Wheelchair access to Acropolis by August
Disabled visitors will be provided with easy access to the capital’s most popular tourist site ahead of the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic games, following a new decision by top Culture Ministry officials. In a meeting late on Tuesday, the Central Archaeological Council (KAS) – whose approval is required for any antiquities-related project in Greece – sanctioned a project to build an external lift up the northern face of the Acropolis rock, above the modern city’s traditional Plaka district. Last month, KAS had granted initial approval to more complex plans for a lift leading up to the Belvedere Tower, in the eastern corner of the enceinte, which would have involved cutting a doorway into the walls of the ancient citadel and driving a lift-shaft through the tower. But that would not have been ready before the Games. The lift approved on Tuesday will be in place by the end of July.