For the first time in nearly two decades, visitors to Athens can now enjoy an unobstructed view of the Parthenon, Greece’s most famous ancient monument. The scaffolding that had covered the temple’s western façade for years of restoration work was removed in late September, giving tourists a rare, full look at the structure that has stood since the 5th century B.C. The western side of the Parthenon offers one of the most iconic views from street level, making the change especially striking for both locals and travelers. Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said this marks the first time in about 200 years that the Parthenon’s exterior has been entirely free of scaffolding. “It’s like seeing a completely different monument,” she said in an interview with Skai radio. The removal marks a major milestone in Greece’s decades-long effort to preserve and restore the Acropolis complex. Since the 1970s, teams of experts have been working on different sections of the site to repair damage caused by centuries of weathering, pollution, earthquakes, and earlier restoration attempts that used unsuitable materials. For now, the Parthenon stands clear and majestic against the Athenian sky. Tourists visiting the Acropolis this autumn have been greeted with an uninterrupted view of the monument’s Doric columns and marble surfaces glowing in the sun. The removal has been met with excitement among archaeologists, locals, and visitors alike, who see it as a chance to reconnect with one of the world’s greatest cultural landmarks. However, the clear view will be short-lived. Authorities have confirmed that new, lighter scaffolding will be installed again within a month. This next phase of the project will continue until mid-2026. The upcoming scaffolding will be less intrusive and designed to blend in with the monument’s structure, allowing for both continued conservation work and an improved visitor experience. The restoration team will focus on structural stability and surface conservation, ensuring the Parthenon remains secure for future generations. Officials from the Ministry of Culture emphasized that the work is vital to protect the ancient marble from ongoing erosion and the impact of modern environmental factors. The Parthenon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built between 447 and 432 B.C. to honor Athena, the goddess of wisdom and the city’s protector. It originally housed a massive statue of Athena Parthenos, crafted by the sculptor Phidias. Over the centuries, the temple has served as a church, a mosque, and a storage area before becoming one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world. In 2024, more than 4.5 million people visited the Acropolis, according to Greece’s statistical authority, making it the country’s most popular tourist attraction. Officials expect even higher numbers this year as travelers return to Athens to witness the Parthenon’s restored façade in person. The restoration efforts have drawn international attention and support, highlighting Greece’s commitment to preserving its ancient heritage. The project combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, including digital mapping and 3D modeling, to ensure every marble block is placed with precision and care. For many Greeks, the Parthenon represents more than a monument—it is a national symbol of endurance, democracy, and cultural pride. The recent removal of scaffolding has stirred emotional reactions from residents who see it as a moment of renewal and reflection. Visitors have already begun sharing photos of the newly revealed Parthenon on social media, with images showing the temple glowing under the autumn sun. Travel agencies in Athens report a rise in bookings for guided Acropolis tours, driven by the rare opportunity to see the ancient site without obstruction. While the new scaffolding will soon return, officials promise it will not block the monument’s beauty as before. By 2026, once all work is completed, the Parthenon will stand fully restored and free of scaffolding—just as it did thousands of years ago. For now, Athens celebrates a moment of pride and wonder. The Parthenon, long hidden behind metal frames and cranes, shines again as the heart of Greece’s ancient glory and a reminder of its timeless legacy.