The Acropolis has now become more easily accessible for everyone to visit and enjoy, according to an announcement by Greece's Ministry of Culture.
The feedback from the Central Archaeological Council, during its meeting earlier this week, was unanimously positive, for the infrastructure developed for people with disabilities at the Archaeological Site 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.
After the installation of the slope lift, which is an international standard of its kind and the creation of new paths, further proposals were developed to enhance accessibility to the Acropolis.
Existing signs have been moved or redesigned- bilingual (Greek and English) Braille tactile signage has been placed around the site, as well as signs in capital letters for those who are visually impaired.
Handrails and slope warning signs will also be introduced.
Moreover, for those with vision impairment or low vision, tactile paving has been implemented. With the help of their companions, they will be able to touch representative exhibits, e.g. mobile models of monuments.
In addition, the Ministry plans to create a mobile application, which will provide written and oral information about the monuments.
Earlier this year, 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.