Protection of Cultural Heritage in Thessaloniki: a Review of Designation Actions

heritage

Review Protection of Cultural Heritage in Thessaloniki: A Review of Designation Actions

Maria Margarita Vyzantiadou * and Melissa Selevista

Department of Traditional Settlements and Listed Buildings, Ministry of Interior, Sector of Macedonia and Thrace, 54123 Thessaloniki, Greece; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +30-2310-379362

Received: 14 December 2018; Accepted: 14 February 2019; Published: 19 February 2019

Abstract: This paper presents a part of the work of the Department of Traditional Settlements and Listed Buildings (Department of T. S. & L. B.) of the Ministry of Interior (sector of Macedonia and Thrace) which concerns to the specialized legislative policy for the protection and designation of architectural culture, giving a brief reference on major designation processes of properties from the region of Macedonia and Thrace. The Department of T. S. & L. B. is responsible, since 1986, for identifying and protecting the architectural heritage of Northern Greece, by preserving buildings and areas or settlements from inappropriate changes or destruction, thus recognizing them as listed buildings or traditional settlements according to specific administrative procedure. Formal designation helps to protect traditional properties as listed buildings from inappropriate changes or destruction; meanwhile, the establishment of specific protection terms and restrictions of construction, the approval of architectural plans for restorations, interventions, uses or additions contribute that all listed buildings survive and prosper as “live shells”, along with other monuments. Additionally, in cases of traditional areas and settlements, other actions, e.g., modification of city plans, establishment of building rules, etc. have created a holistic protection framework preserving the architectural, urban and aesthetic character of significant historical areas of the city.

Keywords: policy for the protection of architectural culture; sustainable preservation and management of historic cities; architectural heritage of Northern Greece; listed buildings and traditional areas in Thessaloniki; protection of cultural heritage in Macedonia and Thrace

1. Introduction Protection laws of cultural heritage in Greece are established according to the 1964 Venice Charter, the Declaration of Amsterdam of 1975, Paris Convention of 1972, the Granada Convention of 1985 and the Constitution of Greece, which, in its 24th article, mandates: “The protection of the natural and cultural environment constitutes a duty of the State and a right of every person. The State is bound to adopt special preventive or repressive measures for the preservation of the environment in the context of the principle of sustainable development” [1]. “Architectural heritage is an irreplaceable expression of the richness of our cultural heritage and an invaluable testimony of the past” [2]. The concept of architectural heritage includes buildings of traditional architecture, residential complexes, traditional settlements, general elements of the human environment and places, landscapes or natural formations. Its protection and enhancement are an obligation of the Greek State in accordance with Article 24 of the Constitution, as a result of international obligations of the country that the Greek State has legally recognized and relevant laws. A signiﬁcant part of this duty has been carried out by the M. Int.-s. Ma. & Th. (Ministry of Interior, sector of Macedonia and Thrace), since 1986 and extends throughout Macedonia and Thrace [3].

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The Department of T. S. & L. B. of the M. Int.-s. Ma. & Th. records and protects settlements or buildings from alterations or demolitions by designating them as traditional settlements or listed buildings and areas as distinct landscapes. It is responsible, for a signiﬁcant number of architectural and natural heritage of Northern Greece, listing about 3000 preserved buildings, 70 traditional settlements and more than 20 sites—landscapes of special natural beauty—in the 16 Prefectures of Macedonia and Thrace. The work of the above department, part of which is presented in this paper, concerns the preservation and highlighting of valuable data according to the 6th article of the New Building Regulation Law, for the purpose of “preserving and enhancing its special historical, urban, architectural, traditional, social and aesthetic aspect” [4], namely:

• The designation of buildings or parts of buildings or building complexes, the establishment of special protection terms and restrictions of construction and uses, as well as the approval of studies for rehabilitation, interventions or additions to listed buildings, construction of new buildings on adjacent to them properties, etc. • The designation of settlements as traditional, the deﬁnition of the construction ruling into them, the outlining of their traditional part, the revision and modiﬁcation of urban plans, as well as the approval of their integration in general or special spatial plans, the approval of re-development studies, etc. • The designation of sites or landscapes or exceptional natural formations that accompany or surround elements of architectural heritage, as well as formations of natural or manmade character, as sites of particular natural beauty [4,5].

The 6th article of the New Building Regulation Law also includes policies for restoration and maintenance of listed buildings, e.g., the establishments of specific protection terms and their use; the approval of architectural plans for restorations, interventions or additions to listed buildings; construction of new buildings on adjusted estates; reconstruction of listed buildings if they have been demolished due to a major force like an earthquake, fire, etc., or if their building structure has been damaged by aging phenomena and has to be demolished for safety reasons; etc. [4]. In addition, maintenance, adaptation and re-use can allow the architectural heritage to yield aesthetic, environmental and economic benefits even where the original use may no longer be viable. According to this law, special specifications can be instructed for each listed building itself. The designation criteria are based, in general, on a circular of 1992 by the Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works as follows [6]:

• Architectural style and particular aspects as morphology, rhythm, facades, geometry of forms, etc. • Historical significance (e.g., design by well-known architects). • Their use (e.g., historical significance of special use as market places, etc.). • Their place in urban fabric (e.g., stand-alone structures, areas of buildings, buildings next to others of significant value, etc.) and the surrounding urban quality of each building. • The condition of the building at the time of designation as far as its deterioration is concerned [6].

2. Ministry’s Actions on Protecting the Architectural Heritage in Thessaloniki The city of Thessaloniki has a rich history, architectural heritage and culture as well as buildings and groups of buildings, which testify its uninterrupted long-standing presence and highlight its character from the last decades of the 19th century to the ﬁrst decades of the 20th century. Various architectural styles, such as the traditional Macedonian architecture or the neoclassical and eclectic rhythm up to the modern architecture of the interwar period, indicate the richness of the tradition of the city. The Department of T. S. & L. B. is responsible for the protection of many preserved buildings and has contributed to the preservation of the rich architectural identity of Thessaloniki. Its major actions Heritage2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 18 Heritage 2019, 2 719

