According to an interview with Athens-Macedonian News Agency, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni has announced an initiative aimed at cultivating a new generation of skilled craftsmen through formal education, certification, business support, and international networking.
Tag: Ministry of Culture
In 2026, Greece commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Messolonghi Exodus, a tragic yet pivotal event in the Greek War of Independence
A viral video of women pole dancing at the historic Old Palace of Corfu has sparked outrage across Greece, with social media erupting in criticism over the event’s impact on the cultural landmark. Filmed at the Palace’s iconic archway, the performance—watched by dozens—has drawn accusations of “decadence” and “disgrace.” The Ministry of Culture, denying any prior approval, stated that the incident occurred in the early hours of May 23, 2025, and legal action is underway against those responsible.
Ministry of Culture Advances Visionary Project to Showcase Eleusis’ Rich History
A section of the iconic dolphin fresco at Knossos Palace collapsed on May 16, 2025, sparking outrage over the site’s neglect. The incident, attributed to poor maintenance rather than weather, raises concerns about preserving Crete’s Minoan heritage as Knossos seeks UNESCO World Heritage status.
Adidas’ drone show at Zappeion Megaron on May 15, 2025, has sparked backlash for allegedly exploiting Greece’s cultural heritage. The company and the Civil Aviation Authority claim the event, featuring a giant sports shoe projection, was fully permitted and limited to Zappeion, with no Acropolis imagery used
The Greek Ministry of Culture will sue those behind an unauthorized drone show above the Acropolis, allegedly by a sportswear company. Images of drones forming a shoe and logo sparked backlash, with SYRIZA calling it an “offensive commercialization” of Greece’s heritage.
The Hellenic Ministry of Culture is advancing the restoration and enhancement of the Agora complex…
A week into Greece’s new pricing policy, Acropolis tickets have jumped from €20 to €30, greeted by a simple handwritten sign. While some tourists grumble, others accept the hike as the cost of preserving an ancient marvel, part of a broader reform aligning fees with European standards.
In a shocking development, Greece’s Ministry of Culture has suspended a night guard at the Serres Antiquities Ephorate, for his alleged role in an antiquities looting network. Accused of guiding criminals to valuable archaeological sites, The guard was among those arrested this week in northern Greece as part of a broader crackdown on illegal excavations. Culture Minister Lina Mendoni acted swiftly, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy to protect the nation’s heritage.
Archaeologists in Corinth have unearthed a Hellenistic-era funerary structure, resembling Macedonian tombs, during the “Ancient Tenea” program, revealing a possible healing cult with artifacts like a gold ring depicting Apollo. The site, excavated in Chiliomodi, includes a sarcophagus and animal bones, with ongoing digs expected to shed light on its full historical significance.
The Ministry of Culture has clarified that Minister Lina Mendoni does not have a personal social media account, warning about a fake profile on “X” under the name “Λίνα Μενδώνη Lina Mendoni” (@MendoniL). The Electronic Crime Prosecution Directorate is investigating.
Significant damage occurred at the archaeological site of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the ODAP sales outlet at Louloudadika during a rally in Athens on February 28, marking the two-year anniversary of the Tempi railway disaster. Marble from the ancient temple was broken and display cases were vandalized, but authorities quickly initiated repairs, ensuring public safety and continuing operations.
Visitors to Greece can explore the country’s rich history for free this Sunday, February 2nd, at all state-owned archaeological sites, historical locations, monuments, and museums operated by the Ministry of Culture.
The Ministry of Culture is progressing with a restoration initiative at Ancient Olympia to enhance Roman-era structures, including the Cladeus Bath complex. This project aims to integrate these monuments into the accessible archaeological site, offering visitors a broader historical perspective.
Greece, renowned for its stunning landscapes and cultural landmarks, presents photographers—both amateur and professional—with unique opportunities and legal challenges. While capturing public scenes is generally permissible, photographers must navigate a landscape of legalities, particularly regarding people photography, architectural sites, and drone usage. Understanding these regulations, such as obtaining necessary licenses for commercial shoots at archaeological sites or respecting privacy laws in social settings, is crucial. Compliance ensures that photographers can focus on their creative pursuits while respecting Greece’s rich heritage and customs.
