New infrastructure projects with a total budget of €2,500,000 for fire protection, lightning shielding, and universal visitor accessibility are being implemented by the Ministry of Culture as part of its strategic plan to upgrade services at archaeological sites and museums.

Specifically, the fire-fighting water supply network is being upgraded through the expansion and reinforcement of the existing system. Key considerations include reduced rainfall, increased wildfire frequency, the expanded visitor area, the construction of new buildings, and the improvement of existing fire safety infrastructure. The expansion of the pumping station and the addition of new fire-fighting equipment (10 water cannons and 26 fire hose cabinets) contribute to the site’s effective protection. Firefighting water will be sourced from the Faneromeni Dam and the Festos Municipality’s water supply network, ensuring uninterrupted flow. A new fire protection system will be installed at the current pumping station.

The archaeological site of Phaistos, vulnerable due to its proximity to Mount Psiloritis and lack of organized lightning protection measures, requires immediate intervention. Two shelter areas are planned: the existing canopy at the ticket booth with a capacity for 270 people, and a new infrastructure shelter for up to 400 people. Additionally, protecting the fire pump station is deemed necessary to ensure its functionality during extreme weather events.

Visitors will be promptly alerted in case of emergencies via a loudspeaker system installed at four key points in the archaeological area. These locations were selected to optimize coverage of the archaeological paths, visitor walkways, and the parking area.

Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni stated:

“The comprehensive upgrade of the archaeological site of Phaistos aims to protect and highlight a monumental site of exceptional importance and interest. We are creating infrastructure for universal accessibility while also fortifying the site with an enhanced fire protection system and a network of lightning protection using modern safety and warning technologies. Phaistos, along with five other Minoan palaces, is part of Greece’s proposed serial nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2025. Our goal is to shape a modern, functional, and safe archaeological site through these interventions. Furthermore, this year, within the framework of the Ministry’s National Strategic Plan to address the impacts of the climate crisis, we will complete the management plan for the archaeological site of Phaistos, as it is a major cultural tourism destination in Crete. I would like to thank, once again, the Governor of Crete, Stavros Arnaoutakis, for his consistent, creative, and effective cooperation.”