Eastern Macedonia and Thrace seek to accelerate cultural heritage projects
The Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is stepping up efforts to accelerate cultural infrastructure and heritage restoration projects, following a series of meetings involving Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis and Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.
The minister's visit to the region on November 4 included the inauguration of restoration works at the 11th-century Byzantine central-plan church of Maximianoupolis in Rhodope, a tour of the Komotini Concert Hall and a technical meeting at the regional administration headquarters to review ongoing projects and preparations for the next EU funding period.
RESTORED BYZANTINE CHURCH IN MAXIMIANOUPOLIS
Topsidis attended a religious blessing ceremony marking the completion of restoration works at the historic church of Maximianoupolis, in the presence of Mendoni.
The project, funded through the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility, involved structural restoration and conservation of the monument, the preservation of its marble and sculptural elements, and protection of its wall paintings and floors.
The ceremony was conducted by Metropolitan Panteleimon of Maroneia and Komotini.
Topsidis described the restoration and reopening of the church to the public as an important step towards preserving and highlighting Rhodope's historical and cultural heritage.
GÜMÜLCİNE CONCERT HALL UNDERGOING REDEVELOPMENT
Mendoni also visited the Komotini Concert Hall, where she was briefed on its integration into the Region's Cultural Centre framework and plans for its renewed operation and further development.
Discussions focused on improvements to the building's infrastructure and operations, as well as plans for cultural events, artistic productions and partnerships aimed at strengthening its role in the region's cultural life.
According to the regional administration, Mendoni expressed her appreciation for the efforts being made by the Region, noting that they were already producing tangible results.
The upgraded venue is expected to develop into a major cultural hub for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, hosting artistic productions and fostering collaborations.
The visit was also attended by Cultural Centre chairman Kostas Katsimigas, artistic director Paschalis Xanthopoulos and members of the concert hall's staff.
TECHNICAL MEETING FOCUSES ON PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION AND FUNDING
The minister and regional governor subsequently held a technical meeting at the headquarters of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
The discussions focused on accelerating cultural projects being implemented by the Ministry of Culture across the region. Participants reviewed the progress of ongoing interventions, examined obstacles affecting their implementation and discussed possible solutions to speed up administrative procedures and completion timelines.
Particular emphasis was placed on meeting the targeted payment milestones by the end of 2026 to ensure the smooth financial implementation of projects and compliance with established schedules.
Preparations for the next programming period were also discussed, including the early planning and development of new cultural initiatives.
The regional administration said cooperation with the Ministry of Culture aims to make effective use of available funding instruments while advancing projects to protect, restore and promote the area's cultural heritage.
The Region considers heritage preservation and the development of modern cultural infrastructure complementary priorities for strengthening regional identity, attracting visitors and supporting economic development.