2.1.Heritage The2018 Framework, 2, x FOR PEER of theREVIEW Protection of the Traditional Area of “Ano Poli” (Old Town or Upper3 of 18 Town) aim to the protection of traditional settlements and parts of the city and the designation of buildings, Heritage2.1. The2018 Framework, 2, x FOR PEER of theREVIEW Protection of the Traditional Area of “Ano Poli” (Old Town or Upper3 of 18 as presented in the next pages. 2.1.1.Town) The Architectural Heritage of Ano Poli 2.1. The Framework of the Protection of the Traditional Area of “Ano Poli” (Old Town or Upper 2.1. TheThe Framework Ano Poli of theThessaloniki Protection ofis thebuilt Traditional on a hill Areawith of large “Ano slopes. Poli” (Old It is Towndefined or Upper by the Town) three sides Town)2.1.1. The Architectural Heritage of Ano Poli by the Byzantine City Walls, while to the south by Olympiada Street. Architectural works have been 2.1.1. The Architectural Heritage of Ano Poli created,2.1.1.The The throughout Ano Architectural Poli of its Thessaloniki history,Heritage pr ofesenting is Ano built Poli ona variety a hill wi ofth rhythms, large slopes. from Itfolk is definedarchitecture by the to eclecticismthree sides andby the theThe Byzantine use Ano of Poli neoclassical City of Thessaloniki Walls, morphological while isto builtthe south on elements a hillby Olympiada with, a combination large slopes.Street. ofArchit It isdifferent deﬁnedectural features by works the three haveand sidescolorbeen variationsbycreated, theThe Byzantine throughout Ano alongside Poli City of its aThessaloniki Walls, complexhistory, while prurbanesenting is to built the web south ona (Figures variety a hill by Olympiadawi of1–th rhythms,4). large At the slopes. Street. from level ArchitecturalItfolk of is urban definedarchitecture plan, by works the to eclecticismthreefeatures have sides been of medievalcreated,byand the the Byzantine throughoutuse cities of canneoclassical City be its Walls,noticed, history, morphological while wi presentingth to labyrinthine the south aelements variety by narrow Olympiada of, a rhythms, combination streets Street. an fromd small ofArchit folk different squares. architectureectural features Oneworks to can eclecticism haveand perceive colorbeen theandcreated,variations neighborhood, the throughout use alongside of neoclassical the itsa small complexhistory, morphologicalscale prurban esentingof the web man a (Figures elements, variety in a short of1– arhythms, 4).distance combination At the from level ofthefolk of different urbancity architecture center. plan, features the to eclecticismfeatures and color of variationsandmedieval the use cities alongside of canneoclassical be a noticed, complex morphological wi urbanth labyrinthine web (Figureselements narrow1,– a4 ).combination streets At the an leveld small of of different urban squares. plan, features One the can features and perceive color of medievalvariationsthe neighborhood, citiesalongside can the be a noticed,smallcomplex scale with urban of labyrinthinethe web man (Figures in anarrow short 1– 4).distance streets At the andfrom level small the of urbancity squares. center. plan, One the can features perceive of themedieval neighborhood, cities can thebe noticed, small scale with of labyrinthine the man in a narrow short distance streets an fromd small the city squares. center. One can perceive the neighborhood, the small scale of the man in a short distance from the city center.

Figure 1. Aerial view of Ano Poli with settlement delimitation (google earth).

Figure 1. Aerial view of Ano Poli with settlement delimitation (google earth). Figure 1. Aerial view of Ano Poli with settlement delimitation (google earth).

Figure 2. Traditional house in Ano Poli, Thessaloniki.

Figure 3. Neoclassical style house in Ano Poli, Thessaloniki. Figure 3. Neoclassical style house in Ano Poli, Thessaloniki.

Figure 3. Neoclassical style house in Ano Poli, Thessaloniki.

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Figure 4. Folk architecture in Ano Poli, Thessaloniki. Figure 4. Figure 4. Folk architecture in Ano Poli, Thessaloniki. 2.1.2. The Institutional Protection Frame Work afterafter 19781978 By the end of the 1950s, the settlement was a coherent entity, developed around monuments of 2.1.2.By The the Institutional end of the 1950s,Protection the settlementFrame Work was after a coherent 1978 entity, developed around monuments of early Christian, Byzantine and Ottoman period. In the early 1960s and until the 1970s,1970s, commercialcommercial By the end of the 1950s, the settlement was a coherent entity, developed around monuments of blocks of of flats, flats, incompatible incompatible in inscale scale and and form form with with the existing the existing historic historic buildings, buildings, were built. were Many built. early Christian, Byzantine and Ottoman period. In the early 1960s and until the 1970s, commercial Manyremarkable remarkable buildings buildings were demolished were demolished and traditional and traditional neighborhoods neighborhoods disappeared. disappeared. blocks of flats, incompatible in scale and form with the existing historic buildings, were built. Many The first first attempt attempt to to preserve preserve the the character character of th ofe area the areawas after was the after earthquakes the earthquakes of 1978, ofwhen 1978, a remarkable buildings were demolished and traditional neighborhoods disappeared. whenseries aof series administrativeof administrative actions actions took place took place(1979– (1979–1985),1985), under under the proposal the proposal of Minister of Minister for the for The first attempt to preserve the character of the area was after the earthquakes of 1978, when a theEnvironment, Environment, Physical Physical Planning Planning and andPublic Public Works. Works. These These action actionss concerned concerned in its in designation its designation as a series of administrative actions took place (1979–1985), under the proposal of Minister for the astraditional a traditional settlement settlement (1979) (1979) [7], the [7 ],definition the definition of spec ofial special terms termsof construction of construction and restrictions and restrictions on the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works. These actions concerned in its designation as a onland the areas land of areas theof urban the urban plan plan(1979) (1979) [8] and [8] and the themodification modification and and revision revision of of the the urban urban plan plan ofof traditional settlement (1979) [7], the definition of special terms of construction and restrictions on the Thessaloniki (1980(1980 and and 1985) 1985) [9 –[911–].11] In. addition,In addition, 48 houses 48 houses were were designated designated by the by Ministry the Ministry of Culture of land areas of the urban plan (1979) [8] and the modification and revision of the urban plan of asCulture works as of works art that of needart that special need protection special protection (1979) [12 (1979)]. [12]. Thessaloniki (1980 and 1985) [9–11]. In addition, 48 houses were designated by the Ministry of Since the the implementation implementation of ofthe the above-mentioned above-mentioned legislative legislative framework framework of the ofsettlement the settlement (1979– Culture as works of art that need special protection (1979) [12]. (1979–1985)1985) and for and a period for a period of over of 20 over years, 20 years, some some significant significant negative negative elements elements were were still stillmentioned mentioned for Since the implementation of the above-mentioned legislative framework of the settlement (1979– forthe therescue rescue of the of theurban urban fabric, fabric, such such as the as high the highbuilding building factor factor and the and terms the terms of construction, of construction, road 1985) and for a period of over 20 years, some significant negative elements were still mentioned for roadwidening widening in accordance in accordance with with a new a newspatial spatial plan plan that that spoiled spoiled the theirregular irregular urban urban web, web, the the joining joining of the rescue of the urban fabric, such as the high building factor and the terms of construction, road ofthe the properties properties (Figure (Figure 5),5), the the expl exploitationoitation of of the the building building factor, factor, which they constructed onon aa slopingsloping widening in accordance with a new spatial plan that spoiled the irregular urban web, the joining of block piece of land large scale volumes, etc. At th thee same time, however, the lack of a more generalgeneral the properties (Figure 5), the exploitation of the building factor, which they constructed on a sloping design, whichwhich would would define define technical technical guidelines, guidelines, such such as urban as urban planning, planning, protection, protection, etc., was etc., obvious. was blockobvious. piece of land large scale volumes, etc. At the same time, however, the lack of a more general design, which would define technical guidelines, such as urban planning, protection, etc., was obvious.

