Olympios Tower

Olympios Tower (Pyrgos Olympiou) is located in the village of Ano Lechonia, at the foothills of Mount Pelion, in the region of Magnesia, southeast of the city of Volos and approximately one kilometre from the coast. The original core of the tower dates to the 17th–18th century and is attributed to Alatzas (or Atlazas), who served as a Russian consul. As one of the few surviving examples of early vernacular tower-houses in Pelion, the complex constitutes a significant historical structure. The project focuses on its conservation and adaptive reuse as a traditional guesthouse and restaurant, with an emphasis on local enogastronomy.

The proposal adopts a holistic conservation approach, respecting the authenticity of the complex, preserving its original spatial organization, and acknowledging all historical phases of its development. The tower itself is converted into a small-scale guesthouse, with a limited number of rooms corresponding to the existing layout. New infrastructure is minimized and designed to be fully reversible, ensuring that the architectural character and material integrity of the building remain unaltered. The auxiliary buildings are repurposed to host spaces dedicated to local gastronomy and wine tasting, accessible not only to guests but also to the wider public. The surrounding open spaces retain the existing vegetation, while traditional elements such as ovens, fountains, and irrigation channels are restored to working condition. The overall aim is to immerse visitors in an authentic experience of local hospitality, within a representative example of 19th-century architectural heritage in Pelion.