Athens: new accessible elevator installed on Acropolis

Image: the Acropolis ruins and ancient greek temple

In early December, a new elevator was installed on the Acropolis, making one of Athens' most iconic landmarks accessible to visitors with limited mobility, people with disabilities, elderly tourists, and parents with small children.

The first elevator installed on the northern side of the mountain to access the archaeological site appeared in 2004 for the Olympic Games. By early 2019, the elevator survived several breakdowns, and visitors with disabilities coming to Athens from all over the world could not reach the monument. The reconstruction was made possible thanks to the collaboration of the Onassis Foundation and the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports.

Image: a new elevator to the Acropolis — A new elevator is more comfortable for visitors (Source)

The carrying capacity of the new device is 1300 kg. The lift can accommodate two wheelchairs with two attendants. The time required to ascend or descend the elevator is 32 seconds, while its perimeter glass lining offers a unique panoramic view.

In addition to installing an elevator, work on the Acropolis includes the creation of adapted routes for visitors with disabilities, repeating the layout of ancient streets, replacement of lighting, and the purchase of several golfcarts for tourists with limited mobility.

Image: a new accessible route neae the Parthenon — The new routes for the disabled cover the North and East side of the Parthenon (Source)

Athens: new accessible elevator installed on Acropolis

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