Figure 5. The original small-scale buildings (before) and the large scale volumes (after) created

according to the urban plan of 1979 [13].

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Heritage 2019, 2 721 Figure 5. The original small-scale buildings (before) and the large scale volumes (after) created according to the urban plan of 1979 [13]. 2.1.3. The Ministry’s Framework of Preserving and Enhancing Ano Poli

2.1.3.The The MinistryMinistry’s of Framework Macedonia of and Preserving Thrace (M. and Int.—s. Enhancing Ma. Ano & Th.), Poli in mid-1997 and early 1998, set up a study group of representatives from all specialized agencies of the city, to define a more generalThe protection Ministry of plan Macedonia for the traditional and Thrace area. (M. The Int. aim- s. Ma. of the & groupTh.), in was mid-1997 to highlight and early the particular 1998, set upmorphological a study group and of urban representatives character of from the traditionalall specializ settlement,ed agencies the of surrounding the city, to define area of a themore Byzantine general protectionmonuments plan and for the the preserved traditional buildings, area. The and aim to preserve of the itsgroup historical was to character highlight [14 the]. At particular the end, morphologicalthe following actions and urban took place: character of the traditional settlement, the surrounding area of the Byzantine monuments and the preserved buildings, and to preserve its historical character [14]. At (1)the end,The the specific following terms actions of the Presidential took place: Decree (P.D.) of 1979 were modified with the P.D. of 1999 [15]. In summary, alternations focused on the protection of the surrounding area of monuments, 1) The specific terms of the Presidential Decree (P.D.) of 1979 were modified with the P.D. of 1999 the protection of small property, the avoidance of compact solid volumes, the maintenance of the [15]. In summary, alternations focused on the protection of the surrounding area of monuments, traditional scale with lower building factors, the protection of the amphitheatric placement of the the protection of small property, the avoidance of compact solid volumes, the maintenance of area by determining the heights of the structures according to the degree of ground slopes, etc. the traditional scale with lower building factors, the protection of the amphitheatric placement (2) Two ministry designation decisions took place in 1999 and 2002, concerning 281 individual of the area by determining the heights of the structures according to the degree of ground slopes, buildings of the area, including the imposition of specific terms and restrictions for the etc. construction, protection and use of these buildings [14,16,17]. These decisions aimed to preserve 2) Two ministry designation decisions took place in 1999 and 2002, concerning 281 individual buildings, dating from the second half of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century, buildings of the area, including the imposition of specific terms and restrictions for the for historical, architectural and urban planning reasons. Within the framework of these decisions, construction, protection and use of these buildings [14,16,17]. These decisions aimed to preserve preservation categories were defined so each of these listed buildings was given the needed form buildings, dating from the second half of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century, of protection, as follows: for historical, architectural and urban planning reasons. Within the framework of these decisions, preservation categories were defined so each of these listed buildings was given the • The first category concerned 115 buildings of absolute protection (Figure6). This category needed form of protection, as follows: included an amount of buildings that had already been protected by the Ministry of Culture. • The first category concerned 115 buildings of absolute protection (Figure 6). This category • The second category concerned the protection of 91 shells of buildings (Figure7). included an amount of buildings that had already been protected by the Ministry of Culture. • The third category concerned 66 buildings in which their volumetric contour was protected • The second category concerned the protection of 91 shells of buildings (Figure 7). and permitted to rebuild. • The third category concerned 66 buildings in which their volumetric contour was protected and • permittedThe fourth to rebuild. category concerned eight buildings, which were required to preserve their facades, • The fourthand permitted category toconcerned add floors. eight buildings, which were required to preserve their facades, and• permittedIn addition, to add 42 elements floors. of the architectural and urban planning equipment such as fences, • In addition,terraces, 42 stairs, elements trees, of rocks, the architectural rocky reliefs, and etc. urban were planning protected, equi aspment they characterizesuch as fences, the terraces,architectural stairs, trees, andurban rocks, planning rocky ofreliefs, the traditional etc. were settlement protected, and as the they destruction characterize or removal the architecturalof them and was urban prohibited planning (Figure of the8). traditional settlement and the destruction or removal of them was prohibited (Figure 8).

Figure 6. ListedListed building of the first ﬁrst category of protection.

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Figure 7. Listed building of the second category of protection.

Figure 8. Elements of urban planning equipment. Figure 8. Elements of urban planning equipment.

(3) Finally, speciﬁc additional terms and restrictions were imposed for buildings and uses, deﬁned

by the P.D. of 2007, concerning:Figure 8. Elements prohibition of urban of mobile planning antennas, equipment. underground gas installation, 3) Finally,repealing specific of roads additional widening terms to and protect restrictions listed buildings, were imposed restrictions for buildings to maintain and uses, the defined narrow bydimension the P.D. ofof a2007, road, concerning: etc. [18]. prohibition of mobile antennas, underground gas installation, 3) Finally,repealing specific of roads additional widening terms to andprotect restrictions listed buildings, were imposed restrictions for buildings to maintain and uses, the definednarrow All the above actions, such as modiﬁcation of city plans and designation of buildings, create bydimension the P.D. ofof a 2007, road, concerning: etc. [18]. prohibition of mobile antennas, underground gas installation, a holistic protection framework preserving the architectural, urban and aesthetic character of the All therepealing above actions, of roads such widening as modification to protect of citylisted plans buildings, and designation restrictions of buildings, to maintain create the a narrowholistic traditional settlement of Ano Poli. dimensionprotection offramework a road, etc. preserving [18]. the architectural, urban and aesthetic character of the traditional settlement of Ano Poli. All2.2. the The above Administrative actions, such Protection as modification of Buildings of at city the plans Historical and Centredesignation of Thessaloniki of buildings, create a holistic protection framework preserving the architectural, urban and aesthetic character of the 2.2. The Administrative Protection of Buildings at the Historical Centre of Thessaloniki. 2.2.1.traditional Thessaloniki’s settlement Architectural of Ano HeritagePoli. (19th–20th Century)

