Greece shuts down iconic Acropolis as temperatures hit almost 40 degrees
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
![Louise Thomas](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/louise-thomas.png)
Louise Thomas
Editor
The iconic Acropolis in Athens was shut down for several hours in the middle of the day on Wednesday, 17 July, due to extreme heat.
Greece’s Culture Ministry ordered the closure as southern Europe sweltered in a heat wave that sent temperatures spiraling.
Hot air from Africa was forecast to continue baking Greece for several more days and at least through Sunday, meteorologists said.
The country’s biggest cultural attraction was closed from noon to 5pm as local authorities made air-conditioned indoor spaces available to the public.
The public was warned to avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day and told to drink water frequently.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments