New infrastructure to improve services at Phaistos archaeological site, culture ministry says

As part of a strategic plan to improve services at archaeological sites and museums, the culture ministry on Wednesday announced the start of construction of new infrastructure at the archaeological site of Phaistos. This aims to ensure full accessibility for visitors, as well as to enhance fire safety and lightning protection measures. The project, with a total budget of 2,500,000, euros is included in the Regional Operational Programme Crete – NSRF 2021-2027, according to the Ministry.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni stated: “The project for the comprehensive upgrade of the archaeological site of Phaistos concerns the protection and promotion of an emblematic monumental site of major importance and interest. We are creating infrastructure for full accessibility while at the same time protecting the archaeological site by enhancing the fire safety system and installing a lightning protection network, utilising modern safety and warning mechanisms.

Phaistos, along with five other Minoan palaces, is included in the serial nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage List that our country is submitting for 2025. Our goal, through the proposed interventions, is to shape a modern, functional, and safe archaeological site. In addition, within the current year, as part of the Ministry of Culture’s National Strategic Plan to address the impacts of the climate crisis, the management plan for the archaeological site of Phaistos will be completed, as it is a site of significant cultural tourism in Crete.”

Source: AMNA