Monemvasia Castle on Europe’s endangered list

Greece’s Monemvasia Castle has been listed among Europe’s seven most endangered heritage sites for 2025 by Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute.

The medieval fortress faces threats from a proposed cable car project, raising concerns about its environmental and cultural impact. Other endangered sites include Nyborg Castle (Denmark), at risk from insensitive restoration; and Victoria Tower Gardens (UK), facing overdevelopment. Modernist structures Generalstab (Serbia) and Valhalla Swimming Hall (Sweden) risk demolition, while religious sites in Armenia and Poland suffer from neglect. 

Since 2013, the initiative has mobilized support for at-risk heritage. Europa Nostra Vice President Guy Clausse emphasized the role of cultural sites in fostering sustainable communities, while EU Commissioner Glenn Micallef called for urgent action to protect Europe’s shared history.