Around five days ago, a woman experiencing dizziness and instability due to hypoglycemic shock had to be taken down to the entrance of the Acropolis to receive first aid and rest in a cool, shaded area. Unfortunately, this was not possible because the much-publicized elevator, which had been inaugurated by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in 2020 – on International Day of Persons with Disabilities – is out of service due to serious technical problems.
Due to the broken elevator, people with mobility difficulties are waiting for assistance from the Fire Department. Source: Greek Federation of Tourist Guides.
Repeated Malfunctions and Fire Department Assistance
In the case of the woman mentioned, the Fire Department was urgently called to assist. This has become a common occurrence over the past month for other visitors who either fall ill or have mobility issues. They use the elevator to ascend, but by the time they are ready to descend, the elevator has broken down.
If the malfunction occurs before 3 PM, when a technician is on-site, it might be repaired depending on the severity of the issue. Otherwise, the Fire Department is called to evacuate those who are sick or have mobility problems.
Access to the archaeological site is difficult for people with mobility issues.
Source: Greek Federation of Tourist Guides.
Long Lines for Toilets
Meanwhile, long lines form outside the toilets located before the site entrance, as only two or three out of ten toilets are operational. The toilets within the archaeological site, in the old museum building, are also closed due to ongoing works.
To address the increased demand, five chemical toilets have been installed near the cloakroom. However, employees report that these are not being adequately cleaned, presenting an unsanitary and undignified image for a world-renowned archaeological site.
The area where chemical toilets have been installed. Employees report that they are not being adequately cleaned, and this image is by no means dignified for the archaeological site. Source: Association of Licensed Tour Guides.
Barriers and Limited Access to the Areopagus
One of the most significant monuments, the Areopagus, a rocky hill once used as a court by the Olympian gods, is currently obscured by metal barriers. Construction began last year to build a new gift shop, but the project has yet to be completed.
Kriton Piperas, a 44-year veteran tour guide and former President of the Greek Guides Federation, expressed his frustration:
“I am here with a group of 80 people following the footsteps of Apostle Paul across Greece. Today, they want to visit the Areopagus. How can they see it? We are forced to climb like goats to give them a glimpse of the monument from afar. If an accident happens, I will sue. I am determined.”
Metal barriers are obstructing the Areopagus. Source: Association of Licensed Tour Guides.
A Grim Experience at the Acropolis
Gemma Oikonomopoulou, President of the Association of Licensed Tour Guides, described the situation as a “nightmare”:
“I hate to say it, but visiting the Acropolis has become a nightmare. The much-publicized elevator, which was inaugurated amid much fanfare, is out of service, creating major difficulties for people with disabilities and health issues.
Initially, they said it would be out of order until May 6. Then they said until May 12. Now, as of last Sunday, they say it will remain out of service for some time due to severe technical problems. Tourists are not informed about this issue; they check the Acropolis website and read that the elevator is operational.”
Works at the main entrance. Source: Association of Licensed Tour Guides.
Similar Problems in Delphi and Olympia
Visitors to other archaeological sites are facing similar issues. In Delphi and Ancient Olympia, some toilets are out of order or in poor condition.
“In Olympia, the new toilets are located at the far end of the archaeological site. If someone needs to use a restroom before starting the tour, they have no option,” Oikonomopoulou said.
Both Oikonomopoulou and Piperas also reported plans to cut down ten cypress trees in Delphi to build a new gift shop.
“That spot was a resting place for visitors after the tour. Now, it is fenced off with metal barriers, and we’ve learned that they plan to cut down the cypress trees to make way for a gift shop,” they said.
Council Meeting Addressing Issues
The dire state of facilities at the Acropolis was discussed at yesterday’s meeting of the Athens City Council, following a report by Kostas Zachariadis, head of the “Open City” faction and former SYRIZA MP.
