The Symbol of Democracy, More Accessible for All

The Acropolis – recognized internationally as the embodiment of democracy and everything it has achieved – is timelessly inspired by, and continues to inspire us all as citizens. Today, it offers new ways for persons with movement disabilities, the elderly, and young children to go up and visit its monuments, reminding us all that equal access, equal rights, and democracy are matters of culture and education.

Thursday, December 3 saw the handover to the Greek State of the second set of works improving disabled facilities on the Acropolis, with the installation of a new state-of-the-art inclined elevator and the renovation of two existing disabled walkways, all donated and delivered by the Onassis Foundation. The handover ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Minister of Culture and Sports Lina Mendoni, and the President of the Onassis Foundation Anthony S. Papadimitriou, who were given a tour of the works by the Secretary General of Culture Giorgos Didaskalou and the President of the Committee for the Conservation of the Acropolis Monuments Manolis Korres.

Following the delivery of the new Acropolis lighting, the Onassis Foundation – in collaboration with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture – is now handing over major improvement works to the citadel’s disabled facilities, funded exclusively by the Onassis Foundation. The new state-of-the-art inclined elevator, with cerfification by TÜV HELLAS (TÜV NORD), was constructed by the internationally renowned Italian company MASPERO ELEVATORI and offers safe transport to and from the monuments. Technologically advanced, the elevator is aesthetically and operationally first-class – a comfortable, quick and safe form of transport providing easy access to the Acropolis from promenade level. Its pioneering engineering makes it unique in its class worldwide – it is the only inclined elevator whose angle of ascent approaches the vertical, while its glass enclosure allows for unparalleled panoramic views.

The works also include the renovation of two existing disabled walkways, which extend out from the inclined elevator access point to pass by the Propylaea and reach the South Slope, as well as two new golf carts to assist visitors with movement difficulties. Out of respect for the heritage site and its monuments, the entire project followed the findings of a special study for the restoration of the grounds of the space, conducted by the scholar, and President of the Committee for the Conservation of the Acropolis Monuments, Manolis Korres.

The design and delivery of the works were undertaken to meet the needs of people of all ages from all over the world, who honor the Acropolis with their presence. A supervisory team of Culture Ministry archeologists were on hand at all times to ensure that the monuments were safe and properly protected throughout the process.

Culture concerns society as a whole. These works on the Acropolis are characteristic of the Onassis Foundation’s respect for, and active interest in the preservation of cultural heritage, the democratization of knowledge, open access, and equal rights.