A long-awaited project appears to be on the path to completion: the Neapolis Indoor Gymnasium. This initiative has faced significant challenges, including two previous failed attempts and a considerable waste of public funds.
On August 5, 2025, a contract was signed by the Deputy Regional Governor of Laconia, Theodoros Veroutis, representing the Peloponnese Region, and the contractor, the Economic Entity «KTIRIOTECHNIKI EPE.» The contract is for the project titled «Completion of the Neapolis Gymnasium Building (Gymnasium, Lyceum of Neapolis, 1st Vocational High School) in the Municipality of Monemvasia,» with a budget of €1,234,705.12 (including 24% VAT).
### Project History
The first contract for this project was signed in February 2020 by the Mayor of Monemvasia and the contracting company, with a total budget of €829,974.65, funded by the Public Investment Program (P.D.E 2018) of the Peloponnese Region. However, the contractor requested to terminate the contract, citing deficiencies in the initial study, and received financial compensation for this reason.
The second attempt to restart the project occurred in April 2023, with a new contract signed between the then Regional Governor of Peloponnese, the contractor, and the Mayor of Monemvasia, with a budget of €1,700,000.00, again funded by the Public Investment Program. Although excavation and concrete work began, the project soon fell back into dormancy.
Now, five years after the initial launch, a third and crucial attempt is underway, offering a hopeful prospect for completion without further obstacles or delays.
In statements made by Deputy Regional Governor Theodoros Veroutis, he emphasized the significance of the gymnasium for the community:
«The Neapolis gymnasium will not just be a building; it will be a hub of life and development for the area. This infrastructure is a commitment we owe to the youth and students of the region.»
He further noted, «Through our collaboration with the Municipality of Monemvasia, we are doing everything possible to ensure that this important infrastructure project is completed and delivered to the children of our community. The signing of the contract with the contractor is a result of our efforts and anticipates the gymnasium’s completion within 12 months from today.»
Veroutis also highlighted the Peloponnese Region’s commitment to planning and decisiveness, securing funding for the maintenance of existing sports facilities and the creation of new ones. This initiative aims to provide local communities with modern, safe, and functional spaces that promote sports and yield significant social, economic, cultural, and tourism benefits.
