Naxos Mayor Dimitris Lianos has withdrawn his legal complaint against the Greek Culture Ministry for its decision to install a protective fence around the ancient Portara monument on the islet of Palatia.
Lianos’ initial objection, filed in August, claimed that the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades bypassed proper legal procedures when it ordered the temporary fencing, which was put up to protect the 6th-century BC site from repeated vandalism and inappropriate tourist behavior. His action sparked controversy, leading to the arrests of ministry officials involved in the installation.
In August, a Naxos court upheld the ministry’s decision, ruling that the fence would remain until September 27. A permanent protective structure is scheduled to be installed later this year.
The Culture Ministry noted in a statement Tuesday that the Ephorate had formally notified the municipality that the fence was required under Law 4858/2021, and that noncompliance could result in penalties. The ministry added that by withdrawing the case ahead of Monday’s scheduled trial, the municipality avoided a potentially negative ruling.
The Portara, or “Great Door”, is a massive marble gateway overlooking Naxos harbor. It is the only surviving part of a temple dedicated to Apollo, begun in 530 BC but never completed.
