Culture Ministry Takes Action to Protect Santorini’s Antiquities

As intense seismic activity continues to shake Santorini and the broader Cyclades region, and with an emergency status still in effect, the Greek Ministry of Culture, under the leadership of Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, held an emergency meeting on Wednesday, February 6, focusing on the protection of Cycladic antiquities and cultural heritage.

From the onset of the phenomenon, the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades implemented standard protection protocols, taking all necessary precautionary measures. Specifically, exhibits from the Museum of Prehistoric Thera—dating from the Late Neolithic period (5th millennium BC) to the Late Cycladic I period (17th century BC)—and the Archaeological Museum of Fira have been repositioned on lower shelves, with protective materials placed to safeguard them in case of increased seismic intensity.

Additional precautions have been taken for exhibits housed in glass cases, as well as for large vessels and sculptures, which have been securely stabilized. Meanwhile, the antiquities at the Akrotiri archaeological site—renowned for their exceptional state of preservation—have been safeguarded and arranged in accordance with security requirements.

Other islands in the region have implemented similar protective measures. On February 6, Secretary General of Culture Georgios Didaskalou conducted an inspection of Santorini’s archaeological sites and museums as part of the ministry’s ongoing monitoring efforts.

So far, no damage has been reported to the island’s exhibits or archaeological infrastructure. Meanwhile, staff responsible for protecting Santorini’s cultural heritage remain on high alert.