Ansökan riktar sig till:
Autorités compétentes
- We say “NO!” to the proposed cable car project on the rock of Monemvasia; not only because it will disfigure both the natural and monumental setting of this unique historical town, but also as the proposed project is based on unfounded principles.
- We propose the establishment of a lift to take Persons with Reduced Mobility to the top of the rock and call for the improvement of accessibility to the lower town, which is actually inhabited and is the centre of tourist activity in Monemvasia.
The site. Monemvasia is a medieval fortified town, nestling on a steep rock overlooking the Aegean Sea and is considered one of the most charming places in the Mediterranean. Often referred to as “The Gibraltar of the East”, the “rock” of Monemvasia is an untouched natural landscape, suspended between land, sky and sea. Over the centuries, the town has been a Byzantine citadel and port, a Venetian trading outpost and a Turkish stronghold. Monemvasia was also a source of inspiration for the poet Yannis Ritsos, a major figure in twentieth-century literature, who was born here.
In recent decades, the town has undergone careful restoration work, which has won various international awards, making a visit to it an unrivalled experience for travellers.
The walled town of Monemvasia is designated as a protected historic and archaeological site. It is also included within the protected perimeter of a Natura 2000 area and forms part of a ‘historic woodland’ area.
The project. The installation of a cable car, planned by the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Monemvasia, is intended to link the lower part of the town with the summit of the “rock”. From ancient times to the present day, this link has been made via a 220-metre fortified path, with the ascent taking around nine minutes (according to the signs installed in the lower town by the Ministry itself): this being a route that is accessible to most visitors. The installation of the cable car and ancillary works would be unprecedented in Greece. They would cover a vast area of the rock and involve extensive digging out of the bedrock. This would include the construction of two passenger service stations, the erection of a highly visible pylon and the installation of metallic cables from which two over-sized gondolas will be suspended. All this just 140 metres from the monumental gateway of the historic lower town.
Reactions. This project was never scrutinised in any public debate, and is based on incomplete and erroneous studies. The cable car is described as a “lift”, an action taken in order to confuse the public. Numerous major Greek and international institutions (the International Council on Monuments and Sites - ICOMOS, the Association of Greek Archaeologists, the Hellenic Association for Environment and Culture, the Society of Christian Archaeology, etc.) and also local citizens' associations (the Association of Friends of Monemvasia) have rallied against the project. This has led to Monemvasia being included in the list of the “7 most endangered monuments in Europe” by Europa Nostra, the leading citizens’ movement in Europe for the protection and celebration of European cultural and natural heritage.
Orsak
Why do we stand against this project?
- It alters the landscape and character of the town of Monemvasia, destroying the uniqueness of this fortified site and its timeless beauty.
- Because of the massive digging out of the bedrock it requires, it jeopardises the structural stability of the rock.
- It threatens the local ecosystem.
- It is not based on any in-depth studies (for example, environmental impact, feasibility, operation, etc.).
- It is officially presented as an accessibility tool for Persons with Reduced Mobility, whereas in fact it is intended as a means to promote mass tourism and day trippers, at the expense of tourism that attracts overnight stays from those seeking a more profound cultural and aesthetic experience.
What we are calling for
- The cancellation of the cable car project and, alternatively, the creation of a lift to meet the needs of Persons with Reduced Mobility, instead of a cable car that would benefit travel agents in rushing for short-term gains who would unnecessarily overload its use.
- The promotion of accessibility-improving works for the lower town, which is the heart of historic Monemvasia where the museums, most of the monuments and all of the town's accommodation and housing are located.
- Investment in basic infrastructure essential to all of Monemvasia (such as the supply of drinking water, a functioning sewage system that does not overflow into the streets and houses, improved fire protection, etc.), rather than in gimmicky and sensational projects.
Beware!
- Time is of the essence! Several stages of the project have already been validated by the Ministry of Culture. And although after an appeal lodged by local residents, a temporary injunction has been granted by the Council of the State (the highest administrative court in Greece), a final ruling by this court is due imminently.
- Please help us with your signature to rescind this dangerous and costly project and preserve the authenticity of Monemvasia; its nature and its history. Thank you for your support!
Dear friend,
Ενδιαφέρομαι για την προστασία της πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς.
Ιδιωτικός υπάλληλος