The Ministry of Culture is ramping up the restoration of the monuments of Kos affected by the 2017 earthquake. Lina Mendoni, Greece’s Minister of Culture, conducted an audit on the island and announced that the necessary funds had been secured from the Recovery Fund.
The inspection of the works in progress started from the Knightly Castle of Neratzia, an emblematic mediaeval fortification built by the Knights of Ioannina. The project is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2025. Still, the local authorities – as well as the ministry – are hopeful that the restoration could take less time.
The restoration of the Castle of Neratzia is expected to cost more than two million euros. The Castle is one of Kos’ – most unique tourist attractions and local authorities have stressed its importance to both the city’s tourism industry, as well as to the islanders’ sense of local pride. During Greece’s extended summer season, more than 28 airlines fly to Kos, as the island has become a highly sought-after tourist destination for Greeks and foreigners alike.
Other local landmarks were also hit hard by the earthquakes during the past few years, and the ministry has pledged that all damages will be recovered.
Locals, as well as the island’s Diaspora in Australia, have been waiting for national intervention for some time. Still, the political and bureaucratic cogs were grinding too slowly. The Greek Ministry of Culture has set the bar high, and it remains to be seen Minister Mendoni will live up to her word and ensure that Kos’ landmarks will be restored to their pre-earthquake glory promptly.
