––––
Martha Bryone, Elina Sakketou
––
Methana is a peninsula situated in the northeast part of the Peloponnese. It belongs to the volcanic arc of the South Aegean along with Mylos, Santorini and Nisyros. Methana, counting almost 30 volcanic domes and with its last eruption taking place in 1700, is declared as an active volcano. Our two scalar research explores extensively the peninsula’s geomorphology with a very important characteristic of it being the existence of agricultural terraces (skales), which were formed by the villagers themselves. The city of Methana has a population of 1.967 residents (2011 cencus) and is declared as a Hot Bath Center. Its hot springs are of the most rare and remarkable around West and Central Europe. Of very important interest is the central neoclassical building of the volcanic spa, designed by Ernst Ziller. Apart from the spa tourism, Methana is also known for the more than 60 km of declared hiking paths all around the peninsula connecting archaeological sites and points of interest.
panorama sea to land: tripinview 2014
panorama land to sea: AgioiAnargiroi, provincial road Epidaurus-Methana ,Methana, 2017
historical photography : Methana 1950, MethanaPaliesPhotographies
Redefining healing tourism in two scales
Methana is a former touristic area- almost abandoned nowadays. Whilst being the most well-known Loutropolis in Greece once, Methana is now known as a destination solely for the elderly. Our goal is not only to reinforce Methana’s identity as a Loutropolis but also to transmute it into an ideal well being-revitalizing destination. Our two scalar approach involves amplifying the existing topography of the peninsula (terraces, paths) and expanding the sea network around it, but also reusing existing infrastructure creating a wellness center in the coastal zone of Methana. The highlight of the experience we offer, the healing terraces, are formed by combining the characteristic topography of the peninsula and the famous healing baths and placing them on a slope above the settlement of Methana.
