Revival of the Kokkinopilos Primary School
Kokkinopilos’ EOS was founded in 2014 with the aim of promoting the gentle and sustainable development of our region, with Mount Olympus as its central point of reference. Our vision is for Thessalian Olympus to become a vibrant, international attraction for all those who love mountains, mountaineering, and nature.
Concession of the Old Primary School
In 2015, following a formal request from Kokkinopilos’ EOS, the Municipal Council of Elassona granted the club the free use of the old Primary School—a historic building of symbolic importance for the village and the wider region.
This concession laid the foundation for an ambitious project: the complete renovation and reuse of the old school as a center for culture, research, and the promotion of Mount Olympus. The project aimed to create a conference center, a folklore exhibition hall, and an environmental information and education hall, highlighting the history, nature, and unique identity of Thessaly’s Olympus.
The School Before Restoration
Inclusion in the LEADER Program
On the initiative of Kokkinopilos’ EOS, the building was included in the LEADER funding program. The project, titled “Restoration and Reuse of the Old Primary School of Kokkinopilos,” with a total budget of €295,433.85, was funded through the CLLD/LEADER regional program of Larissa, within the framework of the Local Community-Led Development scheme of the Rural Development Program 2014–2020.
The project was successfully completed, exceeding the initial budget, as additional works were carried out and financed through the Club’s own resources and donations from its members.
Works for the Revival of the Building
The New “Olympus Conference Center”
Following the completion of the restoration, the old school was transformed into a modern space for culture, education, and events, operating under the name “Olympus Conference Center,” as outlined below:
Ground Floor:
- Kokkinopilos Folklore Museum—showcasing traditional professions, authentic tools, and everyday-life artifacts of the local community.
- Replica of an old school classroom featuring original objects from the former Primary School.
- Information and research hall dedicated to the study of Mount Olympus’ natural environment, history, and cultural heritage.
- Dining area operated by the Kokkinopilos Mountaineering Club to serve visitors and host events.
First Floor:
- Events and conference hall, suitable for conferences, workshops, educational programs, cultural events, and environmental awareness activities.
- Offices
The Transformation
Our Contribution
Through this project, Kokkinopilos’ EOS plays a key role in highlighting the history, tradition, and natural wealth of Mount Olympus. The Olympus Conference Center now serves as an important hub for culture and research, enhancing the cultural and tourism development of the region and supporting the revitalization of Kokkinopilos.