From Capodistrias Museum to Achilleion Palace, everything still up in the air
ATHENS. The debate in Parliament and the interventions by the Regional Authority are once again bringing Corfu’s unresolved cultural issues to the forefront. From the funding of the Capodistrias Museum to the works at the Old Fortress, lasting solutions are finally being called for.
Corfu was in the spotlight yesterday on the political agenda of the Ministry of Culture, with Minister Lina Mendoni at the centre of interventions and discussions that highlighted unresolved issues surrounding the protection and promotion of the island’s cultural heritage.
In Parliament, strong concern was raised about the sustainability of the Capodistrias Museum, following an initiative by independent MP Alexandros Avlonitis, who submitted a topical question. He conveyed the deep concern of the three historic institutions that operate the museum—Corfu Reading Society, Corfu Philharmonic Society, and the Society for Corfiot Studies—calling for what they consider self-evident: ensuring adequate and stable funding so that the museum can continue its role in preserving historical memory and the legacy of Ioannis Capodistrias.
During the discussion, it was stressed that this is a project of national importance, which could be supported without changing its legal status, provided there is political will. Specific proposals were put forward, including steady funding from the Ministry of Culture, the signing of a programmatic agreement, and the establishment of a special cooperation framework that would guarantee ongoing state support. The minister appeared open to the prospect of such an agreement, on the condition that a formal request be submitted with the participation of the Ionian Islands Regional Authority and the Municipality of Central Corfu.
At the same time, a strong political message about the need for systematic management and funding of monuments was delivered by Yiannis Trepeklis during a Ministry of Culture conference on UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Particular reference was made to the Old Town of Corfu, where, despite existing planning, stable funding and administrative oversight remain ongoing challenges.
The Regional Governor also raised the issue of the operation of the Old Town Management Body, calling for more regular meetings to address problems in a timely manner. He also pointed to the significant delays in restoration works at the Achilleion Palace, describing the situation at one of the country’s most visited museums as problematic. The minister agreed on the seriousness of the situation, attributing responsibility for the delays at ETAD S.A..
On the funding front, a positive development has been recorded with the inclusion of the restoration project for the access bridge to the Old Fortress in the “Ionian Islands 2021–2027” programme, with a budget exceeding €3.1 million. The project concerns a critical part of the Venetian fortifications and is directly linked to preserving the town’s historic character, while also enhancing the safety and accessibility of the monument.
At the same time, the inclusion of the building of the old Archaeological Museum in the Ministry of Culture’s Development Programme is also moving forward, placing Corfu within a broader strategy for highlighting monuments of high historical and cultural value.
GIORGOS KATSAITIS
