Acropolis to Close for Four Hours Due to Heatwave

The archaeological site of the Acropolis in Athens will close its gates for four hours on Thursday and Friday, if temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius, according to the Greek Culture Ministry.

In an announcement, the ministry said the Acropolis will shut between 1pm and 5pm on Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5 if temperatures reach heatwave levels, over 40 degrees Celsius.

Visitors who have purchased tickets online for these days and hours are requested to send an email to etickets@tap.gr to receive further information.

Greece is among the European countries hit by a heatwave with temperatures reaching late 30’s to 40 degrees Celsius.

On Wednesday, the Municipality of Athens advised citizens and visitors to protect themselves from the heatwave by using the EXTREMA Europe application, an emergency notification system for extreme temperatures. The app offers useful tips for protection from high temperatures and also indicating the nearest cool spots in the city on a map.

Athenians and visitors should note that the municipality has a 24-hour hotline – 1595 – for information regarding city issues.

Measures for strays

The municipality also informed that it has placed six new water dispensers in the city so its stray animals (dogs and cats) can stay hydrated during the heatwave. The new water dispensers have been added at the KAPAPS Park, Larissis metro station, Kypseli Square, Sygrou-Fix metro station, Aiguptou Square and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The municipality has another 34 water dispensers placed in key locations around the capital for its strays, in squares such as Syntagma, Monastiraki, Kaningos, Klafthmonos and Viktoria, as well as in a number of parks around the city.