The Ministry of Culture’s policy, “A Museum on Every Island,” is making strides with the creation of a brand-new Archaeological Museum on Halki Island. As part of its balanced cultural development plan for the Dodecanese, the Ministry has allocated €1 million from Recovery Fund resources to create the museum. This funding also supports the restoration and enhancement of the Church of Panagia Choriani, located at the island’s castle.

The museum will be housed in a building within the declared traditional settlement of Emporio, donated by Savvas Theodoridis. Restoration work on the building is near completion. This property was given to the Municipality of Halki in 2013, and in 2017, the Ministry of Culture accepted a 99-year lease to use the building as a museum to display the island’s archaeological collection.

The museum’s exhibition will be organized into five sections, arranged by topography or chronology, showcasing approximately 100 artifacts dating from the mid-4th millennium BCE to the 15th century CE. The exhibits, mainly ceramics but including tools, coins, and architectural fragments, are from excavations in Alimnia, the Pontamos necropolis, Halki’s castle, and the villages of Alimnia and Halki. The exhibit is designed to tell the story of Halki’s long history through characteristic archaeological and historical elements. Building access has been carefully designed to include ramps and equipment for visitors with disabilities, including specialized external stairway facilities, restroom access, and adjusted equipment layouts.

Among the exhibits is an Attic red-figure vase from 425–420 BCE, which will be one of the featured artifacts displayed at the Halki Archaeological Museum.

Church of Panagia Choriani Restoration
The Church of Panagia Choriani, located in the medieval village of Chorio, suffers from aging and environmental exposure, leading to damage from moisture that has affected its frescoes. Structural repairs are needed to ensure its stability. Restoration work is currently underway.

The church, built in the 17th century, is located on the northern side of the Palaio Kastro hill, where the medieval castle stands. The rectangular, barrel-vaulted structure includes the main nave and a narthex. Key restoration goals include addressing damage causes, achieving aesthetic and structural restoration, and preserving the archaeological significance of the building. The church is in moderate condition, with moisture-related issues evident in its frescoes and structural shell, where extensive stabilization and restoration work is in progress.

Statement from the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni
“The creation of an Archaeological Museum on Halki aligns with our ‘A Museum on Every Island’ policy,” stated Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni. “The building is situated at a key location in the settlement, close to main roads, making it easily accessible. The restoration includes stabilization, security and accessibility upgrades, interior exhibition setup, storage areas, digital equipment, and curation of the exhibits. Both the museum and the restoration of Panagia Choriani are part of our developmental plan, supporting small island communities.

The museum’s establishment and operation aim to present Halki’s archaeology and history through a permanent display that reveals its unique character to visitors. By protecting archaeological finds, we contribute to student education and emphasize the cultural heritage of their homeland. This project fosters cultural and tourism interest, creates new jobs, and bolsters Halki’s economic growth.”