Defense Minister Pirro Vengu declared that the Government has prioritized the revitalization of the Porto Palermo base for both civilian and military purposes.

Why is this significant

The initiative signals a shift towards utilizing historical military assets, that are often located in some of the most beautiful areas of the country, for dual purposes, enhancing public access and boosting local tourism while maintaining national defense capabilities.

Context

Minister Vengu shared images of Porto Palermo on social media, highlighting the area’s stunning natural beauty combined with its historical military significance. The project aims to improve management of the area, which has recently become a favored tourist destination, ensuring environmental standards and enhancing maritime safety conditions.

“The list of priorities includes revitalizing the base for dual purposes. By efficiently managing this military and civilian complex, improving conditions, and access for the public in the entirety of Panorama Bay, we aim to generate more public revenue that will be used for the maintenance of this valuable asset,” Vengu emphasized.

The next steps involve the non-invasive adaptation of facilities within the complex that no longer serve military functions to create a sustainable tourist attraction. The project also seeks to restore these valuable naval force assets for national and international training purposes.

The fortified tunnel gate of Porto Palermo was opened for the first time in 32 years on August 11 this year. Construction of the tunnel began in 1969 and continued until 1988, serving as a shelter and secure passage for naval vessels and submarines, and simultaneously acting as a strong and protected base.