The New Fortress of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is once again under scrutiny, as MP Dimitris Biagis of PASOK-KINAL has raised pointed questions regarding the state of the Sarantaris Bastion and the main moat of its western land front. Biagis’s inquiry, submitted in May 2026, described the current situation as a ‘monument of shame’ for modern Corfu, characterized by neglect, accumulated waste, and an aesthetically and functionally degraded area.
The Ministry of Culture’s Stance: A Priority, Not a Disgrace
In response to Biagis’s accusations, Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni firmly rejected the characterization of the Sarantaris Bastion and the western moat as a ‘monument of shame.’ She reiterated that the restoration, protection, and enhancement of the New Fortress remain an ‘absolute priority’ for the Ministry. Mendoni emphasized that the Ministry’s commitment to this emblematic monument of Corfu’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is unwavering. The Minister’s detailed reply addressed each of Biagis’s concerns, providing updates on various projects.
Restoration of the ‘Seven Winds’ Bastion: A Success Story?
Regarding the ‘Seven Winds’ Bastion, the Ministry reported the successful completion of the project titled ‘Stabilization and Restoration of the ‘Seven Winds’ Bastion in the New Fortress of Corfu.’ This project, funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan with a total budget of 2,246,599.67€, was carried out by the Directorate of Restoration of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Monuments. The works were completed on schedule by November 30, 2025, with the Certificate of Completion issued on December 17, 2025. However, MP Biagis highlighted that significant backfilling work remains outstanding, questioning the project’s full completion despite the elapsed deadline.
The ‘Six Winds’ Bastion: Temporary Fixes and Pending Solutions
For the ‘Six Winds’ Bastion, which suffered a partial collapse months prior, the Ministry stated that immediate protective measures have been implemented. These interventions, approved in February 2026, temporarily stabilized the collapse point. However, Biagis pointed out that the definitive restoration of this bastion is still pending, awaiting further studies, funding, and a clear implementation timeline. This highlights a recurring theme: while immediate action is taken, long-term, comprehensive solutions often face delays.
The Encroaching Structure and the Moat: A Lingering Eyesore
A particularly contentious issue is the building located within the main moat of the western fortifications. Biagis condemned this structure as a ‘brutal affront’ to one of Europe’s most historic sites, lacking any functional compatibility with the monumental area. The Ministry confirmed that the compulsory expropriation of this property has been declared and the case is currently with the Ionian Islands Cadastral Office for registration. This process, however, is notoriously slow, leaving the ‘eyesore’ in place for the foreseeable future.
Funding Challenges and the Contrascarpa Restoration
The Ministry acknowledged that while studies for the restoration of the main moat’s contrescarpe (outer defensive wall) were completed and approved in 2023, funding remains an obstacle. The project, with a budget of 174,000.00€, is ‘mature’ but awaiting a suitable funding program. This raises concerns about the Ministry’s ability to translate studies into tangible restoration efforts, despite the historical significance of the site.
Furthermore, the Ministry announced that over 800,000€ will be allocated for the renovation of the wider access area to the moat and the entrance of the New Fortress. Procedures for an international tender to select a contractor are underway. However, Biagis expressed skepticism, suggesting that this plan might not fully restore the monument to its former glory or include a commemorative monument at the historically significant spot, as the Central Archaeological Council has already recommended its placement at the ‘New Port Junction.’
The Broader Implications: Historical Neglect and Political Priorities
MP Biagis’s inquiry extends beyond specific restoration projects, touching upon the broader issue of historical neglect and political priorities. He highlighted the current state of the area as ‘disheartening and third-world,’ with an abandoned construction site, accumulated waste, and uncontrolled vegetation. This, he argued, creates a negative impression for the thousands of visitors who pass through the area daily.
The debate underscores the tension between the ambitious goals of cultural heritage preservation and the practical challenges of funding, bureaucratic procedures, and political will. While the Ministry asserts its commitment, the on-the-ground reality, as described by Biagis, paints a different picture. The question remains whether Corfu’s historical treasures will receive the comprehensive and timely attention they deserve, or if they will continue to be subjects of piecemeal interventions and ongoing political discourse.
The current situation in Corfu serves as a stark reminder that the preservation of cultural heritage requires not only studies and declarations of intent but also consistent funding, efficient execution, and a unified vision from all stakeholders. The future of the New Fortress, a symbol of Corfu’s rich history, hinges on these critical factors.
Source: https://corfustories.com/2026/06/18/%CE%B1%CF%80%CE%AC%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%B7%CF%83%CE%B7-%CF%85%CF%80-%CF%80%CE%BF-%CF%83%CF%84%CE%BF-%CE%B4-%CE%BC%CF%80%CE%B9%CE%AC%CE%B3%CE%BA%CE%B7-%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%B1-%CF%80%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%BC%CE%B1/
