Greece shut the Acropolis Hill for a few hours on Thursday to protect visitors to one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions from a heatwave that has engulfed Athens.
The monument, home to the Parthenon temple that is visited by millions of tourists every year, was closed between 1000 and 1400 GMT on Thursday, authorities said.
Greece’s meteorological service had forecast temperatures peaking at 38 Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) in Athens by midday, though the temperature on the Acropolis hill which overlooks the city is always higher due to its altitude and a lack of shade.
Get daily National news
“The meteorological service had forecast that the temparature felt on the hill would be forbidding, more than 44 degrees Celsius,” said a spokeswoman for the Acropolis complex.
WATCH: Europe-wide extreme heatwave has people, animals trying to keep cool
- Airbus to supply 150 jets to Malaysia’s AirAsia in multibillion-dollar deal
- Mexico City nightclub charges Americans $300 cover: ‘This is a political stance’
- Hantavirus strain can spread via humans, WHO says as 62 more feared exposed
- China calls for ‘comprehensive ceasefire’ as U.S.-Iran war drags on
-
![]()
Strait of Hormuz standoff continues as Iran, U.S. both claim control -
![]()
Is Putin living mostly underground now, afraid of Ukraine’s drones and missiles striking deeper? -
![]()
Trump asked what Iran could do to violate cease-fire: ‘You’ll find out’ -
![]()
Police investigating shooting near White House involving Secret Service
It is the first time that hot weather has shut down the Acropolis this summer, though it also happened last year.
Greece saw record tourist arrivals in 2018 of 33 million people and expects a similar number this year.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.