In a festive and moving atmosphere, on October 25, 2025, in Naxos, the remarkable restoration of the historic residence Kampones 1615 was honored with the European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award 2025, co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union.
Among the 251 entries submitted for 2025, 30 outstanding achievements from 24 countries were selected, with Kampones 1615 standing out as the only private residence recognized in the category of “Conservation and Adaptive Reuse.”
The award was presented by Mrs. Lydia Carras, President and Founder of ELLINIKI ETAIRIA – Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage (ELLET), which officially represents the pan-European federation Europa Nostra in Greece. In her speech, Mrs. Karras emphasized the importance of restoring monuments and the positive environmental impact of gentle, adaptive reuse.
According to the restoration architects, Mrs. Maria Magnisali and Mr. Themistocles Bilis, the private Venetian tower house on the island of Naxos preserves five centuries of architectural, agricultural, and cultural heritage. Using traditional techniques and original materials that had collapsed—such as marble, lintels, beams, door frames, and transoms—the team reinforced the structural integrity of the residence and its rural outbuildings. Once the summer residence of Michel Sanudo, with its double chapel and farm structures, the property—now owned by Thanassis Karavias and Sophia Emmanuel —has been made functional again without altering its original structure.
Greetings and congratulations were extended by the provincial governor of Naxos, Mr. Giannis Margaritis, and the Mayor of Naxos, Mr. Dimitris Lianos. Former Minister of Culture Mrs. Elisavet Papazoi also conveyed her warm congratulations to the Karavia family for their dedication to the preservation and continued use of the estate—an effort already recognized through the European Sustainable Heritage Award and the Philippe Rotthier European Architecture Award.
The award ceremony was accompanied by an exhibition of local products, folk art, and music. The exhibition of traditional embroideries was curated by Andriani Vasilaki, while the Children’s Art Workshop, coordinated by Filippa Floraka, invited young participants to paint and depict the estate’s unique landscape. The talented pianist Andreas Sarantidis-Dudnikov created a magical atmosphere, performing works by Chopin, Schubert, Rachmaninoff, and Beethoven. Guests also enjoyed a honey and olive oil tasting by local producers Gavriil Kondylis and Kostas Karavias, followed by a garden luncheon featuring local cuisine prepared by the gifted Anna Vasilaki.
