Greece’s Minister of Culture promises to restore earthquake-damaged monuments in Kos island by 2025

The Ministry of Culture is intensifying efforts to restore the monuments of Kos island that were affected by the 2017 earthquake. Greece’s Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, announced that the necessary funds had been secured from the Recovery Fund. The inspection of the ongoing works began at the Knightly Castle of Neratzia, a medieval fortress constructed by the Knights of Ioannina. However, several other local landmarks have also suffered significant damage from recent earthquakes, and the ministry has committed to fully restoring them.

The completion of the Castle of Neratzia project is expected by the end of 2025, but both local authorities and the ministry express optimism about less time needed. The cost of the restoration of the Castle of Neratzia will exceed two million euros. This castle holds a special place as one of Kos’ most distinctive tourist attractions, emphasized by local authorities for its significance to the city’s tourism industry. With over 28 airlines flying to Kos during the summer season, the island has become a highly sought-after destination for Greek and foreign tourists.

The local community, including the island’s Diaspora in Australia, has been eagerly anticipating national intervention, though bureaucratic processes have been sluggish. The Greek Ministry of Culture has set ambitious goals, and it remains to be seen whether Minister Mendoni will uphold her promise and ensure a swift restoration of Kos’ landmarks to their pre-earthquake glory.