2.2.1.The Thessaloniki’s architecture Architectural that dominated Heritage the (19 cityth–20th of Thessaloniki Century) during the 19th and early 20th 2.2. The Administrative Protection of Buildings at the Historical Centre of Thessaloniki. centuries exhibits a multiplicity of styles, reflecting the influence of local, regional, multinational and The architecture that dominated the city of Thessaloniki during the 19th and early 20th centuries cosmopolitan trends and tastes. These styles refer to a variety of historical rhythms, such as Ancient, 2.2.1.exhibits Thessaloniki’s a multiplicity Architectural of styles, Heritage reflecting (19 theth–20th influence Century) of local, regional, multinational and Roman–Byzantine, Ottoman, European, baroque, art nouveau, art deco, and modern architecture. cosmopolitan trends and tastes. These styles refer to a variety of historical rhythms, such asth Ancient, TheDuring architecture the late that 19th dominated century, major the city changes of Thessaloniki took place during in the the city 19th of and Thessaloniki. early 20 centuries Due to Roman–Byzantine, Ottoman, European, baroque, art nouveau, art deco, and modern architecture. exhibitsthe influence a multiplicity of the industrial of styles, revolution reflecting in Europethe influence together of with local, new regional, construction multinational materials and During the late 19th century, major changes took place in the city of Thessaloniki. Due to the cosmopolitanmethodologies, trends a modern and tastes. eclecticism These styles style refer appeared to a variety in public of hist architecture,orical rhythms, industrial such as buildings, Ancient, influence of the industrial revolution in Europe together with new construction materials and Romanmarkets–Byzantine, and houses. Ottoman, The evolution European, of eclecticism baroque, art associated nouveau, with art thedeco, Modern and modern Greek architecture. reality marked methodologies, a modern eclecticism style appeared in public architecture, industrial buildings, the changeDuring of the the late city’s 19th image, century, expressing major withchanges the developmenttook place in of the new city architectural of Thessaloniki. styles, Due such to as the art markets and houses. The evolution of eclecticism associated with the Modern Greek reality marked influencedeco, or modern of the styleindustrial during revolution the interwar in periodEurope of together the 1920s with to the new 1940s construction [19] (Figure 9materials). Both styles and the change of the city’s image, expressing with the development of new architectural styles, such as methodologies,represent a new a aesthetics, modern eclecticism free from thestyle styles appeared and forms in public of the architecture, past. Buildings industrial are characterized buildings, art deco, or modern style during the interwar period of the 1920s to the 1940s [19] (Figure 9). Both marketsby geometric and houses. forms orThe elements, evolution curving of eclecticism forms andassociated smooth with polished the Modern surfaces. Greek Modern reality buildings marked styles represent a new aesthetics, free from the styles and forms of the past. Buildings are themay change be found of the in acity’s variety image, of forms expressing from large with scalethe development urban buildings of new such architectural as government styles, buildings, such as characterized by geometric forms or elements, curving forms and smooth polished surfaces. Modern artfactories deco, andor modern theatres, style to smallerduring scalethe interwar buildings, period such of as the schools, 1920s housesto the 1940s and apartment[19] (Figure buildings. 9). Both buildings may be found in a variety of forms from large scale urban buildings such as government stylesTheir architecturalrepresent a stylenew emphasizesaesthetics, curvingfree from forms the and styles long and horizontal forms linesof the (Figure past. 10 Buildings). are characterized by geometric forms or elements, curving forms and smooth polished surfaces. Modern buildings may be found in a variety of forms from large scale urban buildings such as government

Heritage2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 18 Heritage2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 18 Heritage2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 18 buildings, factories and theatres, to smaller scale buildings, such as schools, houses and apartment buildings, factories and theatres, to smaller scale buildings, such as schools, houses and apartment buildings.Heritagebuildings,2019 ,Their2 factoriesarchitectural and styletheatres, emphasizes to smaller curving scale buildings,forms and suchlong horizontalas schools, lines houses (Figure and apartment10).723 buildings. Their architectural style emphasizes curving forms and long horizontal lines (Figure 10). buildings. Their architectural style emphasizes curving forms and long horizontal lines (Figure 10).

Figure 9. Art deco style buildings and elements in the historical center of Thessaloniki. Figure 9. Art deco style buildings and elements in the historical center of Thessaloniki. FigureFigure 9. 9.Art Art deco deco style style buildings buildings and and elements elements in in the the historical historical center center of of Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki.

FigureFigure 10. 10.Modern Modern style style buildings buildings of of thethe earlyearly 20th20th centurycentury inin the historical center of Thessaloniki. Figure 10. Modern style buildings of the early 20th century in the historical center of Thessaloniki. Figure 10. Modern style buildings of the early 20th century in the historical center of Thessaloniki. The interior of these buildings of the interwar period portrays itself as remarkable as their external formsThe and interior structure. of these Geometric buildings forms of or the elements, interwar curvingperiod forms portrays and smoothitself as polishedremarkable surfaces as their are The interior of these buildings of the interwar period portrays itself as remarkable as their externalthe most forms commonThe interiorand characteristics structure. of these Geometric buildings in combination formsof the with orinterwar elements, exotic period colorful curving portrays oriental forms designsitself and assmooth andremarkable patterns polished onas their external forms and structure. Geometric forms or elements, curving forms and smooth polished wallssurfacesexternal and are distinct the forms most colorful and common structure. mosaic characteristics tile Geometric ﬂoors in a in varietyforms combination or of patternselements, with and curvingexotic colors. colorful forms Many andoriental buildings smooth designs of thispolished surfaces are the most common characteristics in combination with exotic colorful oriental designs andperiod patternssurfaces preserve on are walls their the and interiormost distinct common as it colorful was characteristics formed mosaic during tile in floors combination the timein a variety of their with of construction patternsexotic colorful and such colors. oriental as stuccoMany designs and patterns on walls and distinct colorful mosaic tile floors in a variety of patterns and colors. Many buildingsdecorationsand patternsof onthis the period on ceilings walls preserve orand on distinct wallstheir interior (Figurecolorful as11 mosaic ),it decorativewas tileformed floors tiles during in (Figure a variety the 12time ),of ﬂoors, patternsof their staircases construction and colors. with Many buildings of this period preserve their interior as it was formed during the time of their construction suchplenty asbuildings of stucco natural decorations of lighting, this period old on woodenpreserve the ceilings entrance their or interior on doors walls as in (Figure it apartments was formed 11), decorative and during remarkable thetiles time (Figure doors of their in12), the construction floors, main such as stucco decorations on the ceilings or on walls (Figure 11), decorative tiles (Figure 12), floors, staircasesentrancesuch of with as the stucco plenty buildings decorations of natural with wooden onlighting, the orceilings old stainless wooden or on steel walls entrance detailing (Figure doors [19 11),]. in decorative apartments tiles and (Figure remarkable 12), floors, staircases with plenty of natural lighting, old wooden entrance doors in apartments and remarkable doorsstaircases in the main with entrance plenty ofof thenatural buildings lighting, with old wooden wooden or entrancestainless doorssteel detailing in apartments [19]. and remarkable doors in the main entrance of the buildings with wooden or stainless steel detailing [19]. doors in the main entrance of the buildings with wooden or stainless steel detailing [19].

FigureFigure 11. 11. DecorationDecoration on on ceilings. ceilings. Figure 11. Decoration on ceilings.

