Restoration of Ancient Nicopolis Completed in Greece

President Konstantinos Tasoulas marked the completion of restoration work at ancient Nicopolis on October 1, 2026, officially reopening the Epirus site to the public. This project is a central part of Greece’s ongoing bid for UNESCO World Heritage status and has already broadened the historical understanding of the area. Recent excavations uncovered 36 new rooms within the palace and led to the conservation of intricate hunting and marine mosaics. Culture Minister Lina Mendoni noted that Nicopolis serves as a rare record of the transition between the Hellenistic, Roman, and Christian worlds, preserved within a landscape that remains largely unchanged. The work has been supported by the Recovery Fund and NSRF, with future plans including climate-protection studies conducted alongside various ministries and universities.

The restoration reflects a national commitment to making this heritage more visible and accessible. A primary focus has been the Great Theatre, where the recently completed Phase 2 cost €3.38 million and focused on structural repairs and audience seating. The project now moves into Phase 3, funded by €3.5 million from the NSRF 2021–2027. This next stage will improve visitor facilities, provide better access for disabled guests, and allow for further excavation. Nearby, the Palace of Nicopolis, also known as the House of Georgios Ekdikos, has undergone repairs that revealed rooms dating from the 1st to the 7th century AD, offering new insights into the Roman architecture of the region.

Success at the site has relied on close cooperation between the Ephorate of Antiquities of Preveza and local leaders, including Governor Alexandros Kachrimanis and Mayor Nikos Georgakos. One practical improvement has been the construction of a bypass by the Region of Epirus, which redirects the national road to protect the archaeological integrity of the ruins. The community celebrated the reopening with local events, including a performance by the Preveza children’s choir during the inauguration ceremony, reflecting a shared sense of pride in the local history.

Beyond the physical preservation of stones and mortar, the project looks toward the future of the local economy and community. By making the site more approachable for those interested in history and archaeology, the restoration aims to encourage tourism and create new opportunities for local businesses. The conservation of the site’s mosaics and architecture also provides an educational resource, helping the public connect with the region’s past. These efforts are being paired with sustainable practices, such as climate-protection studies, to ensure the site remains protected in a changing environment.

The work at Nicopolis is a significant step in how Greece manages its cultural landmarks and pursues UNESCO recognition. As the country prepares further nominations, the methods used here may serve as a model for other archaeological sites. The underlying goal remains the same: to protect and highlight the history of the land so that it can be experienced by those who visit today and by the generations that follow.