At the heart of a meeting in Athens between the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, and the Regional Governor of Crete, Stavros
Arnaoutakis, two important projects were found to protect and promote Crete’s cultural heritage: The upgrading and modernization of the gateway
Entrance of the Minoan palace of Knossos and the restoration of the MoCenigo Bastion in the Old Town of Chania.

The intervention for Knossos, with a budget of € 3.5 million, joined the Regional Program “Crete 2021-2027” and is funded by the
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Is the first phase of a wider regeneration plan and will be implemented by the Restoration Directorate
Ancient Monuments and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Heraklion.

The “fastening, restoration and protection against the ripple of the MoCenigo Bastion” was included in the same program, with a total budget of EUR 1,413,000, also co -financing by the ERDF.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said: “Knossos and the Venetian walls of Chania are not just monuments; they are living evidence of timeless
History and Culture of Crete. With the recent inclusion of Minoan palace centers in the UNESCO World Heritage List,
Greece assumes great responsibility and a great opportunity.

The new modern entrance of Knossos is not just a construction intervention; it is an act of cultural responsibility and investment in the future. We want to
We offer millions of visitors with an experience worthy of the timeless value of the Minoan heritage.

At the same time, with the fastening and restoration of the Mocenigo bastion in Chania, we protect a great example of Venetian fortification architecture. We ensure that it continues to stand intact, against the time and the sea, remaining visited and secure for the public. The Ministry of Culture, in close cooperation with the Region of Crete and the competent services, implements projects that unite the Minoan, the Byzantine and the Venetian past with the present, ensuring that Crete will remain a world lighthouse of culture. “

For his part, Crete Regional Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis stressed: “As a Region of Crete, we include two flagship projects into our program
A total of 5m euros, which boost our cultural heritage, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Culture. In Knossos, after the historical
Integration to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, we upgrade the entrance gate, creating a welcoming worthy of its global value
Monument.

At the same time, in Chania, we proceed to the fastening and restoration of the MoCenigo basin, shielding it from erosion and making it safe and accessible. These interventions confirm our commitment to invest in culture, the cornerstone of identity and the development of our country. “

The work of Knossos

The project is aimed at integrated aesthetic and functional upgrading of the reception infrastructure of the world -renowned archaeological site of Knossos. OR
Intervention includes the construction of a new central reception roof, which will house tickets, offices, modern sanitary facilities,
A surgery and waiting areas, with architectural design inspired by Minoan tradition.

At the same time, the central entrance square will be remodeled with new stonework and tree planting to create a hospitable and functional public space, while the adjacent sidewalk will expand to facilitate the safe flow of visitors. All work will be carried out under systematic archaeological supervision to ensure the protection of any new findings.

The MoCenigo Bastion

The MoCenigo Bastion is located in the northeast part of the fortifications, in the area of ​​Kum Kapi, and is wet by the sea on three sides of it,
accepting continuous wave action. The project aims to tackle serious erosion and wear problems. Tasks include fastening,
The restoration of the stonework and the protection of the monument, and will be executed by the Department of Restoration of Byzantine & Post -Byzantine Monuments.

At the same time, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Chania will undertake the necessary archaeological investigations in the area of ​​intervention.

Upon completion, the bastion will be fully fastened, restored and protected, ensuring the preservation of a monument of great historical importance and making it certainly visited to the public.