A court on the island of Naxos ruled on Wednesday that the temporary fence surrounding the ancient Portara monument will remain in place until September 27, upholding an earlier decision by the Greek Culture Ministry.

The court’s decision means that the current barbed wire fence, installed to prevent vandalism and inappropriate behavior, will stay until its scheduled replacement with a permanent protective structure later this year.

The case reached court after Naxos Mayor Dimitris Lianos filed a complaint, accusing the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades of bypassing proper legal procedures in ordering the fencing. Residents and local organizations also argued that the fencing “aesthetically degrades” one of Greece’s most iconic landmarks.

The ministry defended its action by presenting documents showing the measure was approved in line with archaeological law and based on the recommendation of the Central Archaeological Council.

The decision to fence off the Portara was ordered after a July incident in which a tourist removed a fragment of marble from the monument and posed with it for a photo shared online, sparking outrage and raising concerns about site security.

The Portara, which means “Great Door” in Greek, is the imposing marble gateway on the islet of Palatia, at the entrance to Naxos harbor. It is the only standing remnant of a temple to Apollo, begun in 530 BC but never completed.

For now, the court has ruled that protection of the site outweighs aesthetic concerns, clearing the way for the installation of a permanent fence in the autumn.