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Preservation Efforts
After the earthquake of 1966, the construction of New Viniani, and increased industrialization (specifically, the influx of factories and the city-exclusive job opportunities they offered) due to the Greek economic miracle, Viniani's population declined sharply. Many buildings were left in disrepair, with some of them damaged beyond hope of reconstruction.
Consequently, several groups have thoughtfully invested time and resources into preserving the culturally priceless landmarks that still remain. Among these groups are students and faculty of the National Technical University of Athens' School of Architecture, who conducted a dedicated research project centered around Viniani in 2023. Their findings would eventually be compiled into the book 'Viniani of Agrafa', which we are honored to host on our website.
What follows are pictures taken by the NTUA Research Team in 2022-2023, which document some of their field work.
Photo credit: Urban Environment Laboratory (NTUA) Archive
The NTUA research team, together with Mayor Alexis Kardambikis, academics Vasso Trova, Nikos Belavilas, Elena Konstantinidou, Polina Prentou, and Giorgos Pantazis, students, and Viniyani native Kostas Monias, at the entrance to Old Viniyani. April 2023.
Photo credit: Urban Environment Laboratory (NTUA) Archive
Informational event on Viniani held in the Municipal Council Chamber in Kerasovo. June 2022.
Photo credit: Urban Environment Laboratory (NTUA) Archive
Presentation on Viniani at which the research findings were presented in the L. Kaftantzoglou Ceremony Hall of the National Technical University of Athens.
Photo credit: Urban Environment Laboratory (NTUA) Archive
The NTUA faculty team in Nea Viniani discussing the progress of the research during an evening break from the fieldwork. Pictured are Professor Nikos Belavilas, Professor Konstantinos Karadimas, and Dr. Maria Balοdimou. April 2023.
Photo credit: Urban Environment Laboratory (NTUA) Archive
Associate Professor Elena Konstantinidou with students during the field visit to Viniani. April 2023.
Photo credit: Urban Environment Laboratory (NTUA) Archive
Professor Nikos Belavilas with students on the hill of Agios Georgios. June 2022.
Photo credit: Urban Environment Laboratory (NTUA) Archive
Associate Professor Eleftheria Tsakanika being interviewed in the courtyard of the Church of the Twelve Apostles. April 2023.
Photo credit: Urban Environment Laboratory (NTUA) Archive
Research Coordinator Dr. Maria Balοdimou surveying the “Teacher’s House.” April 2023.
Photo credit: Urban Environment Laboratory (NTUA) Archive
Students of the research team conducting fieldwork in Palaia Viniani.
Photo credit: Urban Environment Laboratory (NTUA) Archive
Students ascending toward the archaeological site of Agios Georgios. June 2022.
Photo credit: Urban Environment Laboratory (NTUA) Archive
Professor Nikos Belavilas with students in the courtyard of Agios Georgios. June 2022.
Photo credit: Urban Environment Laboratory (NTUA) Archive
Students documenting the remains of the medieval acropolis at Agios Georgios. June 2022.
Photo credit: Urban Environment Laboratory (NTUA) Archive
Mayor Alexis Kardambikis, Program Director Professor Nikos Belavilas, and Member of the European Parliament Petros Kokkalis, grandson of Petros Kokkalis—the physician and member of the “Mountain Government” of 1944 - at the presentation of the Viniani research project at NTUA on December 13, 2023.