The important Byzantine Tower of Prosforo in Ouranoupoli is being fortified with works of stabilization and fire protection, funded by the company Hellenic Gold S.A. through a donation of 1,300,000 euros to the Ministry of Culture.

The project includes restoration work to ensure the structural integrity of the Tower of Prosforo, fire protection measures for the tower and its surrounding buildings, as well as interventions in the surrounding area. Specifically, reinforcement of masonry, repairs of wooden elements, work on the arsan, implementation of active fire protection measures, and access area formation are planned.

The complex has a rich historical continuity. Until 1922, the tower served as the residence of the estate manager. In 1924, it temporarily housed refugee families from Asia Minor. In 1928, it was inhabited by the couple Sydney and Joyce Loch, who offered significant humanitarian work to the local residents, with the community’s permission. Today, the ground floor functions as an exhibition space, hosting antiquities from pre-Christian and Christian Chalkidiki, while the upper floor is dedicated to the refugees of Ouranoupoli and the Loch couple.

“The Tower of Prosforo is the most important surviving Byzantine and post-Byzantine complex in the area, which narrates the history of Ouranoupoli over the centuries. Its existence is documented as early as 1344, and it is considered certain that it was built in the 11th or 12th century. It was part of the estate “Prosforion” of the Monastery of Vatopedi, which included agricultural and port facilities, centered around the tower-residence, the barbak (fortified enclosure), and the arsanas (port refuge),” stated the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, after signing the donation agreement. She added: “The Ministry of Culture, through the Ephorate of Antiquities of Chalkidiki and Mount Athos, has finalized studies for the conservation and restoration of the complex. Our main policy at the Ministry of Culture is to develop synergies and collaborations with the private sector and local government for the benefit of each area’s monument heritage. Investing in culture strengthens local communities and regional economies. I deeply believe that Culture is a public social good, but also a distinct economic sector. It is directly linked to social cohesion, prosperity, development, and the economy.”

“I thank the President of Hellenic Gold S.A., Christos Balaskas, for accepting our request, which today brings us all together in Ouranoupoli,” added Mendoni.

Lina Mendoni with the President of Hellenic Gold, Christos Balaskas; Louw Smith from Eldorado Gold; the Mayor Stelios Valianos; and the head of the Ephorate of Chalkidiki and Mount Athos, Giorgos Skiadaris.

Hellenic Gold S.A. President Christos Balaskas stated: “Our commitment to sustainable development and value creation for the communities of Aristotle Municipality is implemented through a multi-level approach, including targeted social investments with a substantial impact on the local community and its future prospects. In this context, strengthening and promoting cultural heritage cannot be absent from our strategic social investment program of $80 million that we are designing for the area. Among these, the restoration of the Tower of Ouranoupoli is a standout action that fills us with pride and expresses our respect for the history and identity of the area.”

Mayor Stelios Valianos, said: “Securing resources for the restoration of the Tower of Prosforo in Ouranoupoli is the result of our municipal authority’s consistent demand for compensatory benefits to the local community from mining activities. I am pleased that we will see this project implemented and that an emblematic landmark of Ouranoupoli — the tower that stands as a ‘guard’ at the gate to Mount Athos — will be protected and restored as it deserves. Furthermore, I am confident that the Ministry of Culture will utilize a significant part of the funds saved, through the expenses covered by ‘Hellenic Gold,’ to support other efforts to promote the area’s cultural heritage!”