeds. This favours a slow, successful ripening. It is sown in the first half of June by depositing 5 to 12 seeds in each of the traditional "postarelle", small square caves forming tidy rows. Since are crops creepers, the Poverello and the white bean need tutors: for this purpose chestnut poles or special nets are generally used. Harvested by hand in two or three steps in the months of September and October, they come to the market as fresh and green beans for shelling, or in grain, that is dry (the seeds are oval and round shaped, white to yellow, without no variegation). The Pepper of Senise (Protected Geographical Indication)
It may have a pointed shape, trunk shaped or hook shaped, is about 10, 15 cm long and the peel is green or red. The pepper of Senise has always been grown in a limited area, which includes, in addition to the town that gives its name, other 12 towns perched on a promontory overlooking the valley of the River Sinni and its tributary Serropotamo. Sown between February and March and transplanted in May, is picked up in summer (first fortnight of August). Despite some similarities with the pepper of the Campania Region, (horn of Taurus), is distinguished by the thin pulp (1,5,2 mm) and the low liquid content, which facilitates the drying. This latter operation is done by placing the freshly picked peppers on sheets of cloth or nets in the shadow of a dry and well ventilated rooms for two or three days, then slip the stems with string finally get those necklaces called serte to dry in the sun, 18
attached to poles or railings. In order to transform the fruit into powder, it is baked in the oven for further reducing the moisture and allow for easier milling (usually in traditional stone mills operated by water power). The Senise pepper can be tasted fresh, dry after being fried in plenty of olive oil (i cruschi) or ground, in accompaniment to various dishes or in the dough of cheeses and salami. The powder, very fine, recalls the saffron: therefore the pepper is called Zafarano, in the local dialect. The Ribbed Tomato of Rotonda
Also well-known with the name of Grosso di Rotonda (the Big one of Rotonda) and produced in this town, it is a rather vigorous plant that needs supports both to be grown outdoors and in greenhouses. The fruits of considerable size (they can also reach one kilo) once they ripen, have a deep red colour, a globular shape, irregular ribs (hence the name) a fleshy pulp, sweet rather than sour, remarkably fragrant, it contains few seeds and has many lobes near the margins. The qualities of the Costoluto di Rotonda are appreciated especially when it is eaten raw in salads, but good results are achievable even turning it into preserves.
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4.Mediterranean areas involved in the project: cultural tourism themes
Mediterranean areas often share the same natural potential for development as cultural tourism destinations. This can be explained by their rich and varied archaeological, historic, natural and culinary heritage. Ancient history is a key theme common to Mediterranean regions, including those participating in the CHORD Project. These areas were inhabited in ancient times by advanced civilizations, signs of which can still be found in a diversity of archaeological remains and artefacts. During the centuries, Mediterranean regions were ruled over by a succession of different peoples, own. As well as being highly prized and fought over in ancient times, Mediterranean areas, including those involved in the CHORD Project, share a favourable geographical location in terms of accessibility, beautiful scenery, and fertile land. The natural and scenic resources in participating areas are some of the strengths of their tourism offering and as such need to be protected and promoted. Signs of the foreign powers that once ruled over Mediterranean areas in the past can also be seen in the local architecture. Towns and villages in the Mediterranean grew and developed around their original street plan, which is often still visible today in roads and sometimes whole neighbourhoods, offering visitors an insight into different historical periods. Different places in each Mediterranean area have each preserved their own unique cultural identity, and many local traditions, customs and habits are still very much alive today. The tendency to preserve and promote typicalities often associated with farming culture and old religious rituals is one of the aspects common to all the areas involved in the CHORD Project. Last but not least, food is one of the ways in which the traditions and culture of a people are expressed. Although each Mediterranean region has its own specialities, their culinary traditions were influenced and enriched by the eating habits imported by the different civilizations that inhabited these lands in past centuries. the best of their predecessors culture and customs into their
20
In conclusion, if suitably promoted and communicated the cultural heritage of all Mediterranean areas, particularly those involved in the CHORD Project, represents an enormous opportunity for economic and social development, especially if this opportunity is exploited by implementing policies of quality tourism and
environmental sustainability.
21
CHORD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 2 3 SWOT analysis of the Municipality of Ceut .....................................................3 Cultural resources in the Municipality of Ceut ...............................................5 Cultural poles .....................................................................................................8
3.1 History and Art Pole ........................................................................................................................ 9 3.2 Traditions and Crafts Pole............................................................................................................. 10 3.3 Food & Wine Pole ......................................................................................................................... 11
4
4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4
Ceutimagina: best practice..............................................................................12

