Contemporary and traditional masonry structures. Presentation of characteristic masonry constructions. Materials and ways of construction of vertical and horizontal load-bearing elements. Actions and understanding of load paths. Mechanical characteristics of the main types of masonry. Mechanical behaviour of masonry structural elements, under various loadings and estimation of their resistances. Basic principles for the design of new structures, especially under seismic actions. Construction requirements and detailing of structural elements and their connections. Documentation, assessment and redesign of old structures due to damage or change of use. Survey, investigation and documentation of their state of preservation(using non destructive, minor destructive and destructive techniques). Characteristic pathology with emphasis on seismic damage. Qualitative assessment of structural behaviour and diagnosis of the causes of damage. Comparative presentation of the main intervention techniques for the repair and strengthening of existing structures, focusing on those improving their seismic behaviour. Criteria for the selection of the optimal intervention scheme. Intervetions application technology. Emphasis is also given to wooden load-bearing elements and their role in the aseismic behaviour of modern and historical masonry structures. Presentation of case studies. On-site visits to historical masonry constructions, such as Daphni Monastery and Hagia Eirini at Aiolou Street in Athens.