The Region of Attica announced this week that it would be channeling 40 million euros into 21 major cultural projects aimed at preserving heritage, upgrading infrastructure, and boosting the international appeal of the wider Athens area.
The initiative, formalized through an Integrated Spatial Investment agreement signed by Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias and Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, seeks to connect Eleusis, Athens, and Lavrio -three historic hubs of religious, political, and economic life in Attica -through culture.
“Our projects and actions aim to upgrade the cultural footprint of Attica and highlight the region’s unique comparative advantage: culture,” said Governor Hardalias. “Attica is a top destination for culture and history lovers. Our duty is not only to preserve its cultural treasures, but to utilize them as a lever for development and extroversion.”
Attica Region Governor Nikos Hardalias (4th from left) and to his right Culture Minister Lina Mendoni. Photo: Attica Region
The strategy aims to further enhance the Attica region as a premier cultural and tourism destination by improving the quality and attractiveness of cultural services, extending the average stay of international visitors, and promoting the region’s distinctive historical assets.
Key projects under the agreement include, reopening the Old Acropolis Museum for new cultural uses, promoting the archaeological site of the Aristotle Lyceum, restoring neoclassical buildings in Athens and converting them into museums and cultural venues, and launching the pilot operation of the Acropolis Center for Culture and Creativity.
Hardalias emphasized that the deal creates “a new development model centered on culture and tourism”, while Minister Mendoni underlined that the investment would enhance Attica’s cultural infrastructure and global visibility.