Varied offer. ................................................................................................................................... 12 Interaction...................................................................................................................................... 13 Strong mark. .................................................................................................................................. 13 Changing activities. ....................................................................................................................... 13
A model for promoting cultural heritage in the Municipality of Ceut..........14
Sources...........................................................................................................................15
1. SWOT analysis of the Municipality of Ceut

For Murcia Regional Government, tourism is one of the key policies for economic development. The objective of Tourism Director Plan for the period 2006-2012 is to promote the Region as an attractive, differentiated and quality tourism destiny through a strategy combining cost-effectiveness and environment protection. Ceuts major strengths are: its experience in organising cultural activities which attracts a high number of visitors, its prestige for the quality in cultural services offer as well as its proximity to big cities with a large population. In addition, apart from the interesting offer of museums, the gastronomy is outstanding. The towns weaknesses are, in contrast, the strong seasonality of tourist demand, the poor connections with public transport and the lack of a global project that should put together the cultural offer. There is neither an integrated offer nor an integrated communication for the cultural resources. Efforts must be put into place in order to offer the public an attractive pack with interactive activities, so that the visitors stay in Ceut for one day or two. The SWOT analysis clearly shows that across the board Ceut has major opportunities for tourism development, particularly in the culture segment of the market. However, these opportunities are offset by a number of grey areas. Natural resources and traditional professions which are disappearing should be put into value and try to integrate them into the cultural offer, so that the people devoted to these activities may have additional incomes from tourism. The following two tables summarize the results of the SWOT analysis of the Municipality of Ceut. The first table lists the areas strengths and weaknesses in relation to the cultural tourism market. The second table describes external factors that could either positively (opportunities) or negatively (threats) affect the reinforcement of the areas competitive positioning.
Big experience in the organisation of tourist activities which attracted a high number of visitors Well connected to the motorway MurciaMadrid Close to big cities with large population
Limited financial resources
Poor connections with public transport
Seasonal tourism. Too high temperature from May to September for an interior destination
Good image for cultural activities
Good relationship with the media High level of involvement towards culture from the present governing team Good gastronomy Very active twinning committee Secondary school very active in European programs Close to the seaside (less than an hour)
Lack of big installations where organising activities
Low associative level in the local population
Lack of a global project that put together all the cultural offer
Long cycle routes
Municipality of a small size
Opportunities Big number of visitors arriving to Archena Thermal Baths, only 6 kms away from Ceut. Set up of new rural houses in the surrounding villages Fidelity of schools with a destination adapted to them New airport to be built in Murcia. Collaboration with other tourist hubs which are not in direct competition with Ceut to exchange good practices The small dimension of the city facilitates the establishment of tourist routes by foot or bike Organisation of international events through the twinning committee and the secondary school
Threats Well-managed cultural hubs in less than an hour, e.g.: Cartagena Puerto de Culturas Decreasing purchasing capacity
Extinction of natural resources: huerta
Extinction of traditional professions
Political changes: new decision-makers with other priorities. This can imply a lack of financial resources and staff devoted to cultural initiatives
2. Cultural resources in the Municipality of Ceut

