Spinalonga Island On Its Way To UNESCO World Heritage List
- by XpatAthens
- Tuesday, 15 January 2019
The Greek Ministry of Culture is expected to submit the final nomination file for the inscription of the island of Spinalonga on the UNESCO World Heritage List, at the end of the month.
“It will be Crete’s first monument to be included on the World Heritage List of UNESCO,” Culture Ministry Secretary General Maria Andreadaki-Vlazaki said.
After the Palace of Knossos, Spinalonga is the most visited archaeological site in Crete and the 6th in Greece. The small islet attracts countless visitors every year due to its unique architecture and historical importance. Spinalonga features a well-preserved 16th century Venetian defense fortification.
The Region of Crete has managed to secure 900,000 euros in EU funding in order to complete the 3rd phase of restoration which includes maintenance works on its fortification and buildings.
It is worth noting that from the early 20th century up until 1957, Spinalonga was used as a leper colony, while the last inhabitant left the island in 1962. The tiny island became famous as the setting of ‘The Island’ a best-selling novel by Victoria Hislop.
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Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons