Project to enhance tourist appeal of Monemvasia divides locals

·

The historical town of Monemvasia in Laconia, Greece, is set to receive a million euro makeover, including a new cable car, museum and lighting system.

According to an announcement by the Greek Culture Ministry, the project aims to make the town more accessible, enrich its cultural footprint and enhance the tourist appeal of Monemvasia.

Though many are concerned it will alter the area’s character and increase its touristification. The Association of Friends of Monemvasia has asked Laconia’s MPs and Deputy Environment Minister Giorgos Amyras to intervene.

Yiannis Ritsos house in Monemvasia. Photo source: Ministry of Culture.

So far it is confirmed that the project will include the following updates:

  • The purchase, the installation and operation of a cable car that will allow unobstructed access to Monemvasia’s Ano Poli (upper town) as well as the creation of accessibility-friendly routes, connecting the upper town’s cultural interest spots.
  • The design and installation of a lighting system that will highlight the Monemvasia Rock during night time and also improve safety and visibility.
  • The transformation of Yiannis Ritsos’ residence into a contemporary museum, highlighting the poet’s work and life alongside the area’s history and evolution through time.
Monemvasia Castle, Peloponnese. Red indicates the cable car area and yellow indicates the trail area. Photo
source: Ministry of Culture.

While a contract was signed in January and is backed by the local municipality, the Peloponnese Region, the Culture Ministry and the Parnonas Development Agency, it must first be approved by the Central Archaeological Council to move ahead.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘I will never forget you’: Emotional farewell for Greek Consul General in Sydney

An emotional Greek Consul General Yannis Mallikourtis delivered his farewell speech on Monday evening at Business Sydney’s Event Centre.

Adelaide’s St Sophrony Parish raises funds for hall construction

The newly established St Sophrony of Essex parish in Hectorville, Adelaide, held its first official fundraising dinner on Sunday, June 29.

From homelessness to homeowner: Kostas Papadimitropoulos shares his inspirational story

Melbourne man Kostas Papadimitropoulos has turned his life around after being scammed out of his life savings and forced to live in his car.

Sydney Dance Company shines at Athens Epidaurus Festival with ‘Impermanence’

The Sydney Dance Company captivated a crowd of 5,000 at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus last week, performing 'Impermanence.'

Former ATO worker Paraskevi Vula Danassis convicted in $2 billion GST scam

Former Australian Taxation Office employee Paraskevi Vula Danassis has been convicted over her role in a $2 billion GST fraud scheme.

You May Also Like

Greek museums go digital in groundbreaking collaboration with Google

While its ancient masterpieces are world-famous, Greece also boasts a dynamic and ever-evolving modern and contemporary art scene.

Ethnic Greek politician Fredi Beleri released on probation from jail in Albania

Former ethnic Greek mayor of an Albanian town, Fredi Beleri has been released on probation from jail in Albania.

‘Hymn to Liberty’: How Dionysios Solomos wrote Greece’s national anthem

On this day in 1865, the "Hymn to Liberty" by Dionysios Solomos is established as the National Anthem of Greece. It clearly represents modern-day Greece.