Thanks to CoHeN project – with direct labour of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia – it became possible to continue the work of consolidation, restoration and enhancement of the Chlemoutsi castle and specifically of Hall A3, which is identified with the kitchens of the princely fortress that dates back to the period of the Frankish Rule.
From the beginning of the programme until today, regarding the management scope and coordination of the project, supplies and office equipment (laptops, scanner, printer) were procured, the organisation of the kick-off meeting of the CoHeN programme took place in February 2020 at the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia (Olympia and Chlemoutsi), while the contract for the project’s financial management control was signed. At the same time, regarding the communication media for the programme’s promotion and this project, in particular, an information meeting (Infoday) of the programme was held in September 2020 at the castle of Chlemoutsi. Also, the service contract has been signed regarding the preparation of translations of material for publication, while the printing of brochures related to this programme has also been implemented.
Regarding the research and documentation section, the required restoration studies (architectural, structural) were prepared and were approved by the Central Archaeological Council in April 2021, with points for review. For this reason, the study was modified, taking into account the observations and suggestions of the Central Archaeological Council. The modified studies are forwarded to the Directorate for the Restoration of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Monuments of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture to receive their final approval. In addition, a detailed report/study was prepared on the creation of the Adriatic – Ionian coastal route (Chlemoutsi castle Identity Key). At the same time, along with the project, historical, architectural and archaeological research is carried out by the scientific staff.
Scientific staff (archaeologist, architect, civil engineer) was hired to start the fieldwork; a camera was purchased for the photographic documentation of the work, an analysis of the composition of authentic mortars was carried out, which was approved by the competent service of the Ministry of Culture, a project announcement sign was erected, the supply of pharmacy, personal protective equipment, water jet system and the protective sign of the construction site were procured, while a contract is in progress for the supply of tools and the purchase of a lifting machine with a metal base for the high-level transport of materials from outside the monument’s enclosure to the roof terrace of Hall A3 (area of interventions). At the same time, site preparation works were carried out, old constructions, materials and tools were removed from Hall A3, and excavation was conducted in area A3a, where the sewer pipe running diagonally through the room came to light. At the same time, primary cleaning and recording of the pottery found were also carried out.
Throughout the preparation of the project, the scientific staff studies and determines the specifications and the required quantities of materials, equipment, and accessories and budgets the relevant costs (construction materials, metal bolts, anchors, installation of scaffolding and lifts, dome restoration, grouts, etc.).