The Venetian Port of Nafpaktos, the city’s most distinctive landmark and one of the most significant examples of port construction, during the Venetian period, was presented by Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni to the local community and the region’s many visitors following the completion of stabilization, maintenance, and restoration work on key sections of the harbor.

The Venetian Port is located at the heart of the historic settlement and forms part of the broader archaeological site of Nafpaktos. It is surrounded by the characteristic seaside fortifications, with the bastions of Faros and Anemogiannis defining its unique historical landscape. Its location and fortifications are linked to the city’s long history and its role as a major center in the wider region. In more recent times, the picturesque harbor has gradually evolved into a key landmark of Nafpaktos and one of its most important destinations for visitors.

The Restoration Project of the Venetian Port of Nafpaktos

The project “Stabilization and Restoration of the Central Section of the Venetian Port of Nafpaktos,” with a total budget of 1,874,984.42 euros, was carried out by the Directorate for the Restoration of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Monuments of the Ministry of Culture, as part of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, with additional funding from the Ministry of Culture’s Public Investment Program. The goal was to address the severe damage caused by long-term exposure to the marine environment and to restore the structural elements that had deteriorated. The work focused on the walls and the quay and included soil improvement, cleaning and stabilization of the seabed, new jointing and grouting, replacement of broken stones, and filling in gaps in the masonry. At the same time, the structural integrity of the structures was reinforced and the functionality of the port infrastructure was restored, while the monument’s original morphological and construction characteristics were preserved, in accordance with the principles of preserving its historical character.

This project is part of the Ministry of Culture’s broader program for the protection and promotion of the Venetian Port and the fortifications of Nafpaktos. In this context, during the period 2022–2024, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Aetolia-Acarnania and Lefkada carried out projects with a total budget of 1.15 million euros for the coastal fortifications and other parts of the historic complex. This marked the completion of a significant series of interventions aimed at preserving and showcasing one of Nafpaktos’s most important historical landmarks.

The event concluded with a concert by the ERT National Symphony Orchestra, which presented timeless works of classical music to the audience. The orchestra was conducted by the distinguished maestro Myron Michailidis, and soprano Gina Foteinopoulou also performed at the concert. The sounds and melodies of classical composers resonated under the light of the August full moon, with the Venetian Harbor of Nafpaktos serving as the backdrop.

The event was attended by His Eminence Metropolitan Ierotheos of Nafpaktos and Saint Vlasios, Deputy Minister of Labor Kostas Karagounis, Regional Governor of Western Greece Nektarios Farmakis, Thanasis Papathanasis, Member of Parliament for Aetolia-Acarnania; Vasileios Gizas, Mayor of Nafpaktos; Olympia Vikatos, Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture; and a large crowd.

Prior to the ceremony marking the completion of the restoration project for the Venetian harbor of Nafpaktos, the Minister of Culture visited the Holy Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Vombokou, Nafpaktia, and attended the Great Vespers, which was presided over by His Eminence Ierotheos, Metropolitan of Nafpaktos and Saint Vlasios.