Recent excavations near Aigio have uncovered remarkable findings in the ancient city of Rypes, a historic city in Achaia. The discoveries include intricate Corinthian architectural elements, marble sculptures, and valuable gold artifacts, offering insights into the city’s prosperous past and its role in early Greek colonization efforts.
Explore Greece’s rich cultural heritage for free! The Ministry of Culture offers free admission to archaeological sites, museums, and monuments on the first Sunday of each month from November to March, as well as on special dates like National Day and International Museum Day. Don’t miss these opportunities to connect with history and art.
Venizelos metro station, opening soon, reveals Thessaloniki’s history from its founding in the 4th century BC to the 20th century. This massive archaeological undertaking showcases the Roman Decumanus Maximus (today’s Egnatia Street), Byzantine shops, and thousands of artifacts. The station’s 17-year journey reflects a city divided over preserving the unearthed treasures, leading to protests and debates. Now, this unique station promises to be both a transportation hub and an underground museum.
In 2026, after a delay of many decades, the Ministry of Culture will deliver the National Museum of Underwater Antiquities to the Greek and international public…in the SILO building in the Great Harbour. It is one of the flagship projects of Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government, funded with approximately €100,000,000 from the Recovery Fund
Archaeologists have uncovered a rare gate sanctuary at the Minoan palace of Archanes in Crete, the first of its kind found at a Minoan site. Led by Efi Sapouna-Sakellaraki, the excavation revealed altars, religious artifacts, and Mycenaean-era remnants, offering new insights into the palace’s historical and religious significance.
A 6th-century Byzantine basilica was discovered in Oreoi, northern Evia, during recent excavations for a sewage system. The find includes the church’s foundation, apse, and brick-lined floor, along with artifacts such as iron crosses and a bronze lamp ring. This significant discovery sheds light on the religious history of the region, once part of the diocese under the Metropolis of Corinth.
We don’t just admire the past of this precious treasure, we also celebrate its bright future,” declared the Prime Minister, standing before the iconic temple bathed in a luminous glow.
President Katerina Sakellaropoulou inaugurated the Gaitis-Simossi Museum in Ios, celebrating the legacy of artists Giorgos Gaitis and Gabriella Simossi. The museum, designed by their daughter Loretta Gaiti, was praised as “a gift to the youth and a jewel for Ios.” The project, supported by the Municipality of Ios and the Ministry of Culture, honors the couple’s artistic contributions and aims to inspire future generations.
Greek film *Murderess* by Eva Nathena has been selected as Greece’s official entry for the 2025 Academy Awards in the International Feature Film category. Announced by Deputy Minister of Culture Jason Fotilas, the film was chosen after other Greek contenders withdrew due to disputes over the Oscars selection process. The decision was made by the selection committee on September 10, 2024.
The Ministry of Culture has announced the restoration of the Ottoman-era Yeni Mosque in Edessa, a key cultural monument in the city’s Museum Square. As the only surviving mosque out of nine that once stood in Edessa, the restoration aims to preserve its architectural integrity and integrate it into the city’s cultural life, enhancing Edessa’s historical and tourism appeal.
The Hellenic Ministry of Culture is enhancing accessibility to Monemvasia’s historic Upper Town with a new aerial lift and walking routes. This €6.8 million project, part of a broader initiative to make cultural sites accessible to all, will connect key Byzantine landmarks like the Church of Agia Sophia, improving visitor access and safety while preserving the area’s heritage.
Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni recently inspected the restoration work at the Kasta Mound in Amphipolis. The project, initially budgeted at €1.5 million, has been expanded with an additional €700,000 to address significant updates and complete the restoration on schedule. Mendoni praised the progress, highlighting the successful restoration of the dome and ongoing efforts to make the site accessible to all visitors.
The 52nd Book Festival kicks off today at Pedion tou Areos, featuring 200 publishing houses, 280 stands, and over 200 cultural events. Running until September 22, the festival offers a wide range of activities, including concerts, theater performances, and educational workshops, with a special focus on youth and reading. Admission is free, and the official opening ceremony will take place on September 7.
On August 15, the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, the newly renovated Holy Church of the Great Virgin Mary in Samarína was unveiled. This significant event, attended by the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni and other distinguished guests, marks the successful restoration of a historic church, blending past architectural elements with modern restoration techniques and archaeological findings.
