The Parthenon. Photo: Greek Ministry of Culture The Greek Ministry of Culture has announced the completion of the restoration of the western pediment of the Parthenon, a significant milestone in the Acropolis conservation project in Athens.
With the completion of the work, the external scaffolding was finally removed from the western facade of the temple, and for the first time in about 220 years, it can be seen in an appearance as close as possible to its original form.
As part of the project in Athens, two large stone slabs were placed in the empty spaces of the western gable, thus restoring the architectural integrity of the facade. One of the slabs was restored by joining ancient fragments and incorporating new marble, while the other was sculpted entirely from new marble, in accordance with the strict conservation principles practiced in Greece.
The Parthenon. Photo: Greek Ministry of CultureGreece's Culture Minister Lina Mendoni called the completion of the project a "moment of historic importance." She said generations of Greeks and visitors from around the world had grown accustomed to seeing the western gable in its incomplete state, and now the proportions, harmony and geometric precision of one of the masterpieces of classical architecture can be re-evaluated.
According to the Ministry of Culture, this is one of the most complex restoration operations carried out in recent years at the Acropolis. The project required advanced engineering solutions, precise processing of the marble blocks, and special lifting and installation methods, while meeting strict safety standards and preserving the historical character of the site.
The works were financed through the European Union Resilience Fund and carried out by the teams of the Acropolis Monuments Conservation Authority, under the supervision of the Acropolis Monuments Conservation Committee. The completion of the project strengthens Greece's position as a world leader in the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage sites.