The Municipality of Ceut has a rich and varied cultural offer. Despite its small size Ceut has an auditorium, which has gained prestige outside the regional frontiers thanks to its varied offer and rigorous programming, and four museums: La Conservera, a recently opened international contemporary art centre, has received in a short period of time very good critics, being recommended even in the New York Times; the Open Air Museum with sculptures and murals, some of them from famous artists, being one of the most important in Spain; Antonio Campillo Museum has the biggest collection of this Murcian sculptor; the 7 Chimneys Museums which is interesting as it contains a collection of machinery coming from the cannery industry. The areas assets can be summarized as follows: historic sites and monuments, including churches archaeological sites sites of natural and scenic interest museums traditional food products crafts events and local traditions.
Archaeological sites Type Resource Archaeological Arabic Wall site
Description An Islamic wall made of adobe (sun-dried brick), which formed part of the entrance to the farmstead a thousand years ago. Since the place was adapted to visits, it holds every Christmas the traditional Nativity.
Responsible body Ceut Town Council
Museums Type Museums/ Art
Museums/ Art
Resource Antonio Campillo Museum La Conservera
Description An old fine town house, which holds a large collection of sculptures and drawings donated by this well-known Murcian artist Named after the former use of the building as a cannery, this contemporary art centre has four exhibition halls of impressive dimensions. Its temporary exhibitions focus on artists from different generations, predominantly those born in the 1960s and 1970s With a present collection of over 100 works of art created by great artists at a national level, is all around the village. Any visitor who walks through the streets and squares of Ceut can admire the beauty of sculptures and murals from artists like Pedro Chillida, Manolo Valds, Baltasar Lobo, Ouka Lele, to name but a few. Located in an old grand house, it contains a representation of tools, objects and machinery from the past. The ones dedicated to the canned vegetables industry stand out.
Responsible body Ceut Town Council Department of Visual Arts of the Regional Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Museums/ Art
Open Air Museum
Ceut Town Council
Museums/ traditions
7 Chimneys Museum
Ceut Town Council
Sites of natural and scenic interest Type Resource Description Sites of natural Huerta Beautiful fertile irrigated area which it is sadly and scenic disappearing too fast interest
Responsible body Private owners
Traditional food products Type Resource Traditional food Gastronomy products
Description Without doubt, the gastronomy of Murcia is one of its great tourist attractions. This culinary tradition keeps the healthy properties of the Mediterranean cuisine adding the best imagination and creativity. In Ceut traditional and creative cuisine coexist.
Responsible body Private restaurants. The town council collaborates organising the tapas route
Historic Sites and Monuments Type Resource Historic Sites Boticarios Waterwheel Churches Saint Mary Magdalene Church Churches/ Art Saint Roques Hermitage
Description Dated from 1.789, it has been working in the fertile irrigated area until quite recently. Dated from 1.954, it replaced an old church built in the same place. It has a Saint Mary Magdalenes relic, certified by Pope Pius VI. Dated from 1.979 for Saint Roque, Ceuts patron saint from 1.648. Its main interest is the sculptures and altarpiece donated by the artist Antonio Campillo.
Responsible body Ceut Town Council Diocese of Cartagena Ceut Town Council
Crafts Type Crafts
Resource Craftsmen
Description In Ceut there are some outstanding craftsmen dedicated to ceramics, objects made out recycled paper, forge An artisan market takes place the third Sunday of every month
Responsible body Artisan market: town council in cooperation with the artisans
Events and local traditions Type Resource Events/ Ceuts performances auditorium
Events
Cntigas de Mayo
Events
Events
International Folklore Festival Fires Night
Description With a capacity for 415 people, has an acoustics and scenic space which is perfect for a certain type of performances. It has prestige outside the regional frontiers because of its varied offer (theatre, music, dance) and rigorous programming National Competition of Authors Song for new artists held in ten occasions, it has become the most important competition of these characteristics in Spain, with an amazing call power. It takes place in August with participants coming from Europe and South America On the occasion of summer solstice, Ceuts Town Council organises since 1.996 a participating festival where music, theatre, fire spectacles and other activities are combined. Traditional processions of floats. In Holly Thursday saetas are heard from some balconies: a flamenco song, a free-form lament, sung by one person with no accompaniment.
Responsible body Ceut Town Council
Ceut Town Council
Ceut Town Council Ceut Town Council
Events
Holly Week
Cofradas and Town Council
3. Cultural poles
The analysis of cultural resources in the Municipality of Ceut clearly indicates a strong potential for cultural tourism. Promoting tourism development in Ceut through the CHORD Project involves identifying thematically grouped resources based on the travel motivations and interests of potential visitors. The resources were analysed according to category and then grouped into cultural poles, defined by themes of interest to the potential market. Three pre-existing or potential cultural poles for the Municipality of Ceut were identified: History and Art Traditions and Crafts Food & Wine. For each of the poles, a brief description of the theme in relation to the Municipality of Ceut and a list of resources are provided. In order to foster tourism development in the area, the main existing or potential players either directly or indirectly involved in promoting cultural tourism in the Municipality of Ceut were also identified: Ceut Town Council Department of Visual Arts of the Regional Ministry of Culture and Tourism CREA Craftsmen Association ADRI Vega del Segura (Association for Rural Development) Regional Ministry of Culture and Tourism
a. History and Art Pole

