The installation of barbed wire fencing around the iconic Portara monument on the Greek island of Naxos has ignited fierce backlash from locals and prompted legal action from the island’s mayor this week.

Mayor Dimitris Lianos has officially filed a complaint, alleging that the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades failed to follow proper legal procedures when it ordered the protective fencing of the Portara earlier this week. His move follows widespread criticism from residents and local organizations, who argue that the fencing “aesthetically degrades” the ancient site.

The measure came on Monday in response to an incident last week involving a tourist who lifted a piece of ancient marble from the Portara and posed for a photo, which was then shared on social media. The Portara is the colossal marble gate at the entrance of the port of Naxos, a part of the unfinished Temple of Apollo dating back to 530 BC.

Authorities say the fencing was installed to protect the megalith from vandalism and inappropriate behavior by visitors, including climbing on prohibited areas, tampering with stones, and even eating and drinking near the sacred site.

The Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades installed the barbed wire on Monday. Shortly after, workers on-site were detained by police for questioning as part of a preliminary investigation. The situation quickly escalated, drawing sharp condemnation from Mayor Lianos. “We are asking for an investigation into whether the correct procedures were followed by all bodies involved,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Ephorate of Antiquities has filed its own lawsuit against unknown individuals over the attempted vandalism. An inspection conducted by its head, Dimitris Athanasoulis, concluded that no damage had been done to the monument itself, though he called the tourist’s actions an “insult” and “a sign of deep disrespect” toward Greece’s cultural heritage.