Corfu: Emphasis on Old Town Management and New Cultural Promotion Projects
Corfu, May 5 – Ionian Islands Regional Governor Yiannis Trepekli underscored the critical need for substantial protection and systematic management of Corfu’s World Heritage monuments. His intervention, delivered during a Ministry of Culture event on May 4, 2026, in Athens, focused on securing adequate funding, fostering institutional cooperation, and accelerating crucial cultural projects across the island.
The event, held at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, addressed the drafting of management plans for monuments and archaeological sites across Greece that are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Trepekli’s participation conveyed a clear political message advocating for the effective protection, functional management, and timely financing of Corfu’s heritage.
Focus on Corfu’s Old Town
During his address, Mr. Trepekli extensively discussed the Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. He highlighted that a comprehensive plan for its preservation and upgrade has already been developed. However, he stressed that this plan necessitates consistent financial support and continuous administrative oversight to be successfully implemented.
A particular emphasis was placed on the operational efficiency of the Old Town Management Body. Trepekli urged for more frequent meetings of this body – at least three times annually – to promptly address emerging issues and to advance the necessary infrastructure that will ensure the monument’s optimal protection.
Meeting with the Minister of Culture
On the sidelines of the event, the Regional Governor held a working meeting with the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni. During this discussion, he clearly articulated the critical issues affecting Corfu’s cultural identity and international prominence. He called for accelerated procedures, institutional consistency, and meaningful cooperation to address these challenges.
Trepekli also raised the serious issue of prolonged delays in the restoration of the Achilleion Palace. He pointed out that the current state of the country’s second most visited museum is highly problematic and does not align with its historical significance or international appeal. Ms. Mendoni fully concurred with the gravity of the situation, stating that the condition is critical and clarifying that the responsibility for the delay lies solely with ETAD S.A.
Old Fortress Bridge Restoration Project Approved
In a significant development, the Ionian Islands Regional Governor signed the inclusion of the project “Stabilization, Restoration, and Promotion of the Access Bridge of the Old Fortress of Corfu and Stabilization Measures for the Western Embankment” into the “Ionian Islands 2021-2027” Program. The total budget for this project is 3,112,000 Euros.
This project, with the Ministry of Culture, specifically the Directorate for the Restoration of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Monuments, as the main body, concerns an emblematic section of Corfu’s Venetian fortifications. It is directly linked to the preservation of the historical character of the Old Fortress of Corfu and the UNESCO-protected Old Town.
The interventions, to be executed under the supervision of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Corfu, aim to stabilize, restore, and promote the access bridge of the Old Fortress, statically reinforce the western embankment, and restore the adjacent wall. These measures will ensure both the safety and enhanced accessibility of the monument.
Progress for the Old Archaeological Museum Building
Simultaneously, positive progress has been noted for the project concerning the building of the old archaeological museum of Corfu, located near the funerary monument of Menekrates. Its inclusion in the Operational Development Program (EPA) of the Ministry of Culture is moving forward, further strengthening the strategic goal of systematically promoting Corfu’s significant archaeological and historical monuments.
Regional Governor’s Statement
Ionian Islands Regional Governor Yiannis Trepekli stated: “Our cultural heritage cannot be treated as a mere administrative obligation. It is a matter of identity, historical responsibility, and a development strategy. Corfu and the Ionian Islands as a whole possess monuments of global importance, which require planning, consistency, and determination.
The Region of Ionian Islands advocates, funds, intervenes, and demands solutions. From the Old Town and the Old Fortress to the Achilleion and the Menekrates Monument, the protection of our cultural heritage is a strategic choice and a continuous political priority for us.”
