Historic Mural Damaged in Suspected Theft Attempt on Leros

The images from the interior of a former Italian military building in the Diapori area of ​​Leros are causing shock and intense concern.

According to a complaint published after a recent visit to the site, unknown antiquarians allegedly attempted to remove part of the historic frescoes preserved inside the building, probably using a wheel.

The intervention caused extensive damage. A large part of the wall was detached, while part of the mural was also destroyed, as can be seen in the photos.

The specific wall paintings, which are associated with the German soldier Otto Meister, are a rare and particularly important evidence of the modern history of Leros.

And their destruction concerns a unique part of the historical and cultural heritage of the island.

The increase in visitors to the historical sites of Leros, combined with the lack of protection of many monuments from archaeology, and in general from the Ministry of Defence and the competent bodies, creates serious risks for their preservation.

The people who spotted the damage say they carefully collected and preserved the detached parts of the mural. At the same time, they are preparing to inform the competent authorities and bodies responsible for the protection of cultural heritage.

The history of Leros is a common heritage and the protection of it is the responsibility of all of us. The incident highlights the need to immediately record, protect and restore the historical buildings of Leros, before the last traces of an important period of the island's history are permanently lost.

Read more from Leros News in English.