The Greek Culture Ministry has unveiled a series of enhancements to the iconic Acropolis, a prominent archaeological site in Athens, major city and capital of Greece, known for its historical significance and architectural marvels, including the emblematic Parthenon reopening hidden routes, a major upgrade to enrich visitor experience.
This move will highlight furthermore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbol of ancient Greek civilization located on a rocky hill overlooking the Greek capital, featuring various monuments and structures dating back to the Mycenaean era and beyond.
This relevant initiative offers visitors access to newly restored areas and improved facilities for the first time in decades.
From 1st June, visitors can explore the redesigned southern plateau near the Aeropagus Rock located just to the right of the exit of the Acropolis, also known as the "Hill of Ares" , a dramatic rocky outcrop offering stunning views over the rest of Athens.
The reopening of these iconic paths will also allow walk a scenic route along the North Slope to key monuments like the Klepsydra, a natural spring situated on the north - west slope orf the Acropolis hill, near the intersection of the Peripatos and the Panathenaic Way, the Sanctuary of Aphrodite and Eros, and also enjoy a new gift shop to meet growing tourist demand.
Ephorate of Antiquities of Athens, a regional service of the Ministry of Culture under the General Directorate of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage and ODAP, the organization for the Management and Development of Cultural Resources led the upgrades as part of a broader effort to enrich the experience at Greece's most iconic heritage site.
The redesigned walkways improve access to previously restricted areas, while maintaining harmony with the historic and natural landscapes.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said that these improvements are not only about visitor services but also about cultural diplomacy, preserving the character of the site while offering a richer, more inclusive experience.
The new gift shop was developed with €600.000 in funding from the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility and is designed to high aesthetic standards appropriate for the archaeological setting and the surrounding landscape was upgraded with additional national funds and support from the Onassis Foundation.
Looking ahead, the Culture Ministry plans to reopen the Old Acropolis Museum with a mix of temporary archaeological exhibits, digital displays and contemporary art.
The adjacent area, including the Sebasteion and parts of the iconic Mycenaean wall will also be opened for the public for the first time and the Minister of Culture said that these developments allow visitors to spend more time on the Rock, deepen their understanding of the site, and explore aspects of it that have long been hidden.
The upgrades reflect ongoing investment in sustainable tourism infrastructure and cultural heritage preservation at one of the world's most visited archaeological sites.
The Greek Culture Ministry instead of a formal inauguration, unveiled the Acropolis upgrades through a festive event where the music group Encardia led visitors on a celebratory walk featuring songs and dances from Southern Italy's Greek speaking communities.
Minister of Culture Lisa Mendoni was joined by George Koumendakis, Artistic Director of the Greek National Opera ; Nikoletta Valakou, President of ODAP ; Elena Kountouri, Head of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Athens, and several Culture Ministry officials.
The event concluded with a large crowd following the musical procession to the Sanctuary of Aphrodite and Eros, an iconic site that represents a poignant testament to ancient worship.
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