Kythera and culture are intertwined. In this context, the Region of the Attica Islands included in the first phase, the redevelopment of the English school of Kato Chora Mylopotamos in Budget of 2021 with an amount of 225.000 €.
The ambitious project, the redevelopment studies of which were submitted to the Ministry of Culture and the Attica Region, the Kythira Foundation for Culture and Development (to which the use of the building belongs), is an architectural landmark and a reference point of an entire era, on which the entire educational structure of Kythera was based.
Read in detail everything related to the project, in the press release of KIPA:
«Almost 120 years after its discontinuation as an educational institution, the emblematic school building that adorns the square of Kato Chora Mylopotamos will be restored to give new life to this unique settlement and enhance the cultural life of Kythera, in conjunction with the planned redevelopment of the square of the settlement by the Municipality of Kythera at the exact location of the building.
The main purpose of KIPA, since its establishment, is to promote the cultural heritage of Kythera, while improving the quality of life of the residents. One of the first objectives of the foundation was the redevelopment of the English schools Milapeideas in Meadow and Kato Chora Mylopotamos.
This process started in 2007 with the notarial deed of concession of the use of the two schools by the Domestic Property Committee to the KIPA. Subsequently, the Foundation completed the redevelopment studies, which were submitted to the Ministry of Culture and the Region of Attica. Thus, we are at the happy point that the Region of the Attica Islands has included the redevelopment of the English school of Kato Chora Mylopotamos in the 2021 Budget with an amount of 225.000€.
It is an emblematic architectural monument, with the domed roof and the characteristics gothic windows, representative of the period of English rule of the Ionian Islands (1809 - 1864). It is a time, during which education was systematically organized in Kythera, with the use of the interdisciplinary method. As mentioned on the memorial plaque above the entrance of the school, the school was built by the Mylopotamians themselves, and operated from 1825 to 1902.
The building is located in an area of unique cultural value, next to the monumental gate of the Venetian castle town with the Leo of the Most Serene Republic of Saint Mark. It is harmonized in the architectural complex of Lower Chora, which has been characterized as a traditional settlement and historical site. It is also a landmark along the walking route M41, entitled «The Valley of the Water Mills», part of the organized network of Kythera trails ‘Kythera Trails’.
Particular reference should be made to the cooperation, partnership and support of the Municipality of Kythira - of Mayor personally - and of Domestic Property for the inclusion of the project in the budget of the Region, but also to the positive response of the Regional Governor of Attica Mr. George Patouli and of Deputy Head of the Islands Ms. Vasiliki Theodorakopoulou-Bogris, which from the very first moment embraced the proposal. We hope that the school of Milapidea will follow in the near future.»
