Culture Minister Lina Mendoni inspected major cultural construction sites across the Evros regional unit early in the morning. She led an official delegation alongside Secretary General of Culture Olympia Vikatou and Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Christodoulos Topsidis.
The delegation visited the Bayezid Mosque, the archaeological site of Plotinopolis, and the Burial Mound of Mikri Doxipara-Zoni. Mendoni also inspected two old school buildings in Ptelea, Orestiada, and Karoti, Didymoteicho, which will become Agricultural Museums.
Work on the Bayezid Mosque is in its final phase, with funding of about 15 million euros from the Recovery Fund and the Ministry of Culture. Mendoni said the monument will be handed over at the end of August when final details finish. Surrounding grounds work will follow with the municipality, and the site will open as a cultural destination in Didymoteicho by the end of the year.
Plotinopolis shelter and local restoration projects
At the ancient Roman city of Plotinopolis, a tender was published for a protective shelter funded by the region, with bids opening in early September. Mendoni previously stated the shelter will shield antiquities from weather and human damage. She added that the site will feature fire protection, energy autonomy, and a walkway connecting it to the museum and local monuments.
Mendoni announced that the contractor for Didymoteicho Castle will be chosen by the end of August. Following municipal property transfers, the Ministry of Culture will restore a wooden mansion in Agios Athanasios and a heritage building opposite the Bayezid Mosque for cultural use.
Funding and agricultural museums
At Mikri Doxipara, construction continues on a shelter and exhibition venue supported by over 14 million euros from the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Regional Program. Meanwhile, the old schools in Ptelea and Karoti will be converted into Agricultural Museums in partnership with local municipalities and the Ethnological Museum of Thrace.
Mendoni noted that cultural infrastructure investments in Evros since 2019 exceed 60 million euros from European and national funds. She thanked Regional Governor Topsidis, regional staff, and ministry services for maintaining project schedules, quality standards, and scientific ethics.
