- Perimeter breached: The Temple of Olympian Zeus suffered damage to its fencing.
- Fragment theft and relocation: Marble fragments were ripped from the temple’s flooring and thrown into Amalias Avenue.
- Missing equipment: The site’s locks, keys, and fire extinguishers were taken.
- ODAP shop wreckage: Displays at the ODAP store near Parliament were vandalized, with five out of seven display cases beyond repair.
- Swift action: Damaged items have been replaced, and cleanup efforts are complete.
Ancient Marvel Faces Modern Misbehavior
Yesterday, during a rally commemorating the 57 victims of the tragic Tempi train crash, the Temple of Olympian Zeus—a historical treasure beloved by locals and travellers—became the unfortunate target of vandalism. Intruders damaged its fencing and removed pieces of its ancient marble flooring. These pieces were then hurled out of the site and onto the busy Amalias Avenue.
A general strike paralyzed Greece today in remembrance of the 57 victims of the Tempi train disaster on Feb. 28, 2023. Hundreds of thousands flooded the streets of Athens, in what could be the largest protest the country has seen since 1974.
— UNICORN RIOT (@UR_Ninja) February 28, 2025
Full multi-media report coming soon. pic.twitter.com/lb4fz4lAt6
Thankfully, the stolen marble fragments were promptly recovered by the devoted staff of the Athens City Antiquities Authority, who made short work of restoring what could be saved.
In addition to structural damage, smaller but essential site equipment vanished. Locks, keys, and even fire extinguishers were among the items stolen. However, quick action was taken to replace these items without delay to ensure the safety and security of the site.
ODAP Store Left Shaken (But Still Standing)
Not far from the ancient ruins, in the Louloudadika area near the Greek Parliament, the ODAP store was also caught up in the chaos. Out of seven display cases showcasing curated items, five were heavily damaged. The cases now need to be replaced due to the extent of destruction.
Yet, there’s good news—despite the damage, the showcased items inside the displays survived unscathed, so, the shop continues to operate normally, much to the relief of tourists seeking authentic souvenirs.
What’s Next?
Athens authorities have stepped up to protect the city’s iconic landmarks. While the vandals caused frustration, quick recovery actions by local teams ensured these historical and cultural sites remained accessible for future visitors.
The incident serves as a reminder that the world’s shared heritage requires everyone’s respect and care—whether walking among ancient columns or visiting nearby shops. For now, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the ODAP store stand resilient, ready to welcome curious travellers once more.
Φθορές στον αρχαιολογικό χώρο του Ολυμπίου Διός και στο πωλητήριο του ΟΔΑΠ στα Λουλουδάδικα