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FigureFigure 12. 12. Buildings’Buildings’ interior interior of of the the early early 20th 20th centur centuryy in in Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. Greece. Mosaic Mosaic tile tile floors. floors. Figure 12. Buildings’ interior of the early 20th century in Thessaloniki, Greece. Mosaic tile floors. 2.2.2. The Designation of 199 Buildings of the Early 20th Century at the Historical Centre of2.2.2. Thessaloniki The Designation of 199 Buildings of the Early 20th Century at the Historical Centre of 2.2.2. The Designation of 199 Buildings of the Early 20th Century at the Historical Centre of Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki.In 2014, with decisions of the Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace, a study group was set up to preserveIn 2014, Thessaloniki’s with decisions architectural of the Ministry identity of during Macedonia the interwar and Thrace, period a (1920–1940). study group The was aim set was up to In 2014, with decisions of the Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace, a study group was set up to beginpreserve a designation Thessaloniki’s process architectural to protect iden buildingstity during of high the architectural interwar period value (1920 at the–1940). historical The centeraim was of preserve Thessaloniki’s architectural identity during the interwar period (1920–1940). The aim was theto begin city and a designation mandate their process preservation to protect and buildings protection. of high architectural value at the historical center to begin a designation process to protect buildings of high architectural value at the historical center of theThe city study and mandate group, including their preservation architects, representativesand protection. of the Department of T. S. & L. B. and other of the city and mandate their preservation and protection. specializedThe study agencies group, of theincluding city, conducted architects, a research representati on buildingsves of the of specialDepartment value andof T. special S. & L. historical B. and The study group, including architects, representatives of the Department of T. S. & L. B. and orother aesthetic specialized interest agencies or character, of the city, as part conducted of its architectural a research on heritage. buildings Several of special meetings value took and place special to other specialized agencies of the city, conducted a research on buildings of special value and special reviewhistorical each or aesthetic building andinterest whether or character, it met the as criteriapart of forits architectural designation throughheritage. a Several detailed meetings presentation took historical or aesthetic interest or character, as part of its architectural heritage. Several meetings took procedure.place to review The providedeach building material and for whether evaluation it met was the mainly criteria based for on:designation through a detailed place to review each building and whether it met the criteria for designation through a detailed presentation procedure. The provided material for evaluation was mainly based on: presentation• building procedure. surveys at The each provided block of mate the urbanrial for web, evaluation recording was of mainly specific based buildings, on: according to • theirbuilding architectural surveys at characteristics each block of and the their urban identification web, recording on a of map; specific and buildings, according to • building surveys at each block of the urban web, recording of specific buildings, according to • registeringtheir architectural of data characteristics (i.e., available and architectural their identification plans, existing on a map; literature, and etc.) and record each their architectural characteristics and their identification on a map; and • buildingregistering on of file data cards, (i.e. etc. available architectural plans, existing literature, etc.) and record each • registering of data (i.e. available architectural plans, existing literature, etc.) and record each building on file cards, etc. buildingApproximately on file cards, 260 buildings etc. were examined, and 204 of them were finally proposed for Approximately 260 buildings were examined, and 204 of them were finally proposed for designation.Approximately The urban 260 site buildings that has beenwere chosenexamined, for this and research 204 of wasthem the were historical finally center proposed of the cityfor designation. The urban site that has been chosen for this research was the historical center of the city designation.and its wide The area, urban within site the that boundaries has been ofchosen the Byzantine for this research City Walls was (Figure the historical 13)[19]. center of the city and its wide area, within the boundaries of the Byzantine City Walls (Figure 13) [19]. and its wide area, within the boundaries of the Byzantine City Walls (Figure 13) [19].

FigureFigure 13. 13.Map of the of the study study area. area. Figure 13. of the study area. The designation criteria, as mentioned in Section1, concerned architectural and historical criteria The designation criteria, as mentioned in Section 1, concerned architectural and historical criteria as wellThe as designation the building criteria, use, as the mentioned building in place Section and 1, the concerned condition architectural of each building. and historical The criteria ofﬁcial as well as the building use, the building place and the condition of each building. The official asdesignation well as the procedure building took use, place the accordingbuilding place to the and Greek the law condition [4], including of each a series building. of actions: The official designation procedure took place according to the Greek law [4], including a series of actions: designation procedure took place according to the Greek law [4], including a series of actions:

Heritage 2019, 2 725

• A detailed report was written concerning the designation proposal of 204 buildings in the wider area of the historical center of Thessaloniki (study area), including individual properties or part of blocks of market places, their descriptions, the reasons for protecting them and policies for their restoration and maintenance. • This report was submitted to the Municipality of Thessaloniki to inform the owners of the following designation procedure and they had one month to submit written comments against the proposal designation. • At the end of that period, about 80 appeals against that proposal were addressed to the Department concerning approximately 72 buildings. • A procedure of examination of the appeals was followed, including building surveys inside, to better evaluate, their morphological, structural, and architectural characteristics and value. Moreover, an extensive discussion with their owners took place advising and informing them of the designation benefits. • A detailed review of the designation proposal, as well as the reviews and hearings of the appeals, and detailed reports and presentations were provided to the Central Architectural Commission of Macedonia and Thrace in order for them to express an opinion to the relevant minister. • The commissioners weighed carefully the testimony by citizens at the hearing and the detailed report by the staff and gave their advisory opinion to the Minister of Interior by voting on the proposed designations [19]. Finally, a Ministry decision was published in 2016, concerning the designation of 199 individual or groups of buildings of the early 20th century, including the imposition of special conditions and restrictions for the construction, protection and use of these buildings [19,20]. The designation included absolute protection for the 199 buildings of the interwar period in their entirety (both the exterior and the interior are protected) in order to avoid regulatory fragmentation. General principles and underlying assumptions were considered along the following lines: • It was not possible to impose certain degrees of protection (e.g., protection of facades, building envelope, etc.), because it was not possible to access to their interior in many buildings and this could cause unequal treatment between citizens-owners. • The practice of protecting only the facade (“facadism”) of the buildings and making possible to remove the core of the building stock does not constitute an appropriate mean of structural intervention. Designating the buildings in their entirety could better protect the historic nature of the city and secure the scale and character of the urban historic fabric. • On the other hand, protecting the building as an entity gives the possibility to people (owners and landlords) to examine their benefits and possibilities to carry out or not (in the future) a study of larger or smaller renovations. • However, for any proposed project in listed buildings, several intervention possibilities can be defined, which, according to the New Building Regulation Law, can be chosen separately for every building [5]. Maintenance, adaptation and reuse may allow the architectural heritage to yield aesthetic, environmental and economic benefits even where the original use may no longer be viable [19]. Today and after the recent designation decision, an important historical built environment of Thessaloniki’s architectural heritage dated during the interwar period is protected, contributing to the historic continuity of the city and its actual life.

