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Temple of Apollo Epicurius closed on weekends

The ancient Greek Temple of Apollo Epicurius is open to visitors only on weekdays from 08.00-15.00 (local times) and remains closed on Saturdays and Sundays, the country’s Culture ministry said in a press release, responding to media reports criticizing the lack of staff at the site on weekends.

Temple of Apollo Epicurius closed on weekends
The Temple of Apollo Epicurius in the central Peloponnese, one of the most imposing ancient Greek monuments, will remain closed on weekends due to lack of staff [Credit: Kathimerini]
“The monument is protected by security personnel, designated by the competent Archaeological ephorate of Ilia and steps have already been made to pressure the Administrative Reform Ministry to ensure permanent staff,” the announcement added.

The problem arose recently after the retirement of the last permanent security guard on site and was made public by a press release of the National Union of Employees Guarding Antiquities.

The UNESCO heritage monument, located in the remote archaeological site od Vasses in the region of Messenia, dates from mid- to late-5th century BCE and is considered one of the best preserved ancient sites and incorporates a multitude of unusual features.

Source: ANA-MPA [October 08, 2015]