Leros: Plans to restore eight historic buildings as Ministry of Culture officials carry out inspections

Efforts to restore eight historic buildings and monuments on the Greek island of Leros are moving forward following a visit by officials from the Ministry of Culture on Friday, 30 October 2026. Technical studies for four of the properties have already been completed, while work on the remaining four is nearing completion.

According to a statement published on social media by the Mayor of Leros, Timotheos Kottakis, the island welcomed Paraskevi Moraitou, Head of the Dodecanese Service for Modern Monuments and Technical Works, and Chrysafina Geronta, a member of the same department.

The officials were received by the Mayor, Deputy Mayor for Historical and Cultural Heritage Frangos Dipiero, and the Head of the Municipality's Technical Services Department, Mr Ellinas.

Eight historic properties inspected

The purpose of the visit was to assess the condition of eight historic buildings and monuments across Leros, several of which have suffered extensive deterioration and require restoration.

The inspections covered the following properties:

1. Bellenis Tower
2. Leros Town Hall
3. The former Municipal Council chamber building
4. Venizelos House
5. Olympia Karagiorga House
6. The Agia Marina windmill
7. A building near the island's cathedral
8. The former Italian Radio building

These properties form part of Leros's distinctive architectural and historical heritage, reflecting different periods in the island's development.

Restoration studies completed for four buildings

Mayor Kottakis confirmed that the municipality has already completed the necessary technical studies for four of the eight properties.

These include Leros Town Hall, the former Municipal Council chamber, Olympia Karagiorga House and the Agia Marina windmill.

Studies for the remaining buildings are being finalised under the guidance of the Dodecanese Service for Modern Monuments and Technical Works.

The completion of these studies is an important preparatory step, allowing the municipality to pursue funding and move towards the implementation of restoration projects.

Municipality seeking national and European funding

The Mayor said the restoration of the island's historic buildings remains a priority alongside the municipality's wider infrastructure programme.

According to Mr Kottakis, infrastructure projects with a combined budget of approximately €50 million are currently being tendered or implemented.

He emphasised that the deteriorating condition of the eight historic properties could not be overlooked and that efforts would continue to secure the funding needed for their restoration.

The municipality intends to explore funding opportunities through the National Development Programme 2026–2030 or the European Union's ESPA funding framework.

Mr Kottakis also thanked the Head of the Dodecanese Service for Modern Monuments and Technical Works for her cooperation and continued interest in the island's architectural heritage.

Although funding for the proposed restoration work has yet to be secured, the completion of the initial technical studies marks progress towards preserving some of Leros's most recognisable historic buildings.

The next steps will involve finalising the remaining studies, obtaining the necessary approvals and identifying suitable funding sources before restoration work can begin.