Greece to allow pets into more than 120 archaeological sites

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Pets will soon be allowed into more than 120 archaeological sites across Greece, the country’s culture ministry announced Thursday, though not at the Acropolis or some other top tourist draws.

The move, approved unanimously by the country’s powerful Central Archaeological Council, would relax existing rules that only allow dogs to be taken into archaeological sites for disabled visitors. The ministry did not say when the new rules would come into effect.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said in a ministry press release, “The decision is a first, but important step towards harmonizing the framework for access to monuments and archaeological sites with the standards of other European countries, where entry for pets is restricted.” The rules are already in place.”

The council approved the entry of pets, provided they were kept on a leash no longer than one meter (3 ft) long, or carried by their owners in a pouch or in the case of a pet carrier. The ministry said the owners will have to show the health certificate of their pet and carry the necessary equipment to collect their animal’s faeces to be allowed entry. Big dogs have to be silenced.

But some of the most popular archaeological sites, such as the Acropolis of Athens, Knossos in Crete, ancient Olympia or Delphi, which tend to be very crowded, will still be pet-free, as will ancient theaters, temples, tombs and monuments. mosaic floor.

The ministry said that cages will be installed at the entrances of more than 110 other archaeological sites, so that owners can park their pets during their visit.

Tourism is one of Greece’s major industries, generating billions of euros in revenue each year.