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Naxos: Βarbed wire fence around the Portara, after a tourist picked up one of the monument's stones

Featured Naxos: Βarbed wire fence around the Portara, after a tourist picked up one of the monument's stones

Barbed wire was placed around Portara on Naxos on Monday (4/8) in an effort to protect the archaeological site from damage and vandalism

As reported by the local website cyclades24.gr, the decision was made after a photograph was published on the internet, showing an unknown man lifting a thousand-year-old marble at the site of the monument.

The Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades filed a lawsuit against unknown individuals, while its head, Dimitris Athanasoulis, proceeded with an autopsy, finding that there was no damage to the monument itself, but he spoke of an “insult” and “lack of respect” for the archaeological site.

Video above Portara, Naxos

Portara, which is the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo and dominates the islet of Palatia, is one of the most popular attractions on the island. Until now, access was free, without a ticket, with the only protection measure being the fencing and the placement of information signs, while a few 24-hours ago guards were placed to monitor the monument throughout the day.

Naxos: Reactions to the placement of barbed wire at Portara
According to the local website, the placement of barbed wire at Portara caused strong reactions from the local community, with many arguing that it “degrades the monument aesthetically” and that its protection could be achieved “in many other, more discreet ways”.