At the medieval archaeological site of Mystras in Greece’s Peloponnese region, measures to guard against increasingly severe wildfires have altered the landscape of this historic location. Known for its Byzantine-era ruins, including a despot’s palace and monasteries adorned with frescoes, the site now features prominent fire-prevention infrastructure such as large water tanks, sprinkler towers, and fire-hose containers scattered across its 84 acres.

The installation of these protective elements is part of a broader response by Greek authorities to the growing threat posed by climate change, which has led to more frequent and intense wildfires across the country. In recent years, blazes consuming hundreds of acres have become common, with casualties including firefighters and aerial crew during the 2023 fire season. Greek officials are particularly concerned about safeguarding cultural heritage sites, recalling how the 2007 wildfires approached the ancient grounds of Olympia.

In June, the government enacted specific fire safety regulations for archaeological sites, mandating infrastructure such as hydrants, vegetation pruning, and accessible routes for emergency vehicles. These rules represent one of the few national efforts worldwide aimed directly at protecting historical monuments from climate-related disasters. So far, over 60 sites have undergone fire-prevention upgrades, including a water pump installation near the walled city of Philippi and fire-hose container placements at the Bronze Age site of Mycenae.

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni highlighted that the initiative aims to shift from reactive restoration following damage to building proactive resilience. However, experts acknowledge a delicate balance between safeguarding historic environments and preserving their visual integrity. Krista Pikkat, UNESCO’s director for culture and emergencies, noted that while protective measures inevitably impact a site’s appearance, they are a necessary compromise given current environmental risks. Greece is home to 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, many susceptible to wildfire.

Mystras, which attracts approximately 150,000 visitors annually, is particularly vulnerable due to its location amid dense pine and cypress forests on a steep mountainside with limited emergency access. Between 2022 and 2025, the Greek government, with support from the European Union, invested nearly $4 million to install a network of fire-fighting infrastructure, including a 5,000-foot water pipeline from a nearby reservoir. During construction, workers uncovered additional archaeological features such as monastic cells and a segment of a Byzantine road; these were temporarily covered to prioritize the installation and preserve them for future study.

Additional precautions include loudspeaker systems to alert visitors quickly in case of fire, underscoring the challenge of evacuating tourists unfamiliar with the terrain. Experts stress this is critical because visitors often underestimate wildfire risks while exploring cultural sites.

Sustainability remains a concern as ongoing maintenance, particularly vegetation management, requires continued funding beyond current EU subsidies. Emmanuel Vassilakis, a climate specialist at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, emphasized the financial challenges ahead, commenting that officials will need to balance cultural preservation against other budget demands. “We have to persuade the people that we need to protect our past and our culture,” he said, underscoring the urgency of protecting Greece’s rich archaeological heritage amid a changing climate.