In 2021, Landscape–Roidis Design Studio was commissioned by Agia Aikaterini Church to redesign its surrounding grounds, creating a landscape that responds to the site’s religious significance while enhancing the experience of pilgrims and visitors. The intervention was guided by a careful balance between functional requirements, environmental sensitivity, and respect for the cultural and spiritual identity of the place.
The church and its surroundings constitute an important destination of worship and pilgrimage, set within a landscape of notable architectural and environmental value. The design approach sought to strengthen this relationship by organizing circulation routes, improving accessibility, and creating comfortable outdoor spaces for gathering, contemplation, and rest.
Particular attention was given to preserving the existing topography and integrating the intervention seamlessly into the natural setting. Planting, paving, and landscape elements were selected to complement the character of the site, reinforcing its sense of place while minimizing visual and environmental impact.
The project enhances the arrival sequence and overall visitor experience, providing a coherent and welcoming landscape framework that accommodates both everyday use and periods of increased pilgrimage activity. Through a restrained and context-sensitive design language, the intervention safeguards the historical, cultural, and environmental integrity of the site while supporting its continued role as a place of worship, reflection, and community.