Cable Car Proposal Sparks Debate Over Monemvasia’s Historic Charm

Nestled on a towering rock rising from the Myrtoan Sea in southern Greece, the medieval fortress town of Monemvasia captivates visitors with its Byzantine churches and weathered palaces, drawing thousands annually to stroll its historic cobblestone streets.

However, a contentious proposal to construct a cable car to the summit—where a well-preserved 12th-century church offers panoramic coastal views—has sparked division among residents and cultural advocates.

Currently, the only access to Monemvasia’s peak is via a steep, twisting stone path measuring 240 yards, a challenging climb for many.

Officials argue that the cable car, funded by nearly $7 million from the European Union, would provide essential access to visitors with mobility limitations.

Opponents, however, warn that the project threatens the site’s protected status and could irreversibly alter the fortress’s unique identity.