The Project

The region of Konitsa, as well as the wider cross-border region, has left an indelible mark over the years through the art of its craftsmen. Imposing stone monuments as well as simple buildings testify to the particularity with which the craftsmen of the region created constructions that would be architectural examples of elegance and craftsmanship all over the world.

As so far many actions have been proposed and implemented in the part of preserving and highlighting the stone monuments of the region, this project goes a step further by combining and utilizing the experience so far under the main objective of strengthening the thematic tourism of the region which is also the main direction of the Cross-Border Program Interreg Greece – Albania 2014-2020. The main objectives of the project are:

1. The scientific documentation and recording of the art of craftsmen to highlight important stone monuments with the use of modern digital media and the active participation and interaction of visitors
2. Preserving the craftsman’s art as an educational tool for future generations.
3. Strengthening thematic tourism in the cross-border intervention area.

In this context, after a detailed recording and recording of the techniques, materials and existing monuments, STONE.ART proposes the creation of interactive digital material which will be available to the public through the created “Digital Exhibition Centers” and will includes 3D Rendering of Important Monuments from both sides (e.g. Konitsa Bridge, Katiu Bridge, Molyvdoskepasti Monastery, Dormition of the Virgin Premeti), a digital game based on the techniques of building a stone monument for children and adults as well as additional accompanying multimedia material.

This digital exhibition will be located both at the Museum of Epirotian Craftsmen in Pirsogianni Konitsas and at the Premet Cultural Center, while a “Mobile Digital Exhibition” will be installed in Cultural Centers and Museums with the aim of highlighting the region and its special cultural stock ( Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center/ Benaki Museum etc.).

With a series of other digital tools and media it is proposed to create a content platform which will be available to the wider public as a touristic as well as an educational tool. In addition, at a time when the lack of not only certified but also experienced stone craftsmen is starting to become critical both for the maintenance or restoration of existing monuments and for the preservation and continuation of this traditional art, within the framework of STONE.ART it is proposed the creation and operation of a “Stone School” in the premises of the old Vourbiani School. The School of Stone, with the continuous support and assistance of the University of Ioannina, will be able to train the future artisans/continuators of the art of stone, but also function as a Modern Research Center on traditional stone techniques, issues of cultural heritage protection, renewal and highlighting the cultural stock. A branch/workshop of this School will operate in Premet, reflecting the cross-border nature of the action and effectively strengthening the cooperation between the two Municipalities. Other supporting actions that will contribute to the achievement of the project’s objectives are:

• Digital Interactive Atlas for the stone monuments of the area
• Database for hosting scientific documents
• Printed guide to the practical application of stone techniques
• Study on the use of traditional techniques in modern construction
• Multimedia material promoting the architectural heritage of the region and application of tourist orientation (routes, villages, points of interest, etc.).
• Summer workshop on the art of stone with a series of lectures, competitions and practices for anyone interested (students, tourists, etc.) Ms.

Summary of proposed design:

The region of Konitsa, as well as the wider cross-border region, has left an indelible mark over the years through the art of its craftsmen. Imposing stone monuments as well as simple buildings testify to the particularity with which the craftsmen of the region created constructions that would be architectural examples of elegance and craftsmanship all over the world.

As many actions have so far been proposed and implemented in the part of preserving and highlighting the stone monuments of the area, this proposal goes a step further by combining and utilizing the experience so far under the main objective of strengthening the thematic tourism of the area< /u> which is also the main direction of the Cross-Border Program Interreg Greece – Albania 2014-2020.

The 2 main proposed axes are:

1. The scientific documentation and recording of the art of craftsmen to highlight important stone monuments with the use of modern digital media and the active participation and interaction of visitors
2. Preserving the craftsman’s art as an educational tool for future generations.

In this context, after a detailed recording and recording of the techniques, materials and existing monuments, STONE.ART proposes the creation of interactive digital material which will be available to the public through the created “Digital Exhibition Centers” and will include 3D (3D) Visualization of Important Monuments from both sides (e.g. Konitsa Bridge, Katiu Bridge, Molyvdoskepasti Monastery, Dormition of the Virgin Premeti), a digital game based on the techniques of building a stone monument for children and adults as well as additional accompanying multimedia material.

This digital exhibition will be located both at the Museum of Continental Craftsmen in Pirsogianni Konitsa and at the Cultural Center of Premetis, while a “Mobile Digital Exhibition” will be installed in Cultural Centers and Museums with the aim of highlighting the area but also its special cultural stock (Cultural Center Stavros Niarchos/Benaki Museum etc.).

With a series of other digital tools and media it is proposed to create a content platform which will be available to the wider public as a touristic as well as an educational tool.

In addition, at a time when the lack of not only certified but also experienced stone craftsmen is starting to become critical both for the maintenance or restoration of existing monuments and for the preservation and continuation of this traditional art, within the framework of STONE.ART it is proposed < strong>the creation and operation of a “Stone School” in the premises of the old Vourbiani School. The School of Stone with the continuous support and help of the University of Ioannina will be able to train the future artisans/continuators of the art of stone but also function as a Modern Research Center on the traditional techniques of stone, the issues protection of the cultural heritage of the renewal and promotion of the cultural stock. A branch/workshop of this School will operate in Premet, reflecting the cross-border nature of the action and effectively strengthening the cooperation between the two Municipalities.

Other supporting actions that will contribute to the achievement of the project’s objectives are:

• Digital Interactive Atlas for the stone monuments of the area
• Database for hosting scientific documents
• Printed guide to the practical application of stone techniques
• Study on the use of traditional techniques in modern construction
• Multimedia material promoting the architectural heritage of the region and application of tourist orientation (routes, villages, points of interest, etc.).
• Summer workshop on the art of stone with a series of lectures, competitions and practices for anyone interested (students, tourists, etc.) Ms.

Through the basic pursuit of the proposal to exploit, save and highlight the art of stone as an emblematic feature of the wider area, the ultimate goal is to create a main pole of attraction and interaction both in the touristic and educational fields which will give new life and traffic to our rural villages.