Residents of Naxos are in outrage over the fencing of the archaeological site of the ancient Temple of Apollo, Portara, with wires reaching a height of several meters.
The installation launched by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades yesterday, Monday, ended already in detention of the workers after the Municipality of Naxos and Minor Cyclades filed a complaint to police questioning the legality of the fencing.
However, the action continued and the result today is disappointing.
The Ephorate decision followed an incident last Friday in which a tourist lifted a piece of marble to pose for a picture (KTG reported HERE).
The fencing by the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades is apparently a first step of measures to protect the monument.
Angry reactions
Residents but also visitors are angry arguing that the fencing undermines the character of the island’s most recognizable landmark.
Angry citizens demand the immediate removal of the barbed wire around the emblematic monument
“We went to Portara for the sunset and I saw this disgrace. It is truly humiliating! How many times have we shouted for a guard to come in? How many times have we talked about signage, cameras, protective measures? No one listened. And now, what? Barbed wire?”, an indignant resident told local media naxostimes.gr
“I saw tourists trying to take pictures without the wire visible… some laughed. What will they take with them from Naxos? The image of a monument behind barbed wire?”, a tourism professional noted.
Many believed or hoped that the barbed wire they saw being transported would be placed discreetly, perhaps low and around the perimeter to limit access to dangerous areas. They were surprised to find that the goal was to fence off the monument itself.
“An image that causes shame, anger and global negative publicity,” the local media underlined adding that the fence can be seen from everywhere, also from ferries arriving on the island.
According to information, the Ephorate has announced that the archaeological site will be staffed with a guard.
Authorities are also considering making the Portara a closed archaeological site with an entrance fee and permanent security personnel.
I’m not sure why the text refers to “barbed wire”? The images only show plegma fencing? I agree that the fencing spoils the site but it isn’t “barbed wire”