Improved Accessibility at the Acropolis in Athens
One of the world’s most iconic sites, the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, is becoming more welcoming to travelers. The site is installing a new lift and updating walkways to better accommodate visitors in wheelchairs and those with mobility impairments.
New Infrastructure Enhancements
The ancient citadel, perched atop a steep hill, has presented challenges for accessibility. While a lift was previously available, it often malfunctioned, and the pathways surrounding the Acropolis were severely eroded. Now, however, a new lift on the north face of the hill and artificial stone paths—nearly 530 meters long and almost four meters wide—are transforming access. These improvements replace the old concrete paths that had been in place since the 1960s, which had deteriorated under the weight of millions of visitors.
Government and Foundation Support
This initiative was announced by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on December 3 to coincide with the International Day of People with Disabilities. The project received funding from the Onassis Foundation, a private organization dedicated to promoting Greek culture.
A Commitment to Equal Access
According to Antonis Papadimitriou, the president of the Onassis Foundation, “By installing a wheelchair platform lift, we solve a practical but also a symbolic issue: we stress the importance of equal access for all.” Additionally, there are plans to renew the illumination of the Acropolis as a gesture of respect for both the monument and the archaeologists who conserve it for visitors.
The Historical Significance of the Acropolis
The Acropolis site has been inhabited since 4000 BC and has served various roles over the centuries, evolving from a religious center to a royal residence and a mythical realm for gods. The structures visible today date back to the Golden Age of Athens, commencing around 460 BC.
Currently, due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the Acropolis is closed but is expected to reopen on December 14, in accordance with the lifting of the national lockdown in Greece.
