Culture Ministry Invests €60 Million in the Restoration of Laconia’s Historic Monuments

Byzantine castle town of Mystras. Photo source: Culture Ministry

With a budget of 60 million euros, the Ministry of Culture is launching a series of restoration projects aimed at the functional and aesthetic enhancement of significant historical monuments in Laconia, Peloponnese.

The project focuses on the Byzantine castle town of Mystras, the Archaeological Museum and the Ancient Theater of Sparta, and the Archaeological Site of Pellana.

“The Ministry of Culture is carrying out a project valued at approximately 60 million euros in Laconia, a region with an inexhaustible cultural heritage and international renown,” said Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.

Moreover, she revealed that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis secured additional funding for the construction of the new Archaeological Museum of Sparta.

Mystras: A UNESCO World Heritage in Peloponnese

Mystras is a complex of Byzantine churches and a palace built on the slopes of Mt. Taygetus and it is listed as a UNESCO‘s World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, the castle town served as the capital of the Byzantine Despotate of the Morea.

Through these projects, the ministry aims to improve accessibility for visitors with disabilities and further develop the monument as a key tourist attraction in the region. In addition, significant work has been carried out to preserve the painted decorations and stone elements of the churches.

“Since 2019, we have been investing in both material and human resources in Mystras, aiming for the site to shine by spring 2026, showcasing its grandeur to visitors,” Mendoni highlighted.

Archaeological Museum and the Ancient Theater of Sparta

Parliament Member Neoklis Kritikos, Sparta Mayor Michalis Vakalopoulos, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, Parliament Member Athanasios Davakis. Photo source: Culture Ministry

The Archaeological Museum of Sparta, which opened in 1830, is considered the oldest regional museum in Greece. Its expansion and restoration are being funded with 4.5 million euros from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and an additional 6 million euros from the ministry’s Public Investment Program.

Meanwhile, restoration work on the Ancient Theater, with a budget of 1.6 million euros, includes the repair of key structural elements. New directives from the minister call for additional studies and further funding to complete the project by early 2026.

Autopsy in the Archaeological Site of Pellana

Among the most important sites of the Mycenaean Period, the Archaeological Site of Pellana contains a remarkable collection of major monuments from that era. The enhancement plan includes rezoning the area and conducting studies to initiate the maintenance and protection of the fragile rock formations.

“Completing the works on schedule is a priority for the Ministry of Culture to significantly boost the development prospects of the region,” Mendoni stated in conclusion.