Greece’s Central Archaeological Council (KAS) has given the “green light” to events being organized by individuals on the premises of the Panathenaic Stadium and the Stoa of Attalos archaeological sites in Athens. KAS decided in favor of granting the permission to two private operators who were interested in holding events at the sites, though with an appropriate rental fee.
The members of KAS were asked on Wednesday to deliberate on the proposal brought by a foreign investment company, which wanted to hold a screening at the Panathenaic Stadium and a dance event at the Stoa of Attalos. Both events, which were considered by KAS to be of high cultural value and focusing on the Olympic ideal and classical music of Greece, also featured a banquet, which became a bone of contention for the members.
The discussion focused on the question of whether restored sites like the two mentioned could more easily host events that go beyond a purely archaeological or sporting character, than monuments that preserve their authenticity. “The place and the original purpose for which it was built are more important than whether or not a monument is authentic. In a time of decline, a part of the Panathenaic Stadium became an arena, but that doesn’t make our conscience more flexible,” said Greek Professor Manolis Korres, who was in favor of events being held there, but opposed to the banquet.
Eventually, KAS decided that the banquet would cover only specific areas of both monuments, while preserving the history and the character of the sites. For both events, the participants should not exceed 120 guests.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
