Heat Wave May Affect Operation of Archaeological Sites

The severe heat wave that hit Greece is expected to affect the operation of some of the country’s main archaeological sites from June 29 to July 1.

According to media reports, the Acropolis hill in Athens will remain closed during the afternoon hours – from 3 pm onwards – due to the soaring temperatures.

In agreement to a law (3850/10) on “the health and safety of workers”, local tourism administration offices are authorized to decide on the closure of open archaeological spaces in case temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the Panhellenic Tourist Guide Federation in a statement said that the safety of tourism employees and visitors was a top priority, underlining however that archaeological sites should close only during the afternoon hours and not for longer.  It also proposed that the sites open earlier in the morning and stay open until 8 pm with a short break during the hot hours of the day.

The Hellenic National Meteorological Service said temperatures will reach 42 degrees Celsius on Saturday and Sunday.

Visitors are advised to contact the local tourism authorities, before heading to the archaeological sites.