Fire protection projects are being launched by the Ministry of Culture at the archaeological site and the museum at Castle Chlemoutsi, an important medieval monument of Ilia. The relevant study, on which the competent Central Archaeological Council gave a positive opinion, aims to protect the monumental fortress complex and the safety of employees and visitors.

The study includes the installation in the archaeological site of safety lighting and signage of escape routes, emergency exits and a loudspeaker system. In the covered areas of the museum it is planned to install safety lighting, escape route and emergency exit signs, an automatic and manual fire alarm system and a loudspeaker system. Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed throughout the archaeological site and the museum.

Chlemucci Castle was founded in 1220-1223 by the sovereign Godefridus I Villehardouin and was the strongest fortress of the Frankish Principality of Achaia, which flourished during the Villehardouin era. Built in a strategic position, it protected the capital of the Principality, Andravida, and the important port of Glarentza, today’s Kyllini. The new castle was named Clermont by its founders, while the Venetians later called it Castel Tornese. The castle consists of two enclosures. The outer enclosure is polygonal and reinforces the fortification on the smoother hillsides. The inner enclosure rises at the highest point of the hill and is formed by a series of vaulted halls around a large central courtyard. The inner enclosure contained the residence of Castellanos or the prince, reception rooms, kitchens and accommodation for the guard. The museum, which is housed in the inner courtyard of the medieval castle, is the first and only thematic museum with the exhibition ‘The Age of the Knights – The Crusaders in the Moria’, which deals exclusively with the period of Frankish rule in Greece (13th – 15th century).

“The archaeological site of the Castle of Chlemoutsi is the most emblematic medieval monument of Ilia and attracts many visitors. In the Castle Museum, visitors have the opportunity to stroll through the premises and travel back to the Crusader era, admiring the more than 500 objects on display, such as architectural parts and sculptures, vases, coins, frescoes, costume accessories and cosmetic utensils. The aim of the Ministry of Culture is to ensure the maximum possible prevention and fire protection of the archaeological site and the museum, taking into account the specificity of the site, which, due to its geomorphology and location, allows limited possibility of intervention. The study of active protection of the Castle from possible fire ensures adequate measures and means of fire protection with respect to the monumental character of the Castle” said Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.