Monemvasia Castle Upper Town to Ease Access with Elevator, Path Network, New Signs

Castle of Monemvasia. Photo source: Culture Ministry.

Greece’s Ministry of Culture has announced a comprehensive renovation of walkways and infrastructure in the Upper Town of the Castle of Monemvasia.

The project, with a total budget of 6.8 million euros, is funded by the Ministry of Culture through the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility. It includes the creation of a network of sightseeing paths in the Castle’s Upper Town, connecting them to the elevator and popular visitor spots.

These developments will effectively link the Upper Town with the Lower Town, offering easy and safe access for all visitors. The elevator will provide free access for people with mobility challenges. Each elevator cabin will have a capacity for 15 people, or accommodate two wheelchairs or one ambulance stretcher and two people.

Monemvasia, Greece. Photo source: Monemvasia Municipality

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni noted, “The Upper Town is an open archaeological area, where the ruins of houses, public buildings, temples, baths, and pathways are visible. Funded by the 2007-2013 National Strategic Reference Framework, several structures were renovated in the Upper Town, including the famed Byzantine Church of Agia Sophia. It is an important monumental complex, now connected to the Lower Town.”

The minister further added that the primary goal is to enhance the visitor experience and ensure safety for all. The project will also provide comfortable break areas for visitors. “The new infrastructure will allow for organized and accessible sightseeing for everyone,” emphasized the minister.

Photo Source: Municipality of Monemvasia

Work on the walking paths will include leveling steep sections, adding railings, covering them with new materials, creating rest stops, and installing informational and directional signage. Key monuments, such as the “Cretan’s Home” and the Ottoman water fountain, will also be restored.

The environmental study for the project has been unanimously approved by Greece’s Central Archaeological Council (KAS). This approval is crucial, as the project lies within a Natura 2000 protected area and takes into account the archaeological significance of the Castle.