Return of Parthenon Marbles to Greece is a National Goal, Says Minister

Archive photo of Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni. Photo source: Culture Ministry

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni recently reiterated the Greek government’s call for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece

While speaking to foreign media on the culture ministry’s strategy for 2024, Mendoni said the repatriation of the ancient Greek sculptures was a national goal of foremost importance.

“The reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures [with those] in the Acropolis Museum in Athens, which is rightfully demanded by the monument itself – the symbol of Western civilization – is for the government and for all Greeks, a major national goal and at the same time a necessary action of global justice,” she said.

Palace of King Phillip II restored

Works at the palace of King Phillip II in progress in 2021. Photo source: Culture Ministry

Referring to the fully restored palace of King Phillip II in Aigai, Vergina, Macedonia, Mendoni said that German classicist, archaeologist, architectural historian Wolfram Hoepfner had described it as the “Parthenon of Macedonia”. The palace was constructed during the reign of Philip II (359-336 BC) in Aigai, the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia, and  together with the Parthenon is considered to be the most significant building of Classical Greece.

The palace, the largest in classical Greece and was three times the size of Parthenon, was a symbol of power and beauty and together with the museum inaugurated a year ago, said Mendoni, it creates a cultural attraction set to drive growth in the Region of Macedonia.

An inauguration event for the restored palace will be held on Friday, January 5. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will attend the event.

Restoration and enhancement projects at the palace of King Phillip II. Photo source: Culture Ministry

Culture ministry agenda for 2024

Lastly, Mendoni also referred to the agenda of culture ministry projects including more than 820 works and actions budgeted at 1.2 billion euros. These include the National Archaeological Museum, the former royal estate at Tatoi in Attica, and the upgrade of the country’s archaeological services.

“We are working to showcase the cultural and creative sector as an integrated, sustainable development tool,” said Mendoni.