The Central Archaeological Council (KAS) has unanimously approved a groundbreaking plan aimed at safeguarding the monuments of the Athens Acropolis from potential lightning strikes.
The country's leading expert body responsible for the preservation of antiquities has given the green light for the installation of new telescopic lightning masts, alongside an expansion of the grounding system.
In response to a lightning strike incident in 2019 that resulted in injuries to four individuals, the proposed plan will supplement the existing four ionization rods by introducing additional protective measures. Erecting four 16-meter telescopic lightning protection masts around the perimeter of the Propylaea, alongside a fixed 2-meter mast adjacent to the current lightning rod, will strengthen the defenses against future lightning strikes.
Furthermore, a 24-meter-high telescopic mast will be positioned 2 meters east of the Erechtheion, followed by the installation of four 20-meter-high and two 16-meter-high telescopic masts encircling the Parthenon.
To ensure comprehensive protection, conductors will be placed at 5-meter intervals around the stage of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. As part of the study, it was recommended that during severe weather conditions, visitors be directed to the old museum on the Acropolis instead of the Propylaea, with the monument temporarily closed for safety reasons.
In an additional development, KAS has granted authorization for the restoration of the old Diplarios technical school, located on Theatrou Square in central Athens. The former educational institution will be transformed into three independent hotels, each equipped to accommodate up to 100 guests.
This groundbreaking initiative is set to fortify the Athens Acropolis and ensure the preservation of its rich cultural heritage for generations to come.
