Culture Projects Worth €170m Planned for Attica Region

Attical Region Governor Nikos Hardalias speaking of the regional authority’s partnership with the Culture Ministry. Photo source: Region of Attica

The rebranding of the wider Athens region will focus in large part on culture through an integrated investment program to be run jointly by the Attica Region and the Greek Culture Ministry.

The project, presented this week by Culture Minister Lina Mendoni and Attical Region Governor Nikos Hardalias, is budgeted at approximately 170 million euros to be funded through RRF and EU NSRF 2021-2027 programs. The main focus of the project will be on the protection and promotion of Attica’s archaeological sites and key attractions.

Fifty of the projects have already been included in the Culture Ministry’s 240-million-euro program covering the restoration, maintenance and enhancement of the monuments of the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the reconstruction of the former royal estate at Tatoi, and the Museum of Underwater Antiquities in Piraeus.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni and Attical Region Governor Nikos Hardalias during an inspection of sites in Athens. Photo source: Region of Attica

Mendoni said that the cultural heritage of Attica and Greece can serve as developmental tools for the region and emphasized its strategic importance for the economy and society. Mendoni went on to add that a significant part of the culture sector’s gross added value is found in Attica, where “58 percent of businesses are based and 60 percent of the work force”. At the same time, she said heritage and culture sites in Attica account for more than 40 percent of all visitors.

On his part, Hardalias said it was a priority to move ahead with the implementation of an ambitious “holistic plan” of works that will showcase the region’s cultural wealth. In this direction, he announced that 50 million euros in funding would be channeled into culture projects, which include the restoration of a mansion in central Athens, the reopening of the Old Acropolis Museum, and 22 new cultural events.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni and Attical Region Governor Nikos Hardalias during an inspection of museums in Athens. Photo source: Region of Attica

Hardalias went on to announce that a finalized tourism development and marketing plan for the Attica Region would be presented in the coming period.

The Attica Region includes Athens, the Athenian Riviera, and several islands such as Aegina, Hydra, and Spetses, among others.