The Acropolis is shutting its doors during peak heat hours as Greece faces an intense heatwave, raising concerns over safety at the iconic site.
Acropolis Closes Due to Severe Heatwave in Greece

Acropolis Closes Due to Severe Heatwave in Greece
As Greece endures record high temperatures, the Acropolis temporarily halts operations to ensure safety.
The Acropolis, one of the most significant historical sites in Greece, will temporarily close on Tuesday from 13:00 to 17:00 local time as the region grapples with extreme temperatures. The culture ministry has announced that parts of Greece are expected to reach highs of 42C (107F) as a category four wildfire warning remains active across several areas.
The decision comes after the return of extreme heat for the second time this summer, having previously resulted in closures in June and July. With Athens bracing for a 38C day, authorities emphasized the closure was meant to safeguard both workers and visitors who flock to the site, which is expected to attract some 4.5 million tourists in 2024.
Alongside the Acropolis closure, Greece's labor ministry has mandated a five-hour break for outdoor manual workers in regions facing the highest temperatures. The current heatwave is anticipated to persist into Wednesday, with forecasts suggesting continued highs of 40-42C in the southern parts of the country before a slight respite is expected on Thursday.
On Monday alone, 41 wildfires erupted across Greece, with 34 successfully contained, while seven active fires continued to pose a threat by evening. The government has issued Category 4 wildfire warnings for five regions, including Attica and Thessaly, urging citizens to remain cautious as emergency services remain on high alert.
As Greece faces these intense conditions, neighboring countries like France and Catalonia in Spain are experiencing their own crisis with wildfires and evacuations. The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that heatwaves are growing more frequent and severe due to climate change, stressing the urgent need for global awareness and action.