2.3. The Administrative Protection of the Historical Centre of Ladadika Ladadika constitutes an important area of the distant past, which reveals the social history of Thessaloniki and presents historical, urban, architectural, traditional and social interest (Figure 14). The word “Ladadika” literally means the shops that sell oil and its products. The whole area is located inside the city’s historical center and it was designated, in 1985, as a historical area under the Heritage 2019, 2 726 proposalHeritage2018 of, 2 Minister, x FOR PEER of Culture.REVIEW A unique historical complex of small shops, close to the port,10 turned of 18 Heritage2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 18 out to be the center of wholesale market. It was also known as “Egyptian Market”. However, after the out to be the center of wholesale market. It was also known as “Egyptian Market”. However, after devastatingout to be the ﬁre center of 1917, of itwholesale gradually market. began It to was decline. also known In the 1980s,as “Egyptian the buildings Market”. were However, abandoned after in the devastating fire of 1917, it gradually began to decline. In the 1980s, the buildings were abandoned ruinsthe (Figuredevastating 15). fire of 1917, it gradually began to decline. In the 1980s, the buildings were abandoned in ruins (Figure 15). in ruins (Figure 15).

FigureFigureFigure 14. 14.14. TheThe districtdistrict of Ladadika (air(air view).view). view).

Figure 15. In the beginning of the 1980s, when the area was fully abandoned. FigureFigure 15.15. InIn thethe beginningbeginning of the 1980s, when the the area area was was fully fully abandoned. abandoned. 2.3.1. The Architectural Heritage of Ladadika 2.3.1. The Architectural Heritage of Ladadika 2.3.1.Today, The Architectural Ladadika is dividedHeritage intoof Ladadika three building sections, which maintain the old urban historic fabric. TheToday, three Ladadika types of is buildingsdivided into in thethree above-mentioned building sections, building which maintain blocks of the Ladadika old urban are: historic Today, Ladadika is divided into three building sections, which maintain the old urban historic fabric.Type The A three types of buildings in the above-mentioned building blocks of Ladadika are: fabric. The three types of buildings in the above-mentioned building blocks of Ladadika are: Type A • TheType narrow A type: A single opening on the ground floor and two openings on the first floor • The narrow type: A single opening on the ground floor and two openings on the first floor • (Figure 16). The(Figure narrow 16). type: A single opening on the ground floor and two openings on the first floor • The cubic type: 2–3 openings on the ground floor and usually two internal arrays (Figure 17). • (FigureThe cubic 16). type: 2–3 openings on the ground floor and usually two internal arrays (Figure 17). •• TheThe flatter cubic type: 2 It– comes3 openings from on the the merging ground of floor neighboring and usually stores two (Figure internal 18 arrays). (Figure 17). Heritage• 2018The, 2flatter, x FOR type: PEER ItREVIEW comes from the merging of neighboring stores (Figure 18). 11 of 18 • The flatter type: It comes from the merging of neighboring stores (Figure 18).

Figure 16. The narrow type (Type A).

Figure 17. The cubic type (Type A).

Figure 18. The flatter type (Type A).

Type B: The special feature of these buildings is their large volume. Their facades are organized in a rhythmic repetition of rectangular openings—on horizontal and vertical axes (Figure 19). Type C: The multi-story buildings belong to the interwar period of the area. They were built after the fire of 1917, by well-known architects, with significant morphological, structural, and architectural characteristics and value (Figure 20) [21].

Figure 19. Buildings of Type B.

Heritage2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 18

Heritage 2019, 2 727 Figure 16. The narrow type (Type A).

FigureFigure 17. 17. TheThe cubic cubic type type (Type (Type A). A).

FigureFigure 18. 18. TheThe flatter ﬂatter type type (Type (Type A). A).

Type B:B: TheThe specialspecial featurefeature of of these these buildings buildings is is their their large large volume. volume. Their Their facades facades are are organized organized in ina rhythmic a rhythmic repetition repetition of rectangularof rectangular openings—on openings—on horizontal horizontal and and vertical vertical axes axes (Figure (Figure 19). 19). Type C:C: TheThe multi-story multi-story buildings buildings belong belong to to the the interwar interwar period period of theof area.the area. They They were were built built after afterthe ﬁre the of fire 1917, of by 1917, well-known by well-known architects, architects with signiﬁcant, with significant morphological, morphological, structural, and structural, architectural and architecturalcharacteristics characteristics and value (Figure and value 20)[21 (Figure]. 20) [21].

Figure 19. Buildings of Type B. Heritage2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW FigureFigure 19. Buildings 19. Buildings of Type of TypeB. B. 12 of 18

FigureFigure 20. Buildings 20. Buildings of Type of Type C. C.

2.3.2. The Ministry’s Role on Preserving and Enhancing Ladadika’s Special Historical, Urban, Architectural, Traditional, Social and Aesthetic Aspect The Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace (Ma. & Th.) in cooperation with the Department of Environment and City-Planning of Central Macedonia, in an attempt to preserve Ladadika’s architectural identity, decided to begin a designation process to prevent the demolition of these buildings of high historical and architectural value and mandate their preservation and protection. The whole plan of action took place from 1990 to 1997 as follows: • 1993: All the buildings of the area were examined and 87were proposed for designation and recorded on file cards. • 1994: After a designation decision, 87 buildings with significant features were listed. The relevant decision by the Minister of Macedonia and Thrace took place in 1994 [22]. • 1997: The established street plan of the city in the historical area of Ladadika was amended to protect the oldest urban historic fabric of the area, which has existed since 1875, while also preventing the demolition of the valuable listed buildings of the area. The relevant decision by the Minister of Ma. Th. and the President of Democracy took place in 1997 [23]. In addition to the above framework of protection, the Department of Environment and City- Planning of Central Macedonia promoted a pilot project for the development and revitalization of “Ladadika”, which was co-financed 75% by the Structural Fund of the European Community. Much construction took place in the area and, because of the above fiscal support, the streets of the old historic fabric were recreated and the entire area became a pedestrian area. A few public buildings were also reconstructed as far as their shell was concerned; however, the most important problem was the lack of extra financial support through the state for maintaining and restoring the 87 private buildings of the area, which were in very bad condition with many structural problems. During that time, the priority was to encourage the owners, through a continuous cooperation, to undertake the maintenance of their property by proposing them the possibility of new prosperous uses, especially recreational ones, for a better functional management of their property. It is important to stress that this opportunity, for an adaptive reuse of their property prevented the demolition of these buildings. The owners cooperated with a group of architects from the Department of Environment and City-Planning of Central Macedonia and, under their instructions and practical support, proceeded to maintain their buildings at their own expense. Therefore, the whole plan of preserving the historic area of Ladadika achieved its main goals: • Demolition of buildings of high historical and architectural value was prevented. • Significant buildings were designated and protected. • The urban historic fabric of the area was protected. • Owners were encouraged to take part in preserving their buildings. • Policies for a better functional management of the property, with several different new uses, especially recreational ones (taverns, bars and restaurants) were formulated. • The property value was increased.

Heritage 2019, 2 728

• 1993: All the buildings of the area were examined and 87were proposed for designation and recorded on ﬁle cards. • 1994: After a designation decision, 87 buildings with signiﬁcant features were listed. The relevant decision by the Minister of Macedonia and Thrace took place in 1994 [22]. • 1997: The established street plan of the city in the historical area of Ladadika was amended to protect the oldest urban historic fabric of the area, which has existed since 1875, while also preventing the demolition of the valuable listed buildings of the area. The relevant decision by the Minister of Ma. Th. and the President of Democracy took place in 1997 [23].

