After 20 years of excavation, we are now embarking on a new program of restoring, conserving, and protecting the unique monuments of Iklaina. Upon completion of this program, Iklaina will have been converted to an archaeological park open to the public, fulfilling one of the core missions of our project, making the results of our work available to the wider community.
The two general principles of the Restoration and Conservation program are flexibility and adaptability to the continuing investigation of the site. To the degree that this is possible, the monuments will be restored with their original parts, with the additional use of modern materials that are friendly to the buildings and to the environment. For example, the 150+ Cyclopean blocks that are strewn around the site will be restored back on the Cyclopean Terrace (likewise with the houses and workshops of the North Sector). The East and South Roads, which are unique in Mycenaean architecture, will be covered by similarly looking modern materials that will protect them from wear and tear by visitors.
As far as opening Iklaina to the public is concerned, the site will be divided into two zones:
1) The first zone will be located inside the fenced perimeter of the site and will include paths and walkways (shown in beige in the plan below) by which the visitors can approach the restored monuments. These paths will follow the ancient flow of traffic, so that visitors can experience what it was like for the Mycenaeans to walk through their own buildings. Access to this zone will be provided on set hours every day during the year, except for the winter
2) The second zone will include a raised pathway outside the fenced perimeter of the site (shown in green in the plan below), which will be freely accessible at all hours and all seasons. A raised platform in the north edge of this zone will serve as an observation point, offering unobstructed views of the monuments and of the landscape around the site.
The studies for the restoration and conservation of the site can be found below (pdf files, in Greek).
1) Conservation Study
2) Restoration Study
Please email us with questions or requests for more information.
Iklaina Archaeological Project 