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Press release: Agreement for the “Restoration and promotion of the ancient theatre of Hersonissos” via the “Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) funding tool.

Following numerous efforts made by local bodies and representatives of associations for the promotion and protection of monuments of nature and culture in previous years, the Roman Theatre of Hersonissos shows the way forward for the funding of similar projects in Greece through the «Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) funding tool».

In November 2020, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Heraklion and the Development Agency of Heraklion (Local Development Company S.A.) signed an agreement to implement the “Restoration and promotion of the ancient theatre of Hersonissos” project.

This agreement is funded under Measure 19, Sub-measure 19.2 of the Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 “for public interventions, Sub-action 19.2.4.5: Support for studies, services, and investments related to culture, the preservation, restoration and enhancement of the cultural and environmental heritage of villages, rural landscapes and places of high environmental value, including relevant socio-economic aspects, as well as environmental awareness-raising actions (including cultural/conference centers, museums, cultural countryside features – windmills, bridges, etc.)”. The project has an approved budget of EUR 549,674.55 and is set for implementation by the end of 2023.  The project’s public expenditure comes from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Hellenic Republic Ministry of Rural Development & Food.

The conclusion of the agreement for the promotion of the theatre of Hersonissos is a significant achievement with a symbolic dimension. This is the first time that the CLLD is being utilized in the field of culture, creating an additional resource for the “transfusion” of funds towards the enhancement and promotion of Greece’s monuments by the Ministry of Culture. A characteristic example of projects expected to follow suit is the restoration of the Ancient Theatre of Platiana, for which the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia submitted a proposal last May.

The DIAZOMA Association welcomes this development and would also like to thank the former Mayor of Hersonnisos, Mr. Yiannis Mastorakis, a model active citizen who closely monitored the progress of this process and contributed decisively to the effort to reintegrate the ancient theatre of Hersonissos at the center of the region’s everyday life, sustainability, and sustainable development.

  • View of the Ancient Theatre of Hersonissos (source www.archaiologia.gr- 2013)
  • The theatre as it will be after restoration (study by Mr. Nikos Hatzidakis: www.d-code.gr -2013)

You can follow the progress of works at the DIAZOMA Association website:

Ancient Theatre of Hersonissos Local Cultural Route