The Parthenon without scaffolding for the first time in two centuries!

After 20 years, the scaffolding on the western façade of the Parthenon was removed between September and October 2025. For the first time in almost 200 years, none of the sides of the famous temple is covered by protective structures. It’s a historic moment that changes the way tourists and residents of Athens experience one of the greatest masterpieces of ancient architecture.

A new view of the ancient monument

“For visitors, it’s as if they’re seeing a completely different, brand-new monument,” said Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni in an interview with Skai Radio. And it’s hard to disagree. Strolling along the wide promenade at the foot of the Acropolis, tourists can now enjoy a panorama of the Parthenon unseen for decades.

The dismantling of the structure, completed at the end of September, is particularly noticeable from the western side, which offers the best street-level view of the temple. This side had been completely hidden by restoration scaffolding for 20 years.

 

Renovation work will continue

However, this moment of triumph is only temporary. More discreet scaffolding is set to be reinstalled in November 2025 to continue renovation and conservation work. The completion of the entire project is planned for the spring of 2026. This means tourists will have a few months to admire the Parthenon in its full, unobstructed glory.

Despite periodic breaks in the restoration process, the Acropolis continues to attract crowds of history enthusiasts from around the world. The marble temple was built in the mid-5th century BCE in honor of the goddess Athena, the city’s patron. In 2024, it was visited by about 4.5 million tourists, making it one of Greece’s most popular monuments and one of the main tourist attractions not only in the country but in all of Europe.

The Parthenon is not just a temple — it is a symbol of ancient Greece, an outstanding architectural masterpiece built during the height of its glory. Its construction was supervised by Phidias himself, one of the greatest sculptors and architects of classical antiquity. The temple has amazed generations with its proportions, elegance, and rich decoration. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains a testament to the genius of the ancient Greeks.