ATHENS, Greece — For the first time in decades, visitors to Athens’ iconic Acropolis Hill can now marvel at the Parthenon temple without the obstruction of scaffolding. The western façade of the 5th century B.C. monument, which had been encased in scaffolding for nearly 20 years due to conservation efforts, has been fully unveiled, offering an unobstructed view of the UNESCO World Heritage site. This marks a significant moment, as it is the first time in approximately 200 years that the Parthenon’s exterior is entirely free of scaffolding on any side. Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni described the experience for visitors as akin to ‘seeing a completely different monument.’ The removal of the scaffolding, completed in late September, has been particularly impactful, as the western side provides the best street-level view of the ancient temple. However, this respite is temporary. New scaffolding, described as ‘lighter and aesthetically aligned with the monument’s logic,’ will be installed along the western side in about a month. The renewed conservation work is expected to continue until early summer 2026, after which the Parthenon will once again be entirely free of scaffolding. The Acropolis remains Greece’s most popular tourist destination, attracting 4.5 million visitors in 2024. The Parthenon, a marble temple built in the mid-5th century B.C. to honor the city’s patron goddess, Athena, continues to stand as a testament to ancient Greek architecture and culture.