Two studies were approved by the Central Archaeological Council at its Tuesday session, involving both the propping of buildings and improvements on the site accessibility, following a surge in tourist arrivals on the island and in view of its inclusion in the World Heritage Site list of UNESCO.

Spinalonga is situated at the northern entrance of the gulf of Elounda, in the prefecture of Lasithi. Ancient and medieval remnants compose the turbulent history of the island, which operated as a leper colony from 1903 until 1957.

The island and its history have come into prominence as they were featured in several films and books, the latest being a historical novel (“The Island”) by Victoria Hislop, which was made into a TV series by a private Greek channel.

The buildings that will be renovated and cleaned up are currently in a state of ruin. They are single-storey and two-storey buildings and one preserves graffiti from the times of the colony.

As of this year’s tourist season, the island will be receiving visitors from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the framework of the Culture ministry’s pilot program that includes 33 archaeological sites and museums.