Tourist Sparks Outrage by Desecrating Ancient Apollo Temple in Naxos

Tourists have sparked outrage in Greece after disrespectful behavior at the ancient Portara temple on the island of Naxos, including one man lifting a large marble fragment for a photo and another family setting up a makeshift bar on the historic site. The Portara is the last remnant of a 2,500-year-old temple dedicated to Apollo, open to the public without formal security, which has led to concerns about preservation and respect for cultural heritage. Locals and visitors alike condemned the incidents, emphasizing the need for protection, maintenance, and enforcement to prevent further damage. In response, the Mayor of Naxos alerted the Ministry of Culture, which has since stationed a security guard at the site to monitor and safeguard it. The events have reignited calls from residents and cultural advocates for stronger protection measures to preserve this significant historical monument. This reflects a broader tension between tourism accessibility and cultural preservation.