Greek Shipowners Fund Restoration of Neolithic Sites and Museums

The Ministry of Culture has announced a significant restoration initiative for several key antiquities in Thessaly, thanks to a generous donation of 9.5 million euros from the Union of Greek Shipowners.

The agreement, signed in Larissa on Wednesday, aims to repair archaeological sites and cultural infrastructure damaged by the destructive storm 'Daniel' in September 2023.

According to a ministry statement, the shipowners’ union has also raised an additional 50 million euros for public works across the Region of Thessaly, responding to a call from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The restoration efforts will focus on several prominent sites:

Archaeological site of Sesklo: (Magnesia prefecture), a pivotal Neolithic community in Europe dating back to 7,000 BC. Restoration will address damaged walls and water erosion threatening ancient remains.

Aghios Nikolaos Church in Falani: (Larissa prefecture), a 19th-century church adorned with 1862 saint paintings, suffered a collapsed southern wall and roof damage.

Athanassakio Archaeological Museum of Volos: (Magnesia prefecture), known for its Neolithic artifacts and reconstructed Neolithic home. Restoration includes repairing water damage between buildings and replacing pine trees with fire-resistant species following a nearby fire in August 2023.

Monastery of Taxiarches in Mt. Pelion: (Magnesia prefecture), a historic post-Byzantine monastery with architectural significance. While dome stabilization was completed in spring 2023, the monastery’s original wings sustained severe damage during storm 'Daniel'.