Athens, Greece , As a relentless heatwave scorches Greece, authorities have taken the unprecedented step of temporarily closing the Acropolis, the iconic symbol of ancient civilization. The closure, announced by the Ministry of Culture, will be in effect from 13:00 to 17:00 local time (11:00-15:00 BST) to protect both visitors and staff from the dangerously high temperatures.
Forecasts predict highs of 42°C (107°F) in parts of the country, prompting widespread concerns about heatstroke and dehydration. The decision to close the Acropolis, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors daily , a staggering 4.5 million so far this year , underscores the severity of the situation.
The extreme heat has triggered a cascade of preventative measures. The Ministry of Labour has mandated a five-hour work stoppage for manual, outdoor labourers between 12:00 and 17:00 in the most affected regions. This directive aims to safeguard vulnerable workers from the worst of the midday sun. A category four wildfire warning, indicating a “very high risk,” is also in place across several regions, adding another layer of anxiety to the already tense atmosphere.
“The safety of our workers and visitors is paramount,” stated a Ministry of Culture spokesperson. “We understand the disappointment this may cause, but we cannot compromise on well-being when faced with such extreme conditions.” This is not the first time extreme heat has disrupted operations at the Acropolis; similar closures occurred in June and July of last year, highlighting a worrying trend. The announcement sparked immediate reaction on social media. Posts on X.com showed tourists expressing both disappointment and understanding, while some local residents voiced frustration about the disruptions to daily life.
The current heatwave, which began on Sunday, is expected to peak on Wednesday, with temperatures remaining in the 40-42°C range in southern Greece before a gradual easing is anticipated on Thursday. But the impact extends far beyond Athens. On Monday alone, Greek firefighters battled 41 wildfires across the country. While 34 were quickly contained, seven remained active well into the evening, stretching resources and raising fears of widespread damage.
Here are some key measures undertaken due to the heatwave:
- Acropolis Closure: Temporary shutdown from 13:00-17:00 local time for visitor and worker safety.
- Mandatory Work Stoppage: Five-hour break for outdoor laborers during peak heat hours.
- Wildfire Alert: Category 4 warning issued for Attica, Peloponnese, central Greece, Thessaly, and western Greece.
The situation is not unique to Greece. Across Europe, wildfires are raging, with significant blazes reported in France and Spain. In Catalonia, Spain, over 18,000 people were ordered to stay indoors as firefighters struggled to contain a wildfire that has already consumed nearly 3,000 hectares of land. Even France has been fighting major forest fires in Narbonne with motorway closures and extensive evacuation notices. These events, following an unusually early and intense summer heatwave, underscore the growing threat of extreme weather events.
The global scientific community is increasingly clear on the link between these events and climate change. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has repeatedly warned that heatwaves will become more frequent and more intense as the planet continues to warm. Experts like Dr. Eleni Kalogirou, a climatologist at the University of Athens, are warning that these conditions will become the ‘new normal’. “We need to adapt, and we need to adapt quickly,” says Dr. Kalogirou. “This isn’t just about closing historical sites; it’s about re-evaluating how we live and work in a world that is rapidly changing.”
The escalating temperatures are not only affecting tourism and agriculture, but also posing significant risks to public health. Hospitals across Greece are reporting a surge in cases of heatstroke and dehydration, particularly among the elderly and vulnerable populations. Health officials are urging people to stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid strenuous activity.
One local resident, Maria, who lives near the Acropolis, shared her concerns. “I remember summers being hot, but this is different,” she said. “The air is thick, and you can feel the heat radiating off the stones. I never thought I’d hear that”, she commented on the closure of the Acropolis. “It’s a sign of how seriously this has gone.” The impact on local businesses is also being felt. Tour guides, souvenir shop owners, and restaurant staff are all bracing for a dip in income as the heatwave deters tourists from venturing out.
“It is a slow death for us,” lamented Dimitris, who runs a small taverna near the Acropolis. “We rely on the tourists, and when they can’t walk around, we suffer. The heat is effecting business severly. The governemnt must do something.”
The Greek government is facing mounting pressure to implement more robust climate adaptation strategies. Critics argue that current measures are insufficient to cope with the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Calls for increased investment in renewable energy, improved infrastructure, and stricter environmental regulations are growing louder.
As the sun beats down on Athens, the temporary closure of the Acropolis serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change. It is a call for urgent action to mitigate the impacts of rising temperatures and protect both the health and the cultural heritage of this ancient land. The city continues to monitor the situation closely, and updates will be provided as necessary, but the immediate future remains uncertain. The effects of the heatwave is truely devastating for everyone and we are doing are best to find a solution.