The Municipality of Ceut holds some of the main important museums in the Region of Murcia. La Conservera, named after the former use of the building as a cannery, has undergone a significant renovation, providing a total 4,800 square meters of exhibition space. Opened in May 2009, La Conservera aims to be a focal point for international art. Walking around Ceut, visitors may find sculptures and murals created by very important artists at a national level. Ceut Open Air Museum has been a reference in national articles and it is even part of a documentary film. Ceuts auditorium, on the other hand, has gain prestige outside our regional frontiers with its rigorous programming and its national contest of authors songs.
Figure 2 History and Art Pole: resources Arabic Wall Antonio Campillo Museum La Conservera Open Air Museum 7 Chimneys Museum Chimneys Ceuts Auditorium Boticarios Waterwheel Saint Mary Magdalene Church Saint Roques Hermitage
b. Traditions and Crafts Pole

7 Chimneys from the cannery past in Ceut, raise over the villages roofs. However, there still remain some small enterprises which make canned products in an artisan way. This could be exploited as an activity for tourists. Moreover, one of the most important craftsmen associations in the Region of Murcia is placed in Ceut and an artisan market is held every third Sunday of each month.
Figure 3 Traditions and Crafts Pole: resources International Folklore Festival Fires Night Holly Week Huerta Canneries artisans Craftsmen
10
c. Food & Wine Pole

Without doubt, the gastronomy of Murcia is one of its great tourist attractions. This culinary tradition keeps the healthy properties of the Mediterranean cuisine adding the best imagination and creativity. With a lot of success, a tapas route has been held in Ceut twice a year since April 2009. Ceuts restaurants and cafeteras offer some of the regional specialities cooked in a very good way. Morever in the Region of Murcia there are three denomination of origin for wines: Bullas, Yecla and Jumilla. These wines can be, of course, found in Ceuts establishments. Finally, Murcia is a major orchard area in Europe. Ceut takes part of it with the blida apricot being one of its main specialities.
Figure 4 Food & Wine Pole: resources Product Bullas DO Yecla DO Jumilla DO Canned foods Meatcakes Rice and rabbit Blida apricot Category Wine Wine Wine Fruit and vegetables Confectionary Special cooking Fruit and vegetables
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4. Ceutimagina: best practice

