Greece’s Central Archaeological Council (KAS) has decided to allow pets in more than 120 archaeological sites, even though under certain terms and conditions. It should be recalled that until now the entrance to archaeological sites was only allowed for dogs accompanying people with disabilities.
The decision was announced by Culture minister Lina Mendoni who said that the pilot program is a first, but an important step for the harmonization of the framework of accessibility to monuments and archaeological sites on the model of other European countries, which already apply rules for the entry of companion animals.”
She added that the entrance cannot be applied to all the archaeological sites.
In places with particularly high traffic and with specific possibilities in their approach, such as the Acropolis of Athens, the entrance for our little friends would not be easy, as they would themselves be in danger from the high number of visitors, while they might also cause discomfort to visitors unfamiliar with their presence.
However, in undigested areas of thousands of acres, such as Vergina, Delos, Ancient Messina, Mycenae, Philippi, the dog is under surveillance, on a leash, with a health book and with the conditions set by the KAS and will may accompany his companion on his tour. The same can be done in the case of a large companion animal, as long as the owner agrees to wear a muzzle.
Archaeological sites where pets not allowed
The Central Archaeological Council does not allow the entry of pets to archaeological sites with high traffic such as the Acropolis, Knossos and Phaistos, Ancient Olympia, Delphi, Ancient theater of Argolis, Pythagorion on Samos.
There authorities plan to install cages outside the sites to keep the pets while companions tour the sites.
More than 110 venues will have cages at their entrances for the animals to stay in for as long as their companions tour.
Pets will not be allowed access inside the monuments, in theatres, temples, vaulted tombs, on monument mosaic floors.
Allowed will reportedly be for example in the Ancient and Roman Agora in Athens, the ancient site of Dodona, in northwestern Greece, in Amphipolis, in northern Greece, in the castle of the Acrocorinth, and the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus.
More than 110 venues will have cages at their entrances for the animals to stay in for as long as their companions tour.
Pets will not be allowed access inside the monuments, in theatres, temples, vaulted tombs, on monument mosaic floors.
Conditions for entering archaeological sites
It is necessary that the attendants are equipped with a leash up to 1 m long or that the animals are carried on the owner’s lap (carrier) or in a transport cage.
In addition, upon their entry, they will be asked to show a health book.
Companions are obliged to bring items necessary for the immediate cleaning of the surrounding area from any animal excrement.
Visitors are advised to contact local tourist authorities for information regarding visits with pets on specific sites.
POLL: What do you think?
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Great, monuments will be now as clean as downtown Athens!
“…The same can be done in the case of a large companion animal, as long as the owner agrees to wear a muzzle.”
I have a large companion animal but there’s no way I am going to wear a muzzle. 🙂
I can only hope that there’s better policing of dogs at these monuments than there is of dogs on beaches in summer.
I’m not against dogs on beaches only the owners who are ignorant of the law regarding dog’s on beaches.
It’s on the internet, if you’re not sure I would respectfully suggest that dog owners have a read.
I’m a pet lover but I voted “No” because I don’t think archeological sites are a suitable place for a pet.
“The same can be done in the case of a large companion animal, as long as the owner agrees to wear a muzzle.”
I like the idea that the owner has to wear the muzzle?
I hope that only dogs with an up-to-date pet passport showing all vaccinations are allowed into the holding cages.