Greeks and tourists alike will have free access to almost all of Greece's historical and cultural wealth by moonlight, according to a ministry statement.
From Kassope in Epirus (north-west) to the Palace of the Grand Masters on the island of Rhodes (south-east), passing through the archaeological sites of Olympia, Mystras, Corinth, Nemea, on the peninsula from the Peloponnese (southwest) or even those of Delphi and Thebes (center) to the fortress of Corfu (west): the openings for the occasion concern the whole country.
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The sunny country will give pride of place to the Moon, to allow visitors to admire the natural phenomenon in an exceptional setting.
While Athens' famous Acropolis site is not on the list, the Acropolis Museum will be open for free during the day on Saturday and Sunday, along with its restaurant and terrace until midnight.
Concerts, theatrical performances, poetry, dance, exhibitions and stargazing will also be offered in archaeological museums and sites on Crete or on paradise islands, in the Cyclades archipelago, in the Ionian Sea or in the Aegean Sea.
"
Museums, sites and localities are in charge of the health protocol in this pandemic context
", told AFP Alexandra Aspioti of the General Directorate of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage of Greece, a public service under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture . "
Certain places and activities will be subject to a reduced staff or to a prior reservation
", she underlined.
After a 2020 season thwarted by the coronavirus pandemic, Greece is pleased to have recovered at this stage of the season 70% of 2019 tourist attendance, according to Christos Staikouras, the Greek Minister of Finance.
Representing more than 20% of the gross domestic product (GDP), tourism is a crucial sector for the Greek economy.
The country has also experienced fires that have devastated more than 100,000 hectares, right up to the gates of Athens, in recent weeks.
Photograph of the theater of Herodes Atticus, in Athens.
ANDBZ / ABACA
