Crete’s Spinalonga Site Secures EU Funding for Restoration Works

Spinalonga, Crete.

The Region of Crete has managed to secure 900,000 euros in EU funding for the third phase of works on the archaeological site of the small island of Spinalonga, which is located in the gulf of Elounda in Lassithi.

The project has been included in the “Regional Operational Program (ROP) Crete 2014-2020”, and was recently signed by Crete governor Stavros Arnaoutakis.

“It is part of the necessary interventions that aim to maintain and promote the island’s fortification. Spinalonga is a significant monument of Crete, a landmark site for the island’s culture and a top destination,” Arnaoutakis said in an announcement.

Crete governor Stavros Arnaoutakis

Works on the archaeological site include the area’s cleanup; the maintenance of the fortification of the southwestern wall, as well as maintenance works on some of the buildings in the settlement’s market.

“The scheme is taking place within the framework of our good collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, which promotes significant projects on Crete,” Arnaoutakis added.

Spinalonga’s fortification was built by the Venetians in the 16th century for defense purposes. From the early 20^th century and until 1957, the island was used as a leper colony. Today, the uninhabited island is among the most popular tourist attractions of Crete.