Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni Reopens Restored Heritage Sites on Kos

Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni inaugurated three restored monuments on the island of Kos: the early‑Christian Baptistery of St John at the Septem Vimata site, the 18th‑century Defterdar Mosque (temple) in Freedom Square, and the historic Gate of the Tax. The restoration, funded with more than €10 million from national resources and the EU Recovery Fund, is part of a wider strategy to protect the Dodecanese cultural heritage after severe damage from the 21 June 2017 earthquake.

The baptismal site’s opening ceremony was led by Metropolitan Nathaniel of Kos and Nisyros, who thanked the minister and awarded her the Golden Cross of the Dodecanese Church. Mendoni said, “We have healed the deep wounds left by the 2017 earthquake,” emphasizing the projects’ role in reviving local tourism, community identity and economic development. A renovated ODAF sales office and the return of a Saint Nicholas statue from Rhodes were also highlighted during the events.