A key objective of the project is to assess climate vulnerability and improve the adaptation of cultural heritage to climate change. ELLET plays a key role in this effort by developing methodologies to protect monuments, archaeological sites and historic settlements from climate-related threats. By bridging the gap between scientific research, policy recommendations and conservation strategies, ELLET ensures that heritage sites can withstand environmental change. As part of this work, ELLET has conducted five in-depth case studies, carefully selected to represent Greece’s diverse geographical, historical and architectural contexts. These include the archaeological site of Ancient Messene, the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Corfu, the traditional villages of Zagori, the island of Delos – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and the Byzantine church of Porta Panagia in Trikala, a medieval religious monument.

For each of these sites, ELLET developed a comprehensive climate risk assessment methodology, incorporating future climate projections under different emission scenarios, mapping vulnerabilities related to environmental stressors, and classifying risks based on exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity.

Among the threats identified, the effects of extreme rainfall and poor drainage emerged as a critical challenge at several sites. In Ancient Messene, heavy rainfall and high humidity accelerate material deterioration, particularly in limestone and sandstone structures, while poor drainage and soil instability threaten the foundations of monuments. Repeated wet-dry cycles also contribute to surface erosion and structural weakening. In response, interventions focus on improving water management through improved drainage systems, protective treatments for vulnerable surfaces, and monitoring to mitigate long-term damage.

Similarly, in the old town of Corfu, heavy rainfall combined with inadequate drainage leads to frequent urban flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and narrow alleyways where run-off is restricted. The accumulation of water disrupts daily life, damages building facades and weakens the stability of foundations. Addressing these risks requires upgrading drainage infrastructure, strengthening flood protection for key heritage sites, and adopting urban design solutions to improve water permeability and reduce stagnation.

Through these studies, ELLET aims to establish a replicable framework for assessing and mitigating climate risks to cultural heritage, while advocating for targeted conservation strategies, infrastructure improvements and policy reforms. By bridging scientific research and heritage management, these efforts aim to ensure that Greece’s historic sites remain resilient in the face of increasing environmental change.