Lighthouses stand as testimonies of Greece’s notable position in world naval history since the days of antiquity. Proof of this lies in the fact that the country has 1,297 documented lighthouses to boast of! Unfortunately, however, many of them are a little worse for wear and the government is seeking people to help out by ‘adopting’ these and share in the conservation costs that run up to 1.5 million euros per annum. Lighthouses are currently maintained by the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service that can only repair very few at a time and the economic crisis has seen many of these exquisite structures slowly dim their lights and run into ruin.

An interesting concept is now on the table as the government is seeking private investors to help “adopt” these structures and make them viable again. The new parent would be required to maintain the lighthouse and make them viable, and in return exploit their architectural, historic and cultural offerings. The possibilities are endless. Noteworthy is the fact that many of these lighthouses are already used by the Hellenic Navy Personnel for holiday accomodation. Bearing this in mind, what do you think? Would you care to “adopt” one?

See video –

At Agia Marina, Platania

On the isle of Corfu..

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Protecting ships heading to the isle of Ikaria…

Pracitically in ruins at Nafpakto…

Already being exploited at Patra…

Tourlitis Lighthouse on the isle of Andros…

A lighthouse at Siapentza…