Villa Rossa was Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ first stop in Corfu. The prime minister entered the emblematic building for which the contract was signed in the summer of 2022 for its reformation and use as a cultural center with a budget of 4.8 million euros and 80% financing from European and 20% from national resources.

Mr. Mitsotakis was given a guided tour of the interior and exterior spaces, informed about the progress of the works and the possibilities of utilizing the historic building of 1864, the year the Ionian Islands joined Greece.

“This is a unique landmark that stands out and in two years from now it will be fully usable by the local community”, Mr. Mitsotakis emphasized.

Then the Prime Minister visited the Archaeological Museum of Corfu where the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni presented the management plan for the fortification of the two fortresses of Corfu.

“Corfu is a unique living monument of culture and at the same time has the privilege of being designated as a monument of world culture by unesco since 2007. I am glad that today we have a very thorough study of highlighting and protecting the two monuments. The city of Corfu is a great magnet for visitors and creates a need to protect it”, Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized.

He added: “We must preserve this unique world heritage site. What it mainly requires is a better understanding between all the agencies involved. Hypertourism and the protection of cultural heritage is a reality. It is good that decisions are made with the maximum possible support of the local community. With resources from the recovery fund we will finance the support and protection of the two fortresses.

We must not forget the residents and professionals of the old town. I look forward to implementing this study. It is not just an exercise on paper. It makes it easier for us to think about how we want Corfu in 2030. To be functional and visitable”.

Immediately after, the prime minister walked in the square of Spianada where he talked with residents, visitors and professionals.

He then visited the Holy Temple of the Patron Saint of the Island of Agios Spyridon where he staged his tent and lit a candle.