Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni launches nine heritage projects on Lesbos

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni visited Lesbos on 12‑13 July 2026 to open a series of nine cultural‑heritage projects costing more than €10 million. The program began in Ampeliko with the modernisation of the Ritini Museum and the restoration of its medieval tower, followed by the hand‑over of the restored 19th‑century Agios Therapos church in Mytilene, a project funded from the Recovery Fund with a €1.45 million budget.

Later that day the north wall of Mytilene Castle and the Ottoman madrasa known as Mentrese were restored (combined budget about €4 million). On 13 July the schedule continued in Petrа with rock‑stabilisation and protection works for the Holy Mother of God church (≈ €1.63 million), then at the Fortress of Mithi with south‑rock reinforcement (≈ €1.2 million). The Archaeological Collection of Molivos was reopened after modernisation, and the Ottoman tomb of Balizante Hassan Bey in Upper Skala was handed over. All ceremonies were part of a concentrated "marathon" of inaugurations across the island’s villages and historic sites.