In addition to the above framework of protection, the Department of Environment and City-Planning of Central Macedonia promoted a pilot project for the development and revitalization of “Ladadika”, which was co-financed 75% by the Structural Fund of the European Community. Much construction took place in the area and, because of the above fiscal support, the streets of the old historic fabric were recreated and the entire area became a pedestrian area. A few public buildings were also reconstructed as far as their shell was concerned; however, the most important problem was the lack of extra financial support through the state for maintaining and restoring the 87 private buildings of the area, which were in very bad condition with many structural problems. During that time, the priority was to encourage the owners, through a continuous cooperation, to undertake the maintenance of their property by proposing them the possibility of new prosperous uses, especially recreational ones, for a better functional management of their property. It is important to stress that this opportunity, for an adaptive reuse of their property prevented the demolition of these buildings. The owners cooperated with a group of architects from the Department of Environment and City-Planning of Central Macedonia and, under their instructions and practical support, proceeded to maintain their buildings at their own expense. Therefore, the whole plan of preserving the historic area of Ladadika achieved its main goals:

• Demolition of buildings of high historical and architectural value was prevented. • Signiﬁcant buildings were designated and protected. • The urban historic fabric of the area was protected. • Owners were encouraged to take part in preserving their buildings. • Policies for a better functional management of the property, with several different new uses, especially recreational ones (taverns, bars and restaurants) were formulated. • The property value was increased. • The environment was protected and enhanced. • The economy of the area was developed.

At present, after the above designation decisions and the preservation framework, Ladadika came back to life. Many bars, taverns and restaurants have opened and reoccupied the once abandoned and now renovated old buildings.

2.4. The Traditional District in the Municipality of Neapolis-Sikeon The Municipality of Neapolis-Sikeon is a traditional neighborhood on the northwest of Thessaloniki’s city, close to the boundaries of the Byzantine City Walls (Figure 21). It is signiﬁcant for Heritage2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 18 Heritage2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 18 • The environment was protected and enhanced. • • The environmenteconomy of the was area protected was developed. and enhanced. • The economy of the area was developed. At present, after the above designation decisions and the preservation framework, Ladadika cameAt back present, to life. after Many the abovebars, designationtaverns and decisio restaurantsns and have the preservationopened and framework,reoccupied Ladadikathe once cameabandoned back andto life. now Many renovated bars, old taverns buildings. and restaurants have opened and reoccupied the once abandoned and now renovated old buildings. 2.4. The Traditional District in the Municipality of Neapolis-Sikeon Heritage2.4. The2019 Traditional, 2 District in the Municipality of Neapolis-Sikeon 729 The Municipality of Neapolis-Sikeon is a traditional neighborhood on the northwest of Thessaloniki’sThe Municipality city, close of to theNeapolis-Sikeon boundaries of isthe a By traditionalzantine City neighborhood Walls (Figure on21). theIt is significantnorthwest forof itsThessaloniki’sits particularparticular historical,historical, city, close urban urbanto the and boundariesand social social interest, interest, of the sinceBy sincezantine it isit ais City complex a complex Walls of (Figure one- of one- or 21). two-story or It two-story is significant houses houses that for wereitsthat particular were inhabited inhabited historical, by Greek by Greek urban refugees refugees and from social from Asia interest, Minor,Asia Minor, since Pontus itPontus is and a complex Eastern and Eastern Thrace.of one- Thrace. or two-story houses that wereTheThe houses housesinhabited inin thisthisby Greek traditionaltraditional refugees districtdistrict from areare Asia characterizedcharacterized Minor, Pontus byby folkfolkand architecture:Easternarchitecture: Thrace. based on thethe locallocal needsneedsThe andand houses thethe availabilityavailability in this traditional ofof constructionconstruction district materialsmaterials are characterized (Figure(Figure 2222). by). folk architecture: based on the local needs and the availability of construction materials (Figure 22).

FigureFigure 21.21. The traditional district.

FigureFigure 22.22. Listedlistedlisted buildingbuilding building inin in thethe the traditionaltraditional traditional distdist district,rict,rict, closeclose toto thethe ByzantineByzantine CityCity Walls.Walls.

The Ministry of Ma. & Th., in an attempt to preserve the historical and architectural identity of The Ministry of Ma. & Th., in an attempt to preserve the historical and architectural identity of this area,The decidedMinistry to of begin Ma. & a designationTh., in an attempt process to to preser preventve the demolitionhistorical and of thesearchitectural buildings, identity save the of this area, decided to begin a designation process to prevent the demolition of these buildings, save urbanthis area, fabric decided of the to area begin and a mandate designation their process preservation to prevent and protection. the demolition of these buildings, save the urban fabric of the area and mandate their preservation and protection. the urbanTherefore, fabric in of 2006, the area after and a designation mandate their minister’s preservation decision, and 48 protection. buildings with significant features Therefore, in 2006, after a designation minister’s decision, 48 buildings with significant features wereTherefore, listed as important in 2006, onesafter toa designa be preserved,tion minister’s for their morphologicaldecision, 48 buildings value, their with integration significant potential features were listed as important ones to be preserved, for their morphological value, their integration intowere the listed urban as fabric important of the Municipalityones to be preserved, of Neapolis-Sikeon, for their socialmorphological reasons [24 value,]. Furthermore, their integration in 2012, potential into the urban fabric of the Municipality of Neapolis-Sikeon, social reasons [24]. thepotential whole areainto wasthe designated urban fabric as traditional of the districtMunicipality with the of restriction Neapolis-Sikeon, of specific termssocial ofreasons construction [24]. Furthermore, in 2012, the whole area was designated as traditional district with the restriction of orFurthermore, maintenance. in The2012, relevant the whole Ministry area decisionwas designated took place as intraditional 2012 [25]. district with the restriction of specific terms of construction or maintenance. The relevant Ministry decision took place in 2012 [25]. specificIt is terms indeed of veryconstruction important or maintenance. for the state to The be relevant able to preserve Ministry the decision heritage took memory place in stemming 2012 [25]. It is indeed very important for the state to be able to preserve the heritage memory stemming fromIt the is refugee’sindeed very presence important and for their the life, state at to that be time.able to On preserve the other the hand, heritage it is memory also important stemming to from the refugee’s presence and their life, at that time. On the other hand, it is also important to encouragefrom the refugee’s heritage presence owners notand to their abandon life, at their that realtytime. On and the for other the state hand, to it be is ablealso toimportant undertake to encourage heritage owners not to abandon their realty and for the state to be able to undertake appropriateencourage heritage measures owners to foster not andto abandon provide their within re itsalty own and political for the andstate administrativeto be able to undertake structure, appropriate measures to foster and provide within its own political and administrative structure, more specific incentives, measures or viable solutions. The above framework encourages conservation interventions for strengthening the static loading, upgrading the technical equipment or carrying out interior alternations giving to listed buildings the opportunity to become viable and have facilities according to the demands of modern everyday life. Heritage 2019, 2 730

