Web Analytics

The Acropolis In Athens Is Being Made More Accessible To Travelers

The Acropolis In Athens Is Being Made More Accessible To TravelersOne of the world’s most iconic sites in Athens is being made more accessible to travelers, with a new elevator, new lighting and updated walkways.

The Acropolis is one of the most iconic sites in the world and its magnificent architecture is visible from almost everywhere in the city of Athens. It is the hub around which the city revolves and was built in the 5th century BC.

The Acropolis stands as a reminder to Greeks of their historic heritage. However, despite all this, the magnificent temple wasn’t accessible to all travelers; that is, until now.

Athens Makes The Acropolis More Accessible

This ancient citadel nestles on top of a steep hill, which makes it difficult for some to access. There was originally an elevator on the site. However, it didn’t always work. On top of this, the pathways taking travelers around the Acropolis had become badly eroded.

Now this iconic site is becoming more accessible to visitors as Athens installs a new elevator and also updates the walkways to allow better access to those with mobility impairments, or in wheelchairs.
The new elevator is available on the north face of the hill, while the former concrete pathways have been replaced with more attractive and hardy artificial stone paths. The pathways span almost 1,740 ft and are 13 feet in width. The original concrete walkways were built in the 1960s, but were worn down from millions of tourists walking over them over the years.

International Day of People with Disabilities

The new elevator and stone pathways were unveiled by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on December 3 to mark the official International Day of People with Disabilities. The renovation project was funded by the Onassis Foundation, a private organization aiming to promote Greek culture and civilization to the world. The foundation was created by Aristotle Onassis to honor the memory of his son Alexander, who died in a plane crash in 1973 at the age of 24.

Antonis Papadimitriou is the current president of the Onassis Foundation. He said in a statement that by installing a wheelchair platform lift, they have solved a practical, but also a symbolic issue. He went on to say this stresses the importance of equal access for all.

Besides the new elevator and upgraded walkways, Papadimitriou said they were also renewing the illumination of the Acropolis “as a small gesture of respect to the monument and to the archaeologists that protect it in all our names.”

About the Acropolis

The site on which the Acropolis stands has been occupied since 4,000 BC and has had many incarnations over the centuries. It has been everything from a religious center to a home of kings and a mythical realm for the gods. The structures that can be seen at the Acropolis today date from the Golden Age of Athens, which began in around 460 BC.

Besides the magnificent views of the Acropolis which can be enjoyed almost anywhere in the city of Athens, there are obviously striking, 360-degree views to be enjoyed of the city of Athens from the structure itself.
Greece and COVID-19

Currently, U.S. citizens living in the United States are banned from entering Greece. Also, as at December 11, Greek authorities announced a three-day mandatory preventative quarantine for all visitors entering Greece between December 18, 2020 and January 7, 2021. Anyone planning on visiting Athens and the Acropolis should check the latest information on the official tourism website.

Share your thoughts in the Comments section below, on our Facebook Page,  Follow Our Twitter Account or Head Over To Our Pinterest Page!