Arla Castle restoration requested by Achaia MP

Andreas Panagiotopoulos, a Member of Parliament for Achaia, has submitted a parliamentary question calling for the immediate mobilization of the Ministry of Culture to protect and restore Arla Castle. Also known as ‘Gyftokastro’ or ‘Aigyptokastro’, the 13th-century fortification is a significant part of the medieval cultural heritage of the Achaia region.

Despite its historical and architectural value, which includes remains of perimeter walls, towers, a main gate, and an internal reservoir, the monument remains unexploited. Concerns have been raised regarding its deterioration due to time, vegetation, and a lack of systematic cleaning, maintenance, and stabilization works.

The inquiry also highlights access issues, noting that a section of the slope leading to the main gate has reportedly been fenced off by a private individual. Panagiotopoulos argues that the castle could serve as a major cultural and tourism hub for Western Achaia if integrated into local cultural and nature tourism routes. He is requesting an immediate inspection by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaia to document the site's condition and establish a specific program for intervention.