Culture Ministry: €50M for Renovations and Upgrades of Monuments on Dodecanese Islands

South Aegean Governor George Hatzimarkos with Culture Minister Lina Mendoni. Photo source: Culture Ministry

The Aegean islands, which collectively house over 30 percent of Greece’s monuments, were recently visited by Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni. During her visit to Rhodes, she inspected several ongoing renovation projects and met with local officials.

Accompanied by South Aegean Regional Governor George Hatzimarkos, Mendoni announced that an additional 50 million euros will be allocated from Greece’s recovery fund for renovation and upgrade projects in the Dodecanese.

“On the islands of the South Aegean, the Culture Ministry is implementing projects worth several million euros,” Mendoni stated. She noted that Rhodes, in particular, will receive funding for the renovation of the island’s national theater and several projects within the medieval town.

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni at the archaeological site of Pervola, Rhodes. Photo source: Culture Ministry

During her visit, Mendoni was also briefed on the progress made in promoting the Acropolis of Lindos.

According to the ministry, all projects are funded by the National Strategic Reference Framework for the periods 2014-2021 and 2021-2027, as well as by Greece’s recovery fund.

Mendoni expressed her gratitude to Governor Hatzimarkos for his support and cooperation, and announced that the renovation projects of the Pervola archaeological site, near the Palace of the Grand Master in the medieval town, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The medieval city of Rhodes has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pervola archaeological site.

Retzep Pasha temple.

The minister also visited the Murat Reis complex, where renovation works are proceeding on schedule. The monument, including the Murat Reis Mosque, was built in 1636 and expanded to its current form in 1797. It has been closed since 2000 and is an important reference point for local Muslim history. The complex is undergoing a complete renovation.

At the Retzep Pasha Mosque, constructed between 1587 and 1578 and a significant example of Ottoman architecture in the medieval town, Mendoni reviewed the ongoing renovation works. These include maintenance of marble features, improvements to the surrounding courtyard, and the construction of additional infrastructure for visitors behind the mausoleum.