Corfu, February 27, 2026 – The island of Corfu officially opened its new Naval Tradition Preservation Center, named after “Spyros Zervopoulos”, on Friday, February 27, 2026. The inauguration ceremony took place at the facilities of the Corfu Port Authority. Stefanos Gikas, Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy and New Democracy MP for Corfu, presided over the event.
A New Landmark for Maritime Heritage
The new Museum, bearing the name of the late former CEO of the Corfu Port Authority, Spyros Zervopoulos, is housed in a newly constructed building owned by O.L.K.E. S.A. within the wider area of the New Port of Corfu. It aims to become a significant point of reference for the naval cultural heritage of the island and the wider Adriatic region. Its architectural design is inspired by the Venetian Shipyards of Gouvia, paying homage to Corfu’s enduring maritime identity.
Exhibits and Digital Applications
The exhibition space features models and faithful replicas of traditional boats, authentic navigation instruments, nautical charts and engravings, 19th-century travel memorabilia, extensive photographic material, and a dedicated section on the historical evolution of cruising in Corfu. Special emphasis is placed on the use of modern digital applications, such as virtual reality, to enhance the visitor experience.
The Center will be open to the public as part of events and activities organized by the O.L.K.E., further strengthening the interaction between the port and the local community, and highlighting Corfu’s maritime heritage right at the island’s gateway.
Deputy Minister Gikas Emphasizes the Importance of Naval History
In his address, Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Stefanos Gikas, stated: “I am particularly moved, because after great and coordinated effort, Corfu now has its own Naval Museum. A space with substantial educational and research value, organized into four chronological periods – from prehistoric times to today – which highlights our maritime identity and the island’s timeless relationship with the sea.”
Gikas further added: “The Naval History of Greece should not remain only in the pages of books; it must be promoted in an organized and methodical way. Our Ports can and must play a decisive role, utilizing building infrastructure and archival material, transforming their spaces into vibrant cultural and extroverted hubs.”
He extended his gratitude to the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, the Secretary General of Shipping and Ports, Evangelos Kyriazopoulos, for their support of this endeavor. Special thanks were also given to the employees of O.L.K.E., Managing Director Dimitris Apergis, the responsible officer Michalis Agathos, and all those who contributed to the implementation of this important initiative, which he is confident will contribute significantly to education, research, and visitor experience.
Tribute to Spyros Zervopoulos
Gikas also paid a special tribute to the late Spyros Zervopoulos, who, as CEO of O.L.K.E., worked tirelessly for the realization of this project. During his tenure, the construction of the building proceeded, and the foundations for the museum’s operation were laid. “Today’s inauguration is a minimal tribute to his memory and to the legacy he left for O.L.K.E. and for Corfu,” Gikas concluded.
The establishment of the “Spyros Zervopoulos” Naval Tradition Preservation Center marks a significant step in preserving and promoting Corfu’s rich maritime history, offering both locals and visitors a deeper understanding of the island’s connection to the sea.
Source: https://www.startmediacorfu.gr/stefanos-gkikas-apo-to-neo-kentro-diatirisis-naftikis-paradosis-kerkyras-ta-limania-mas-tha-prepei-na-provaloun-kai-na-anadeiknyoun-tin-naftiki-paradosi-kai-historia-mas-aksiopoiontas-gia-ton-skopo/
