Conservation and Restoration Project of Ancient Messene

Project Leader: Archaeological Society at Athens

Jury Citation: “The Messene Project has been awarded because its large scale conservation and restoration interventions have revealed the qualities and the significance of the administrative and religious centre, as well as the public space of this outstanding Hellenic city of the 4th century BC, thus considerably enriching the classical heritage of the whole of Europe. The works that have been carried out have transformed incomprehensible ruins into a well-organised archaeological site that blends naturally with the landscape. Furthermore they have permitted the social recapture of ancient public "theatrical" buildings, such as the Stadium or the Ekklesiasterion for the performance of high standard contemporary artistic events and other activities.”