Despite being closed in December 2.008, Ceutimagina has been a good example of best practice for a village like Ceut in many ways. Opened in November 2.004, Ceutimagina was a modern space for arts and sciences, with an interesting and varied program changing throughout the year. During its life, it received scientific exhibitions from the Natural History Museum (London), Cit des Sciences et de lIndustrie (Paris), Technopolis (Belgium) and National Museums Liverpool, amongst others. In addition, a number of celebrated art exhibitions came to Ceutimagina: Goya etchings from The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke-onTrent (U.K.), the only Salvador Dal sculptures shaped by his own hands, and the best Glass of the Avant-Garde collection in the world. In the last year, it created its own exhibitions, with a lot of success of public according to visitor surveys: Legends and Reality, Yum Yum, Maths, etc. Ceutimagina received between November 2.004 and December 2.008, 155,000 paying visitors, taking into account that the centre was closed in summer due to the high temperatures in interior destinations in Murcia. Apart from the paying visitors, there were special groups who entered for free: students from Ceut, groups from twinned towns, journalists, etc. As a whole, Ceutimagina could have been visited by 180,000 people, an important figure for a village of around 10,500 inhabitants. Ceutimagina success could be explained by:
a. Varied offer
Ceutimagina building was divided into 6 exhibition rooms, which offered a wide array of activities. This attracted people from different ages and different expectations: For those interested in art, the art exhibition room completely fulfilled their expectations. For very small children, from 3 to 5 years old, the centre offered special activities. This attracted a lot of schools who cannot normally find a cultural offer targeting these ages. For those interested in science, science shows and some exhibitions had a very strong scientific base. All exhibitions and shows were educational, therefore attracting schools not only from the whole Region of Murcia, but also from other provinces like Alicante. For those interested in having fun, most exhibitions and shows were highly interactive.
This means that Ceutimagina had bookings every day from Monday to Friday during the scholar year, and it received a lot of families during the weekends.
12
b. Interaction
One of Ceutimagina main attractions was the interaction with the public: Hands-on exhibitions. Hands-on exhibits are a good way of learning while having fun. Science shows consisted in about twenty amazing experiments which were made with visitors aid. Visits with actors. The exhibition Legends and Reality was guided by actors, which explained in a very funny way the reason why some legends like vampires, witches or werewolves appeared throughout history. Actors adapted the visit to different types of visitors, they interacted with the public by making them to participate in the visit. Workshops. Art exhibitions for children coming from Muse en Herbe in Paris were complemented with workshops. Children could take home their masterpieces.
c. Strong mark
Due to a good marketing campaign, Ceutimaginas name was recognised in a few years by a high percentage of population in the Region of Murcia. Main promotion activities were: Participation with a stand and a lot of activities related to Ceutimaginas exhibitions in Murcia Science Week. This was a good opportunity of showing what Ceutimagina could offer. Participation with a stand in National Tourism Fair in Torre Pacheco (Murcia). Big banners in main access roads to Murcia (the capital of the Region). Leaflets in main tourist offices. Sending of leaflets to schools. Slots in radio stations. Advertising in events guides. Advertising in newspapers.
Ceutimagina achieved a lot of press coverage, their activities appearing even in IBERIA magazines without any cost. An important thing is the association that the public made to Ceutimagina mark. Schools phoned to make bookings without knowing the programme that was on, relying that they would always find an interesting offer.
d. Changing activities
Exhibitions and shows changed every four/ five months. During its life, a lot of people visited Ceutimagina from two to four times, some of them even 7 times. 13
5. A model for promoting cultural heritage in the Municipality of Ceut.

