Greek army commandos and alpine volunteers have completed a high-altitude mission at the peak of Mount Taygetos in Sparta to restore the historic Prophet Elijah (Greek: Προφήτης Ηλίας) Orthodox chapel.
The high-stakes repair operation took place on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at an extreme altitude of 2,407 meters (7,897 feet).
Specialized military engineers from the Greek General Staff’s Construction and Natural Disaster Directorate (DIKAFKA) led the grueling technical intervention. Passionate mountaineering volunteers from Mani, Corinth, and Gytheio scaled the steep peak alongside the soldiers to support the structural project.
Together, the combined task force reinforced the iconic stone sanctuary against brutal winter conditions.
Fortifying a mythic high-altitude landmark against winter storms
The ancient stone chapel of Prophet Elijah crowns the highest peak of Mount Taygetos, serving as a famous regional geographic landmark and because the structure acts as the official patron sanctuary of the Greek Army Aviation, the military prioritizes its survival. Heavy military helicopters transported specialized building supplies and structural timber straight to the rocky summit before the dig began.
Special Forces engineers installed seven heavy wooden supporting beams inside the roof to withstand crushing winter snow loads. The technical team also added six structural columns and secured every load-bearing pillar with heavy steel clamps.
At the same time, workers repaired the weathered wooden main entrance, patched the stone tiles, and injected high-durability bonding foam between loose masonry gaps.
Combating tourism pollution on the sacred summit
Beyond the heavy construction work, the Greek army launched an aggressive environmental cleanup across the alpine zone of mount Taygetos. The task force gathered 10 massive bags of garbage that summer hikers and pack animals had abandoned.
Defense Minister and Laconia MP Thanasis Davakis Davakis expressed deep gratitude to prominent Greek philanthropist Thanasis Martinos for funding the specialized building materials. Eventually, he praised the dedication of the DIKAFKA personnel and local volunteers who protected the mountain’s fragile ecosystem.
The minister voiced sharp frustration regarding the persistent pollution and disrespect that some visitors show toward the landscape.
Moving forward, regional alpine clubs will implement monitoring protocols to ensure that the newly reinforced sanctuary remains clean.
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