Parthenon restored: western pediment of the ancient temple revealed after three years — for the first time in 220 years

Original proportions restored, scaffolding removed, visitors to the Acropolis will see the temple in its most complete form. The project was funded by the EU and was one of the most technically complex conservation efforts in recent years.

Greece hopes for the return of the sculptures from the British Museum.

As reported by CCTV+, Greece's Ministry of Culture announced last week the completion of the restoration of the western pediment of the Parthenon, a major milestone in the long term preservation of the ancient temple on the Acropolis in Athens.

The restoration project, launched in 2022 and completed after nearly three years of work, is part of ongoing efforts to preserve one of the world's most important cultural monuments.

With the scaffolding now removed from the western facade, visitors can see the temple in its most complete form for the first time in 220 years.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said the restoration helped restore the monument's original proportions and overall appearance, calling it a significant achievement in protecting world cultural heritage. The ministry noted that the project was one of the most technically complex heritage conservation projects undertaken in recent years. It was funded by the European Union's Recovery and Resilience Fund.

Many in Greece hope that the Parthenon sculptures housed in the British Museum will soon return to Athens. Lydia Koniordu, former Greek Minister of Culture and Sports, said: "Our main request, our main hope and all our efforts are focused on the return of the stolen parts of the Parthenon that are now in the British Museum. It is very important to reunify this monument."

Built in the 5th century BC, the Parthenon is the centrepiece of the Acropolis and one of the most iconic monuments of ancient Greece. The Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The western pediment, dedicated to the myth of the birth of Athena, had long been hidden by scaffolding. Its restoration is a key step in the ongoing programme to preserve the Acropolis. The question of returning the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum remains one of the most sensitive cultural diplomatic issues between Greece and the UK.

When the scaffolding falls and ancient stone regains its form, time seems to turn backwards. The Parthenon, which has survived wars, earthquakes and centuries of debate over who owns its beauty, now stands on the Acropolis almost as its builders envisioned it 2,500 years ago. But the main battle lies ahead — over the marbles that rest in London. Greece does not lose hope: the restored temple must be whole not only in stone but in history. And one day, perhaps, those sculptures will return home — so that the Parthenon can once again become what it was always meant to be.