The approved ERDF Regional Operational Programme for Thessaly 2014-2020 - which is the Policy Instrument addressed by Thessaly Region within FINCH Project implementation - includes a specific financial instrument, entitled Integrated Territorial Investment (ITI) concerning a Culture-Tourism Route in Thessaly. The purpose of the Route is to utilize and promote the Region’s cultural and natural heritage so that it becomes a vehicle for growth both in the areas directly implicated and the Region as a whole. The Route will cover important and renowned monuments of Thessaly. Geographically, it extends from the region of Western Thessaly (Trikala-Meteora) all the way to Eastern Thessaly (Magnesia) via Larissa. It includes all of the ancient theatres of Thessaly (Ancient Theatre of Pthiotidai Thebes, Ancient Theatre of Demetrias, Ancient Theatre of Larissa I, Ancient Theater of Larissa II) as well as the most remarkable monuments from other historical periods, principally the Neolithic settlements of Sesklo and Dimini, the Theopetra Cave and the Meteora monastic complex.
The Route’s ultimate goal is to increase visitor traffic, entrepreneurship, and employment in Thessaly, while FINCH Regional Action Plan foresees both Calls for public and private investments specifically focused on the Route and the establishment and operation of a Destination Marketing Organisation (DMO). It is worth mentioning that Thessaly’s FINCH Regional Action Plan was validated by Interreg Europe at 2nd of March 2021 and according to the Sub Action A entitled ‘Calls for public and private investments specifically focused on the Route’, the following monuments were granted funding for valorization and restoration purposes:
• Archeological site of Ancient Pilina and Petroporos (1.692.500€)
• Preservation of the frescoes of the holy church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (80.000,00€)
• Restoration of the Holy Temple of Agios Dimitrios in the settlement of Psiloma (500.000,00€)
• Fastening and restoration of Teke Hassan – Baba (600.000,00€)
• “Swarts” Museum at Ambelakia (600.000,00€)
• Restoration of Byzantine Castle and archaeological site of Trikala (1.744,000€)
The interventions mentioned above were granted within 2021, in close collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Culture and despite the effects caused at the local economy due to Covid 19 restrictions.
