Greek Culture Ministry Announces Budget of €17m for Projects in Mytilini

Castle of Mytilini

The Culture Ministry will carry out cultural projects worth over 17 million euros in the town of Mytilini on the island of Lesvos, aiming to restore and upgrade landmark monuments and sites.

The announcement was made by Culture Minister Lina Mendoni during a recent inspection visit to Mytilini.

Set to be funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the projects include works at the landmark Mitilini Castle, the Aghios Therapontas church and the Valide Mosque.

“With these cultural projects, we aim to strengthen and highlight the cultural features of the island. Furthermore, we wish to create growth opportunities that will decisively contribute to the revival of the local economy and the creation of jobs,” Mendoni said.

The minister added that the RRF and the National Strategic Reference Framework (also known as ESPA) for the 2021-2027 period, offer great financing opportunities for major projects on the island of Lesvos and in the North Aegean region.

View of the Mytilini Castle

While on Lesvos, Mendoni toured the Castle of Mytilini and inspected the ongoing works, budgeted at 2.5 million euros, which include the restoration of the remaining part of its walls.

Other projects in Mytilini include:

– The restoration of the Ottoman school (Medrese), budgeted at 1.5 million euros.

– Improvement works at the Municipal Gallery and the Theofilos Museum.

– Restoration works in the exterior area and on the facade of the landmark Aghios Therapontas church. A tender will be launched in the coming weeks for the restoration of the dome and part of the monument’s interior area.

– Restoration works at the Valide mosque which will be turned into an exhibition space offering information on everyday life in Mytilini during the 18th and 19th century.

Mendoni also announced reinforcement works on the rocky slopes of the hill of Molyvos on the northern side of the island as well as restoration works at the Zoodochos Pigi church in Vrisa which suffered major damages during a powerful earthquake that hit the island in 2017.

The Roman aqueduct of Moria

In addition, the ministry will prepare a study for protection and restoration works at the Roman aqueduct of Moria located on the eastern part of Lesvos.