At Kato Neurokopi of Drama, where history breathes through the mountain, stands the Lisse fort, one of the most heroic forts of the famous “Metaxa Line”. Haughty, strict and at the same time touchingly human, Lisse is a symbol of resistance, memory and freedom.
Here, on April 6, 1941, one of the most brilliant chapters of recent Greek history was written. The soldiers of the fort resisted with unparalleled courage against the German forces, defending every meter of land, every stone, every portico. The fort was never taken in battle; it was only surrendered when Thessaloniki had already fallen.
The white marble and the whitewashed walls of the monument shine under the sunlight on the hill, above the homonymous local community of Ochyros in the municipality of Kato Nevrokopi. It is difficult for the visitor not to stop, as from a distance it looks like a Cycladic chapel on a green hill.
This contrast of colors is the first strong feeling that is created as the visitor climbs towards the fortress of Lisse. Eighty-four years later, it remains an important center of historical memory and truth with a breathtaking view of the entire Kato Nevrokopio plateau. In fact, what characterizes this space today, its strongest point, is the special “marriage” that has been achieved between yesterday and today, with the use of modern technology.
History comes alive with technology
Eve of October 28, a visit to Lisse Fort acquires special importance. It is a place where the “No” of 1940 echoes again, through the voices and shadows of those who did not bend. It is a lesson in freedom, not limited to an anniversary, but continues to inspire, to move, to unite. The “No” of 1940 turned up here, at the end of Greece, a few months later, into an act of bravery, into a sacrifice, into a silent oath of freedom.
Visiting Lisse Fort today is not a simple tour. With the help of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, the visitor wears the special mask and travels back in time. He sees before him the construction of the forts, walks through the underground tunnels, listens to the accounts of the events as they happened.
The story ceases to be a simple narrative and becomes an experience. Inside the galleries, a holographic projection of a 1941 soldier welcomes the visitor. He “speaks” as if he were there, now, describing the life, the agonies and the strength of soul of those who fought. The technology here does not replace memory, instead it illuminates it in a way that touches the visitor deeply. Thanks to Mr. Nikos Pachtas and the creative team of Digital Innovations, the holographic depiction of the defender of the forts, who during a lull in the battle narrates the events particularly vividly, impresses and moves young and old alike.
A great attempt at regeneration
Behind her the new era of Ochyros is a coordinated effort of the administration of the municipality of Kato Nevrokopi. Isaias Hatjikonstantinou, president of the Municipal Council and responsible for the organization and operation of the Fort, speaks to APE – BPE with pride and responsibility for what has been achieved.
“For the past year, we have been making a systematic effort to organize Lisse Fort properly, as it deserves. It is not only a historical site, but a living monument that we must protect, highlight and pass on to the next generations”, emphasizes Mr. Hadjikonstantinou.
At the same time, an important initiative to collect and document archival material continues. “We started”, emphasizes Mr. Hatzikonstantinou, “to collect valuable documents, photographs, letters, objects and testimonies related to the battle and the people of the Fort. Each new element added makes the narrative more complete and more human.
We made it to collect rare photographic material which we have digitized and soon the visitor will be able to view it on a touch device. It is a photo album of the German Sergeant Anton Blasius (Anton Blasius) which contains photos from his military life (France, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece) when he enlisted in the German army until his return to Germany as wounded from the Russian front.
Most of the photos are from the occupation of the Forts in which he participated. These photos are dated April 6, 1941. Eighty-four years later, on April 6, 2025, the photos were delivered to the place where they were taken, in the current municipality of Kato Nevrokopi.
“Plus,” he points out the active president of the Municipal Council of Kato Nevrokopi, “in cooperation with the services of the Greek Army, we are trying to receive the armament of the fort and the authentic uniforms of the officers who associated their names with the glorious history of this place”.
The result of this systematic work and collective effort is already evident. The visitation of the fort increased impressively, reaching 10,000 visitors since the beginning of the year, among them several foreigners.
“Lisse Fort it has now attracted visitors from other countries as well. They come to get to know this part of Greek and European history up close. It is moving to see people of different nationalities standing respectfully in front of this monument”, says Mr. Hatjikonstantinou to APE – ME.
Memory as a compass of the future
The experience at Lisse Fort does not end with memory. In its halls are housed authentic objects of 1941, uniforms, helmets, personal belongings of soldiersrare photos and documents. The collection is constantly enriched, so that every time the visitor discovers something new.
The fort’s eager and knowledgeable staff greet visitors with knowledge and respect, offering not just a tour, but a human hospitality experience. Because here, history is not far away, it remains alive, and becomes familiar to the visitor through the exhibits and modern technology.
The Lisse Fort, has been characterized as the “flagship” of the Metaxas Line, in which the Greek Army fought against the German and Bulgarian divisions on April 6 and 7, 1941. Despite fierce attacks by the invaders, the forts in the area were not captured and surrendered after the Capitulation of Greece. It is worth noting that eleven of the total twenty-one forts of the Metaxas Line, from Strymonas to Komotini, are today in the municipality of Kato Nevrokopi of Drama.
The Lisse fortifications consist of four groups of arcades (Turtles) along the entire length of the hill, with underground arcades that exceed 950 meters in total. Two of the gallery complexes communicate with underground passages, while the other two are autonomous defense installations.
The Fort had cannons, accommodation and storage facilities, water tanks, generators, armament and positions for military vehicles. His force consisted of 12 officers and 457 enlisted men. Because of the necessary secrecy and the need for camouflage, the facility is inconspicuous from the outside and access to several of its entrances is difficult. Only one Turtle can be visited today.