The Acropolis closed due to heatwave conditions on Tuesday afternoon, as temperatures in Athens soared to 38°C and beyond.
The Greek Ministry of Culture announced that the historic site would be closed from 1:00pm to 5:00pm local time, citing the need to protect both employees and visitors from extreme heat.
The heatwave, which began on Sunday, is the second to affect Greece since late June. Forecasts show temperatures reaching 42°C in parts of the country, with central Athens remaining dangerously hot through Wednesday.
The Acropolis closed due to heatwave measures, reflecting a growing trend across southern Europe, where climate extremes increasingly impact tourism and cultural heritage sites. Last year, the Acropolis welcomed over 4.5 million visitors- a 15% rise compared to 2023- making crowd safety a growing concern.
Officials warn that such closures may become more common as heatwaves intensify, especially at exposed sites with little shade or ventilation. While some may romanticise the idea that life in ancient times continued despite the heat, today’s conditions- paired with massive tourist volumes- present real risks.
Also read: Worker dies during heatwave in northern Italy
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