Greek Ministry of Culture launches major heritage projects on Lesbos

During a two‑day visit to Lesbos, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni announced a series of high‑visibility interventions aimed at protecting and reviving the island’s historic fabric. Immediate works include the stabilization of the stone cliffs (brachos) at the Petra and Molivo sites, and emergency repairs on the Holy Temple of St Nicholas in Petra and the Holy Temple of St Cyril in Molivo to prevent landslides.

The programme also delivers the new Archaeological Collection of Mythimna within the medieval castle of Molivo, the restored Balizante Hasan Bey Mosque (also known as Valide Jami), and the refurbishment of the temple roof and buttresses at Agios Therapontas in Mytilene. Additional undertakings involve the reinforcement of the castle’s fortifications, a €2.3 million upgrade of access and exhibition spaces, and a €500 000 maintenance contract for the temple of St Nicholas.

Funding comes from the EU Recovery and Resilience Fund, the national Recovery Fund and other EU structural resources, bringing the total cultural‑infrastructure budget to over €50 million within a broader €1.56 billion national programme. Mendoni emphasised that, since 2019, culture has been positioned as a driver of social cohesion and sustainable economic development for the North Aegean region.