Disabled Visitors Stranded as Acropolis Facilities Crumble

The Acropolis of Athens, one of the world's most iconic ancient monuments and a global symbol of cultural heritage, is facing growing criticism over deteriorating visitor facilities and accessibility issues—just as tourist numbers surge.

A newly installed lift meant to provide access for people with disabilities and mobility issues is out of order once again, leaving vulnerable visitors to rely on emergency services, including the fire brigade, for assistance.

The lift, which was inaugurated on 3 December 2020—International Day of Persons with Disabilities—by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has suffered repeated breakdowns over recent weeks. In one alarming incident, a woman experiencing hypoglycemic shock had to be carried down from the site, as the elevator was non-functional.

Fire Brigade Fills the Gap

In multiple recent cases, individuals with mobility impairments or medical issues found themselves stranded at the archaeological site, unable to descend after their visit. If mechanical failures occur after 3 p.m.—when the on-site technician ends their shift—rescue efforts fall to the Athens Fire Brigade.

According to staff and tour guides, these incidents are not isolated. “It has happened more than once in the last month alone,” one worker said. “Visitors go up using the lift, only to find it broken when it's time to come down.”

Gemma Economopoulou, President of the Association of Licensed Tour Guides, remarked: “I’m sorry to say it, but visiting the Acropolis has become a nightmare for people with disabilities or health problems. Tourists don’t know the lift isn’t working until they get here. It’s unacceptable.”

Despite initial government assurances that the lift would be repaired by May 6, then May 12, it now appears it will remain out of order indefinitely due to serious technical issues.

Toilet Facilities in Disrepair

In addition to lift failures, sanitary conditions at the Acropolis have also drawn complaints. Out of ten toilets located near the site’s entrance, only two or three are currently operational. Facilities inside the site, formerly housed in the old museum, are closed due to renovations. Temporary chemical toilets have been added but are reportedly poorly maintained.

The lack of functional toilets has resulted in long queues under the scorching Athenian sun, with tourists expressing frustration over the state of one of the world’s most visited cultural landmarks.

Ticket Price Hike Adds Fuel to the Fire

These issues come just as the Greek government raises the entrance fee to the Acropolis from €20 to €30, effective April 1, 2025. The price hike has added to growing discontent among both tourists and guides, who argue that basic services are not meeting expectations.

Every day, around 12,000 people visit the Acropolis between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., according to estimates from workers and tour guides. During cruise ship arrivals, those numbers can spike even higher.

Cultural Heritage Obscured by Sheet Metal

Compounding frustrations, key areas of the archaeological site remain hidden behind construction barriers. One such example is the Areopagus (Supreme Court of ancient Athens), which holds religious and historical significance as the site where Apostle Paul is said to have preached. Renovations have left it surrounded by sheet metal fencing for over a year, with no clear end in sight.

Kriton Piperas, a veteran guide with over four decades of experience, expressed his anger: “I’m leading a group tracing the steps of Apostle Paul, and they can’t even access the Areopagus. We have to scramble up rocks just to see it from afar. If someone gets hurt, I will take legal action.”

Wider Concerns Across Greece’s Archaeological Sites

The problems aren’t confined to Athens. Visitors to other major historical sites, including Delphi and Ancient Olympia, face similar issues. Economopoulou noted that toilets in Delphi are in disrepair, and new ones in Olympia are inconveniently located at the far end of the site.

A separate controversy is brewing over plans to cut down ten cypress trees at the Delphi site to build a gift shop. “That space was used for resting after tours. Now it’s fenced off, and they plan to cut trees to make room for commercial activity,” Piperas and Economopoulou warned.

Political Response and Public Outcry

These mounting complaints prompted a formal discussion at the Athens Municipal Council, following a motion by Kostas Zachariadis, former SYRIZA MP and head of the “Open City” faction. The state of the Acropolis has become not only a national embarrassment but also a pressing concern for Greece’s international image.

With tourist season in full swing and ticket prices rising, calls are growing louder for immediate action to restore dignity, safety, and accessibility to Greece’s most visited ancient monument.

(Source: To Vima)