Parthenon Western Façade Restored After 220 Years

Visitors to the Acropolis in Athens can now see the western side of the Parthenon looking whole for the first time in approximately 220 years, following the completion of a major restoration project. The work, which was officially unveiled on Thursday, June 18, involved the permanent removal of external scaffolding and the installation of two new marble blocks into long-empty gaps high on the temple's western façade.

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni described the sight as "truly breathtaking" and a moment of historic significance. She stated that the two new orthostates, or supporting blocks, do more than simply fill a structural gap. "They allow the unique proportions and the geometric perfection of the Parthenon's western face to be seen once again," Mendoni said. The restoration has restored the architectural integrity of the western pediment, a view visitors first encounter when entering the ancient site.

The project constituted one of the most complex interventions undertaken in recent years by the Acropolis Monuments Restoration Service. Officials said it required highly specialized technical solutions and absolute precision at every stage, from working the new marble...