The development of Greek mountainous traditional settlements ALICE HATZOPOULOU, Professor at NTUA

Abstract:- According to Aristotle, the aim of the city is edifying. The city is worthy only when it provides each citizen with the opportunity to develop through its organisation and operation his mental powers and become virtuous. The paper focuses on the evolution of mountainous traditional settlements in Greece and studies sustainable ways to overcome the neglect most of them are currently facing. It first takes into account the evolution of the institutional and jurisprudential framework in the field, which has permitted the rehabilitation of some of the aforementioned settlements for tourist use. Next, the paper refers to the possibility of developing agrotourism as a measure which could contribute to the preservation of local crafts and human memory through the revival of customs and traditional festivities. Finally, it concludes with the proposal of an institutional framework in the European level, which could promote and ensure the protection, development, sustainability and collaboration of mountainous traditional villages in the Mediterranean Member States of the European Union. Key-Words:- mountainous traditional settlements, sustainable development, protected site, protection of the environment, cultural heritage.