Acropolis of Athens to Close During Peak Heatwave Hours
The Acropolis of Athens, the most visited site in Greece, will be temporarily closed during the hottest hours of the day due to an ongoing heatwave, the Ministry of Culture announced. The site will be closed from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time (09:00 GMT to 14:00 GMT) on Wednesday. This precautionary measure comes as temperatures in the area are expected to soar to as high as 43°C, marking the first significant heatwave of the year.
Fire Hazard and School Closures
Greece, known for its Mediterranean climate, has been enduring intense heat for the past several days, with a particularly severe peak expected on Wednesday and Thursday. Weather services have reported that temperatures will well exceed 40°C in various regions. The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection issued a warning on Tuesday about a 'very high' fire risk, particularly in the Attica region, which includes the Greek capital. As a safety measure, several schools will remain closed on Wednesday and Thursday, especially in Athens. The Ministry of Labor has also recommended teleworking for public sector employees.
Historical Closures and Surge in Tourism
This is not the first time the Acropolis has had to shut its gates due to extreme weather. In July 2023, the site was closed for two weeks during a prolonged heatwave and subsequent devastating fires that ravaged approximately 175,000 hectares of land. Despite these challenges, the Acropolis continues to draw a large number of visitors. Last year, it experienced a record number of nearly 4 million visitors, reflecting an increase of more than 31% compared to the previous year. The influx of tourists is partly attributed to the increasing number of cruise ships docking at Piraeus, the major port near Athens.
- Greece's recent intense heatwaves are part of a broader trend of extreme weather conditions affecting the country over recent years. This has led to widespread concerns about the impact on tourism, local businesses, and public safety.
- Visits to the Acropolis are a highlight for many tourists. In recent times, local authorities have been working on measures to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors, including providing water stations and shaded areas.
- The ongoing climate crisis has had significant implications for Greece, affecting not only its famous historical sites but also the daily lives of its citizens. The government is actively pursuing strategies to mitigate these risks in the face of increasingly erratic weather patterns.
