Home News European experts team issues report on the Castle of Monemvasia, Greece

European experts team issues report on the Castle of Monemvasia, Greece

September 19, 2025 | Posted in 7 Most Endangered

A European expert team released today a technical report on the Castle of Monemvasia, Greece. This outstanding Byzantine and medieval settlement, of both cultural and natural significance, was selected by Europa Nostra for the 2025 edition of 7 Most Endangered Programme, run in partnership with the European Investment Bank Institute. The nomination of the Castle of Monemvasia to the programme was made by the ELLINIKI ETAIRIA – Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage.

Summary of the Report

The Castle of Monemvasia, dramatically perched on a rock off the Peloponnesian coast, is a site of unique historical and cultural value. Yet it now faces a planned intervention to install a cable car, designed to improve access to its Upper Town. While the goal of enhancing universal accessibility is fully endorsed, the European expert team concluded that the current project poses serious risks of visual intrusion, archaeological disturbance, and permanent damage to the site’s fragile natural and cultural landscape.

During their mission to Athens and Monemvasia in July 2025, the European experts engaged with civil society groups, residents, and independent stakeholders. However, no meetings could be arranged with the Ministry of Culture or the Municipality of Monemvasia. Questions were also raised about the transparency of the decision-making process, shortcomings in the Environmental Impact Assessment, and a lack of meaningful consultation with local communities.

The report highlights that accessibility can be achieved through alternative, less invasive measures. These include upgrading existing historic footpaths, carrying out archaeological research and restoration, undertaking minor infrastructure improvements, and introducing guided access arrangements; all approaches better aligned with the site’s heritage values.

The European expert team therefore recommends that the cable car project be suspended until outstanding legal and procedural issues are clarified, a full alternative study is conducted, and genuine stakeholder engagement takes place. It also calls for the safeguarding of unexcavated archaeological areas, a thorough carrying capacity and landscape impact assessment, and closer collaboration between national authorities, experts, and local communities.

Finally, the report stresses that protecting the integrity of the Castle of Monemvasia is vital given its potential inclusion on Greece’s Tentative List for nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In summary: accessibility must be improved, but not at the cost of the site’s cultural, archaeological, and natural heritage. A balanced and sustainable solution is urgently needed – one that ensures inclusion while safeguarding this exceptional landmark for future generations.