Tsipras at the Acropolis: "Stop abusing our cultural heritage"

Main opposition SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance leader Alexis Tsipras blamed the government for what he called its "authoritarianism and ownership mentality even in matters of culture."

Last Friday on World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue & Development, he visited the Acropolis.

In a video Tsipras posted, he said that he had the opportunity to see "the magnitude of the concrete intervention, which alters the landscape of a World Heritage site, and has provoked criticism by many scientists, a strong reaction by the public regardless of political orientation, and condemning articles in international press."

He described the Parthenon as "a monument of moderation and harmony but also a universal symbol of Democracy" and pointed out that "the Acropolis belongs to humanity and eternity, any interventions on the Holy Rock should have the broadest consent not only of the domestic but the international scientific community."

Tsipras called on the government to listen to "the cry of anguish of the international cultural community" and to "stop abusing our cultural heritage."

Greece’s decision to cement sections of the Acropolis

Last year, a concrete path was created for wheelchair users, elderly citizens and others with mobility problems to see the Acropolis in Athens up close.

However, the decision stirred reactions on social media.

Recently, Kathimerini sought the opinion of two architects- Yannis Aesopos, president of the University of Patra’s Architecture Department, and Dimitra Katsota, associate professor of architectural design at UPatra.

“I would say that the general impression is positive. The new floor creates a path, a walk, that the visitor can follow and observe the monuments. It somewhat marks a movement,” Aesopos said.

“It remains a technical work and does not acquire artistic and architectural value and this becomes apparent in its details,” he added.

The project was funded by the Onassis Foundation, which also donated the improved  Acropolis illuminations.