The Acropolis of Athens, the most visited monument in Greece closed to the public this Wednesday during the hottest hours due to the heatwave that affects the countrywhich also forced schools to close.
The Ministry of Culture had indicated earlier in the day that the monument would close from 12:00 to 17:00 local (09:00 GMT to 14:00 GMT), amid temperatures that could reach 43 °C on Wednesday and Thursday. The authorities did not rule out an extension of the measure for more days.
It’s the wave of heat –what in Greece It means temperatures rise above 38°C for three days – the earliest ever recorded, according to meteorologists.
“In the 20th century we have never had a heat wave before June 19. In the 21st century we have had several, but not before June 15,” said state television meteorologist Panos Giannopoulos.
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The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection towarned of a “very high” fire risk, especially in the Attica region, where the Greek capital is located.
Schools will remain closed in several regions of the country Wednesday and Thursday, also in the capital.
The Minister of Labor advised civil servants to work from home and also ordered to interrupt the workday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local for people who work abroad.
But the restaurants in the tourist neighborhood of Plaka cannot afford to close.
“We have no choice, it’s the beginning of the tourist season,” says Elisavet Robou, owner of a kebab establishment.
“We have air conditioning and fans, and staff are allowed to take breaks, but unfortunately the climate crisis is here,” he adds.
“The heat waves came earlier this year and the season will be difficult,” he admits.
Last year, the Acropolis, where the famous Parthenon temple is located, already closed its doors in July during a two-week heat wave, which was accompanied by devastating fires in the country.
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