The historic fortress town of Monemvasia, located in Laconia, southeastern Peloponnese, Greece, has been shortlisted as one of Europe’s seven most endangered heritage sites. The announcement was made by Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute.
Monemvasia is one of 14 monuments and heritage sites in Europe nominated for the 2025 edition of the “7 Most Endangered Program”. The final list will be announced in the spring.
Threat Posed by Cable Car Plan
Monemvasia from above. Photo: Antonis Nikolopoulos/Europa Nostra
The Castle of Monemvasia is under threat due to a plan by the Greek Culture Ministry and the Municipality of Monemvasia to install a cable car on the site.
Experts and heritage protection organizations, including Elliniki Etairia – Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage (ELLET), have warned that the project risks diminishing the environmental and cultural value and compromises the visual integrity of the site. They argue that it could also negatively impact the visitor experience.
The proposed cable car has sparked opposition from multiple institutions, including ICOMOS, the Association of Greek Archaeologists, and Monumenta.
According to Europa Nostra, the environmental impact study submitted for the cable car project “lacks clarity and detail”, particularly concerning its effects on local wildlife, noise pollution, and traffic congestion. The organization also noted that the project appears to prioritize profit-making over accessibility improvements, which is the rationale presented by the Culture Ministry.
The 14 Most Endangered Heritage Sites in Europe
An advisory panel of European experts in history, archaeology, architecture, project analysis, and finance selected the 14 sites based on their cultural value and heritage significance and the threats they currently face. The shortlisted sites are:
- Arakelots Monastery and Settlement (Armenia)
- Railway Station of Mixnitz-Bärenschützklamm (Austria)
- Iron Castle of Ath (Belgium)
- Nyborg Castle (Denmark)
- Castle of Monemvasia (Greece)
- Blower Hall, Esch-sur-Alzette (Luxembourg)
- Railway Bridges and Embankment Baardwijkse Overlaat (Netherlands)
- National Theater of Oslo (Norway)
- Great Synagogue in Orla (Poland)
- Church and Convent of Paulistas (Lisbon) (Portugal)
- Generalštab Modernist Complex in Belgrade (Serbia)
- Church of Santo Estevo de Pousada (Spain)
- Valhalla Swimming Hall in Gothenburg (Sweden)
- Victoria Tower Gardens (UK)
“The shortlisted heritage sites are threatened by demolition, unsuitable development, lack of funding, or neglect,” said Hermann Parzinger, Executive President of Europa Nostra. “We strongly support activists and communities committed to saving these sites. Protecting our heritage is essential for building a more peaceful, cohesive, and sustainable future.”
A Proposed Alternative to the Cable Car
Castle of Monemvasia, Greece. Photo: Dimitris Karvoutzis/Europa Nostra
Instead of installing a cable car, Elliniki Etairia has proposed a passenger lift as a viable alternative. A similar industrial lift was installed at Monemvasia a decade ago to facilitate restoration efforts in the Upper Town. A passenger-friendly version of this lift could enhance accessibility without harming the landscape, the association said.
The Castle of Monemvasia stands on a land-tied islet off the southeastern coast of the Peloponnese, connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus and bridge.
Often referred to as “Malvasia” or the “Gibraltar of Greece”, Monemvasia is considered one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited fortified towns. Its name, meaning “single entrance,” reflects its strategic and secluded position.
This car-free destination combines history and architecture, with a fortified Upper Town perched atop the rock and a Lower Town nestled along its base. Many buildings within the fortress showcase a unique architectural heritage influenced by the Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman periods.
Beyond its historical significance, Monemvasia remains a major cultural landmark and a key tourist attraction in the Peloponnese. Its inclusion in the “7 Most Endangered” program highlights the urgency for preservation while seeking sustainable solutions for accessibility and conservation.