3. Discussion Looking back on the past, it has to be noticed that policies formulated from the state to rescue buildings or districts of great value in the historical center of Thessaloniki, such as at the Ano Poli, Ladadika or the Municipality of Neapolis-Sikeon, has brought many positive results today as the scale and architectural style of these places have been preserved to a certain extent. For example, architectural ensembles of buildings were rescued and no widening of roads could be done that damaged the old web, demolished historic buildings or ensembles or destroyed the natural relief. Furthermore, despite the demolition actions that took place in the past, the above protected places represent a priceless wealth and an irreplaceable expression of the richness of the past, thus deserving our uttermost care for inheriting them to the future generations. Over the past 40 years, many efforts have been made by competent bodies in Thessaloniki, the residents and owners of these regions, especially in the cases of Ano Poli and Ladadika, as well as organization such as the Cultural Capital Organization “Thessaloniki ’97” (which in Ano Poli carried out repairs of listed buildings) established an institutional framework for protection of the areas and the regulation of a series of laws and decisions. Meanwhile, the Greek State has adopted several regulations for the owners of listed buildings as the provisions of relevant laws and decisions about the protection of architectural heritage. Nowadays, some findings and necessary procedures could be mentioned for the protection of the traditional areas and listed buildings as follows. The image of abandonment of designate buildings is noticed quite often. The major problem areas for citizens is the lack of significant financial or other motive on the part of the state, for restoration purposes or maintenance of the designated buildings, the complicated administrative procedure and the bureaucracy. To encourage heritage owners not to abandon their property, the Greek State should undertake more appropriate measures to foster and provide specific incentives and measures (e.g., financial, taxation, etc.), although it has adopted some urban and economic incentives and regulations, such as: (1) Subsidized expenditure for the modification of traditional or listed buildings into hotel units, according to the Investment Incentives Law 3908/2011: “The investment plans which come under the provisions of the present law in application of the Block Exemption Regulation shall receive aid for a series of expenditure” [26]. This measure increases the positive investment flow of private capital into architectural heritage buildings, ensuring both preservation of heritage and achievement of sustainable development goals. (2) Tax reductions for property transfer. (3) Fiscal incentives. (4) Priority in preservation of listed buildings as an entity, in cases it is expropriated for public benefit, for example if there is an established street plan, park area, etc. By this motive, the owner of a listed building can ensure that his property shall not be deprived by the state. (5) Encourage conservation interventions for strengthening the static loading, upgrading the technical equipment or carrying out interior alternations giving to listed buildings a new prosperous use to become viable and have facilities according to the demands of modern everyday life. (6) Possibility to transfer the floor area ratio (FAR) of a listed building to another area of the Country—where there is acceptability—when there is still the ability to exploit its maximum height limits [19]. In general, it has been noticed, that people do not seem aware enough of all the above motives. For this reason, the Department of T. S. & L. B. tries to hear and examine their objections during a designation process, emphasizing the principles of preventive maintenance in protecting the built cultural heritage. Nowadays, some findings and necessary procedures could be mentioned for the protection of the traditional areas and listed buildings: Heritage 2019, 2 731

• Projects of works that take place in these areas or listed buildings (e.g., restoration works, works for the erection of new buildings on adjacent to listed buildings properties, the reconstruction of the preserved buildings, etc.) are a challenge that should be addressed with sensitivity taking under consideration the character of the traditional settlement and the protection and preservation of the architectural physiognomy on adjacent to them preserved buildings. • Under this concept, the role of the engineer, the degree of sensitivity to the conservation of the traditional character of the settlement and the specialization in rehabilitation are of great importance. • In addition, emphasis should be given on the collaboration between the staff of the department and the architect of the proposed project in advance of alterations or expansions works of any sort, which is likely to take place and affect the character of a listed building. • Under the provisions of the decision concerned the designation of 199 buildings, owners of listed buildings may examine the most prosperous ways for a sustainable refurbishment or an adaptive reuse process for their property. On this point, a recent example for the modiﬁcation of an industrial listed building into apartment units should be mentioned. The owners of the building, which is an old tobacco warehouse, are already in the process of submitting application requests for planning permissions. • An Electronic Database of the archive of the Department of T. S. & L. B. has been developed and operated for all traditional settlements, listed buildings and the sites of particular natural beauty in Macedonia and Thrace, which are under the protection of the M. Int. - s. Ma. & Th., as well as monuments and historical places, which are under the protection of the Ministry of Culture. This database is constantly updated and supported by administration and computer system and includes information for protection subjects (e.g., as photographs, documents, decisions, etc.), whereas citizens through the ministry’s website have access to basic information for each of the entries [27]. • A digital map has been developed by architects of the department. The map includes a wide range of cultural heritage data, listed buildings, and contemporary and ancient monuments located within the historical center of Thessaloniki. This map is a very useful tool for the staff of the department, citizens and other specialized agencies of the city.

4. Conclusions Through the efforts made, thus far, by the Department of T. S. & L. B. to protect the architectural heritage in the regions of Northern Greece, it has become clear that its protection is a positive development and upgrades the value of the settlement potential of the area. In this context, it is important to mobilize the competent bodies to exploit existing state and European funding programs, to repair and protect listed buildings. The designation and protection processes, considering the traditional settlement of Ano Poli, the traditional district in the Municipality of Neapolis-Sikeon, and the historical area of Ladadika, which are of special interest for the holistic protection framework, alongside with the designation of 199 buildings in the historical center of Thessaloniki, are of great importance for the enhancement of the architectural, urban, and aesthetic character and multifaceted cultural identity of the city. Proper information on positive aspects of cultural heritage protection can raise awareness of the wider protection of the traditional architectural wealth of the city of Thessaloniki. The provision of financial support or incentives for listed buildings helps the owners to take initiatives concerning the intervention process that has to be carried out. Furthermore, it can also be used for boosting adaptive reuse and complete refurbishment of existing listed buildings in Greece. It is important to encourage inhabitants to adopt appropriate management tools and utilize the available scientific forces towards a better protection of tangible as well as intangible heritage. The protection of the architectural heritage in historical centers of our cities is of utmost importance for the history and the culture of every city. Under the relevant provisions of the Greek Heritage 2019, 2 732 law, the Department of the Ministry of Interior (s. Ma. & Th.), has protected a considerable part of the architectural and natural heritage of the city and has secured the scale and character of its urban historic fabric. The creative challenge is to find appropriate ways to satisfy the requirements of a structure for safety, durability and usefulness, in a way to retain its character and special interest. Carrying out the works on a listed building, under the scope of the preventive maintenance, seems likely to heighten general awareness and impart on the owners a duty to protect something that is of value to the society as a whole.

Funding: This research received no external funding. Conﬂicts of Interest: The authors declare no conﬂict of interest.

References

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