Ceutimagina was sold in December 2.008 to the Regional Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which transformed it into the contemporary art centre La Conservera. Apart from being a completely different project, targeted to a smaller part of society, the visit to La Conservera may last at the longest 1 hour. People do not normally travel from other cities just for a 45 minutes visit. The same occurs with other museums in Ceut, like Antonio Campillo or 7 Chimneys. Promoting the Municipality of Ceut requires the implementation of an integrated interactive offer which can make the visit worthwhile. This integrated offer will be based in successful experiences like workshops and visits with actors: Visits with actors to 7 Chimneys Museum. As they cross the entrance, people will travel through time into the nineteenth century. They will find there a character who explains how his life is and who points out the enormous differences with our nowadays life. Art workshops for children in Antonio Campillo Museum. Guided visits in bicycle to Open Air Museum. Workshops at the artisan market.
Along the CHORD project, other pilot activities will be added trying to involve other stakeholders such as craftsmen and farmers. Promotion will be very important; a good and clear message needs to be transmitted to society so that they understand the new offer. New leaflets will have to be printed with all the activities available, dates, timetables These leaflets will be distributed in tourist offices in main population centres in less than an hour drive from Ceut. TURISMUR, the National Tourism Fair in Torre Pacheco (Murcia), is an important event to participate in. 35,000 people visited this year this three days fair. Most of them were inhabitants from the Region of Murcia looking for a place to spend a day or a weekend. This is one of the main target markets for Ceut. To raise awareness of the Municipality of Ceut on international target markets, Ceut will participate in a road show in a European capital city in a joint action with other CHORD partners.
14
Sources
Municipality of Ceut portal, www.ceuti.es Murcia Regional Council portal for tourism and cultural heritage, www.murciaturistica.es Casa Alta (agricultural cooperative), www.casa-alta.com Control Board of the Designation of Origin Jumilla, www.vinosdejumilla.org Control Board of the Designation of Origin Bullas, www.vinosdebullas.es Control Board of the Designation of Origin Yecla, www.yeclavino.com
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CHORD

Cultural Heritage: Exploiting Opportunities for Rural Development

Cultural Heritage Poles Study

Cultural poles ...................................................................................................24

The Cultural District: best practice .................................................................33

A model for promoting cultural initiatives in the Province of Benevento .335

1. SWOT analysis of the Province of Benevento

Figure 1 SWOT analysis summary Strengths Weaknesses

Little awareness of local resources outside the area

Increased competition from other areas in Italy

High standards of services offered by other strongly positioned areas in Italy

Inadequacy of local transport structures in relation to local needs

2. Cultural resources in the Province of Benevento

Artistic, natural, historic and archaeological resources in the Province of Benevento

Benevento and the Colline Beneventane

Architecture, history and art

Churches and monasteries

Chiesa di Santa Sofia

Churches and monasteries

Architecture, history and art

Rocca dei Rettori

Provincial Council of Benevento

Museo del Sannio

Provincial Council of Benevento / Art Sannio Cultural Heritage Agency

Provincial Council of Benevento / Art Sannio Cultural Heritage Agency

Buonalbergo Type Archaeological site

Resource Ponte delle Chianche

Churches and monasteries

Eremo della Madonna della Macchia

Pietrelcina Type Villages

Resource Places in the life of San Pio

Churches and monasteries

Chiesa SS. Annunziata

Churches and monasteries

Monastero di San Gabriele

Bonea Type Archaeological site

Resource Ruins of the Villa of Cocceius

Torre del Vessillo

SantAgata de Goti Type Resource Villages Historic centre

Churches and monasteries

Chiesa di San Menna

Responsible body SantAgata de Goti Town Council

Churches and monasteries

Chiesa di SantAngelo Muncularis

Solopaca Type Architecture, history and art

Resource Palazzo Ducale

Architecture, history and art

Architecture, history and art

Ponte Regina Maria Cristina

Churches and monasteries

Chiesa di San Martino Vescovo

Churches and monasteries

Santuario Madonna del Roseto

Museums / Food and Wine

Responsible body Solopaca Town Council

Solopaca Town Council

Solopaca Town Council

Diocese of Cerreto Sannita Telese Terme SantAgata de Goti

Foglianise Type Nature and landscape

Resource Parco Regionale del TaburnoCamposauro

Nature cave church

Eremo di San Michele

Responsible body Ente Parco Regionale del TaburnoCamposauro (Park Authority)