Crete Allocates €300,000 to Restore Earthquake-Damaged Cathedral

Wednesday, 20 May 2026/Source: Flashnews/1 min read

The Governor of Crete has signed a contract allocating 300,000 euros for the restoration of the Cathedral of Arkalokhori, a village in the Heraklion regional unit. The cathedral suffered severe structural damage during the September 2021 earthquake that struck the area, leaving it inaccessible to visitors and the local community. This funding marks a concrete step toward rebuilding one of the village's most significant religious landmarks. Arkalokhori is located approximately 25 kilometres south of Heraklion city and is reachable by car in under 30 minutes. While the cathedral remains closed during restoration works, the broader area has largely recovered and is accessible to visitors interested in inland Cretan villages. Tourists planning to visit should note the site is an active construction zone and entry to the cathedral is not currently permitted.