There is a plan to construct elevators within archaeological sites. With the newly built slope elevator at the Acropolis being the bright example and already functional, new elevators in areas such as Mount Diktaio Andro in Crete and the Upper Town of Monemvasia are planned. In addition, disabled people are facilitated by the use of electric golf karts in Ancient Messina, while similar care is taken for Ancient Olympia, Pella and Nikopolis.
Lina Mendoni, the Minister of Culture and Sport, in her speech at the conference „Access Everywhere” stated the need for accessibility to Culture, its importance as a fundamental human right, as well as all of the scheduled projects in order to improve the accessibility to museums, archaeological sites and cultural sites.
As Mrs. Mendoni said, “Culture in all its manifestations, material and intangible, has a multidimensional and spiritual, educational, aesthetic, symbolic and psychological value. It contributes to the removal of stereotypes and prejudices, to tolerance and respect for individuality and diversity, as well as to the unprejudiced democratic dialogue. „Ensuring free and unhindered access to culture for all citizens without exception is therefore a matter of social equality and justice, and therefore a matter of democracy.”
Referring to the actions of the Ministry of Culture and Sports to improve accessibility, Ms. Mendoni pointed that:
-It is estimated that from June to October, an average of 300 people (disabled and physically handicapped) visited the Acropolis rock daily. By June 2022, the Acropolis and its monuments will be accessible to the blind and visually impaired people. In collaboration with the Lighthouse for the Blind, printed material that is being prepared in 4 languages, special signs and models.
– Disabled people are facilitated by electric golf karts in Ancient Messina, while similar care is taken for Ancient Olympia, Pella, and Nikopolis.
– The National Plan for Recovery and Sustainability GREECE 2.0 includes accessibility solutions to archaeological sites and monuments – with a horizon of completion in 2025 – such as ramps, paths for the disabled, lifts, elevators, electric wheelchairs and electric vehicles.
