European Experts Warn Monemvasia Cable Car Project Risks Irreversible Heritage Damage

Concerns Mount Over Monemvasia Castle Cable Car

A European expert team, comprising specialists from Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Institute, has released a critical report warning that a proposed cable car installation at the Castle of Monemvasia in Greece presents significant threats to its invaluable visual, archaeological, and natural heritage. The report, following a mission to Athens and Monemvasia in July 2025, urges the suspension of the project, citing a lack of transparency and inadequate studies. Monemvasia, a medieval fortress town in the southeastern Peloponnese, is considered one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited castle towns. Its unique historical and cultural significance has led to its inclusion in Europa Nostra's '7 Most Endangered Programme' for 2025, largely due to the cable car plan.

The Proposed Accessibility Project

The cable car project, budgeted at €6.8 million, is championed by the Greek Ministry of Culture and was initially announced by Culture Minister Lina Mendoni in 2021. It aims to connect the lower town with the upper town, known as Ano Poli, thereby improving universal accessibility, particularly for people with disabilities and the elderly. Proponents argue that the cable car will facilitate access to significant monuments like the Church of Agia Sofia and aid emergency services. The project is financed through Recovery and Resilience Funds (RRF) and received a positive opinion from the Central Archaeological Council. Some supporters, including Byzantologist Helene Glykatzi-Ahrweiler, view the project as an expression of European social cohesion and a necessary step for universal access to the archaeological site.

Expert Warnings and Heritage Risks

Despite the stated goals of improved accessibility, the European expert team concluded that the current cable car design poses 'serious risks of visual intrusion, archaeological disturbance, and permanent damage to the site's fragile natural and cultural landscape'. The report highlighted several critical issues:

• Visual Intrusion: The installation is expected to negatively impact the dramatic and historic visual integrity of the castle town.
• Archaeological Disturbance: Concerns were raised about potential damage to unexcavated archaeological areas.
• Environmental Impact: The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was deemed to lack clarity and detail regarding the project's effects on local fauna, flora, noise pollution, and traffic congestion.
• Lack of Transparency: The expert team reported an inability to arrange meetings with the Ministry of Culture or the Municipality of Monemvasia during their mission, raising questions about the decision-making process.

The report suggests that the project appears to be driven more by 'speculative interests' than genuine accessibility concerns. This sentiment is echoed by various organizations, including ICOMOS, the Association of Greek Archaeologists, Monumenta, and the ELLINIKI ETAIRIA – Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, all of whom have voiced strong opposition and filed legal challenges, including an appeal to the Council of State.

Call for Suspension and Alternative Solutions

The European expert team has strongly recommended that the cable car project be suspended. They advocate for a comprehensive alternative study, clarification of outstanding legal and procedural issues, and genuine stakeholder engagement. They also proposed less invasive measures to enhance accessibility, such as:

• Upgrading existing historic footpaths.
• Conducting archaeological research and restoration.
• Undertaking minor infrastructure improvements.
• Introducing guided access arrangements.

The report emphasizes that protecting the integrity of the Castle of Monemvasia is crucial, especially given its potential inclusion on Greece's Tentative List for nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The ongoing debate underscores the tension between modern development goals and the preservation of irreplaceable cultural and natural heritage.