Greek Ministry Surprised by State of Ancient Monuments in Chania

The hill of Kastelli is not just any archaeological site; it is the acropolis of the ancient city of Kydonia, a powerful Minoan center that dates back to the Neolithic period. For over 5,000 years, this location has been continuously inhabited, holding layers of history from the Minoan civilization to the Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman eras. Excavations, which have been ongoing since 1966, have unearthed significant findings, including Linear B tablets, intricate pottery, and evidence of a major palace complex. The controversy that has taken the Ministry of Culture by surprise revolves around a proposal to convert some of the historic buildings on the hill into a private hotel. The "Citizens' Initiative Against the Hotelisation of the Monuments on Kastelli Hill" has strongly opposed this move, highlighting the unique historical and cultural value of the site. This group, along with other local bodies, advocates for the monuments to be used for public and educational purposes. The Chania Municipal Council, in a unanimous decision in 2021, echoed the sentiment of the local community, calling for the restoration of the monuments and their use as public, cultural, and educational facilities. This decision is supported by local scientific associations of architects and engineers, who also favor "Public Benefit Functions" for the properties, in line with presidential decrees governing the area. The unexpected move by the Ministry's Central Council of Modern Monuments to schedule a discussion on changing the use of these monuments to a hotel has been labeled as unacceptable by opponents. They argue that converting this historic landmark into a tourist establishment would erase its monumental identity and contribute to the "over-tourism" that already threatens the character of Chania's old town. The citizens' group is calling on the government to withdraw the proposal and protect the public character of this significant archaeological site.