An emblematic Roman mosaic is among the artefacts to be restored in Trikala, one of Thessaly’s major cities in central Greece, under an ambitious plan by the Greek Ministry of Culture.
The integrated programme to protect and promote the rich cultural heritage of the area will see projects worth more than 16 million euros forming a unified network of monuments and cultural infrastructure.
Ancient, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments in and around Trikala are included in the extensive restoration plan, among which is the exquisite Lucurgus Mosaic.
Roman mosaic to be restored and returned to original site
A recent addition to the programme is the conservation, restoration and reinstallation of the Lycurgus Mosaic, a unique work of Roman mosaic art that depicts the mythical King Lycurgus, occupied by mania and holding a double ax, preparing to attack the wet nurse of god Dionysus, nymph Ambrose.
The Roman mosaic, dated to 3rd c. A.D., forms part of the mosaic flooring excavated at the Roman ruins of Ancient Trikki, an important city of Thessaly which sprawled between the Lithaios river – which still crosses today’s modern city – and the hill where the ancient citadel allegedly was, according to the municipality of Trikala.
In antiquity, the city of Trikki was famous as one of the oldest medical centers of Asclepius, the mythical god of medicine. Trikki is also mentioned in the Homeric List of Ships, where the city appeared to be participating in the expeditionary force of the Greeks in the Trojan War with 30 ships, under the leadership of the two sons of Asclepius, Mahaonas and Podalerios, who had been taught Medicine by their father.
Following its restoration, the Lycurgus Mosaic will be returned to its original site in Ancient Trikki, where another mosaic was also brought to the light, featuring a representation from the Dionysian circle.
16-million-euro integrated restoration programme
The 16-million-euro integrated and multi-level programme aims to highlights the historical continuity of the city of Trikala, from Ancient Trikki and the Byzantine Castle to the Ottoman monumental complex of Osman Shah, dating to the 16th century, and the Diachronic Archaeological Museum.
“We are creating a cultural axis spanning the city’s history at its core, directly connected with the everyday lives of residents and the development prospects of the area,” says Greek Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni. “Together with the Twin Ottoman Bath and the Tsitsanis Museum, which have already been delivered to the city, we are highlighting the history and monumental heritage of Trikala while strengthening its cultural hubs.”
In addition, the Diachronic Archaeological Museum will showcase the long history of Trikala as a whole, while the restoration of the surviving important work of architect Sinan – the Osman Shah Mosque and Mausoleum – will further highlight the city’s multifaceted cultural heritage.
The aim is to protect, restore and promote the most important monuments of Trikala, creating a modern network of cultural infrastructure that will creatively connect all the historical periods of the city and offer new opportunities for research, education and a high-quality experience for visitors, the Ministry says.
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