Europe reopening: Greece allows visitors to Acropolis, Italians return to cafes after coronavirus curbs eased
- With 163 deaths from the virus, Greece started easing the measures this month after a six-week lockdown with an eye to salvaging the vital tourism season
- In Italy, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte admitted at the weekend there was a ‘calculated risk’ in rolling back the curbs
A clutch of tourists and masked reporters gathered at the world-famous site, the most visited monument in Greece.
“We have never seen so few people at the Acropolis,” said a Russian visitor, a woman who has lived in Athens for five years. “It’s like having a private visit.”
President Katerina Sakellaropoulou was among the first visitors to the ancient Greek complex that sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the capital and which had been closed ahead of the March 23 lockdown.
She celebrated being able to “visit the site again in a traditional way” after virtual visits were made available online for those still keen to experience the monument under lockdown.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, journalists and employees – many wearing face masks – were also present for the opening, with new anti-virus measures enforced.
Separation screens have been put up and the sites have been disinfected, the culture ministry said.