Like the population, the great European monuments are gradually deconfining. After the reopening of Mont-Saint-Michel and the Sanctuary of Lourdes in France, Greece and Italy are again allowing access to the Acropolis of Athens and Saint Peter’s Basilica.
- Most European monuments have been closed to the public since the start of the health crisis
- Some are starting to reopen but with specific measures to ensure the health safety of visitors
More than two months after the start of the health crisis, symbolic monuments are gradually reopening their doors in Europe. In France, Mont-Saint-Michel began to welcome tourists again on May 11, while the sanctuary of Lourdes was once again able to be visited by pilgrims on May 16. In Greece, the country’s 200 or so archaeological sites were able to reopen May 18. Among them, an emblematic place closed nine weeks ago: the Acropolis of Athens.
2,000 people allowed to visit the Acropolis at a time
“We have never seen so few people at the Acropolis, it is as if we had a private visit”told Katia to AFP, whose Paris Match echoed. A reopening under high security attended by Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the President of the Republic. “With the necessary security measures, we will be able to honor our ancestors again and raise our heads”she told reporters.
As indicated by the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, hydroalcoholic gel and masks are distributed at the entrance, while social distancing is indicated by the markings on the ground. In total, only 2,000 people are allowed to visit the monument at a time and are subject to restrictions. “compulsory stops”.
The reopening of Saint Peter’s Basilica, a “sign of hope”
Unlike Greece, where Covid-19 killed 163 people, Italy was heavily affected by SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, the country has decided to reopen the doors of St. Peter’s Basilica on May 18. Pope Francis welcomed this measure, the heart of the Vatican having been closed from March 10. For him it is a “sign of hope”as reported Le Figaroechoing AFP. “But, please, let’s move forward with the standards given to us to ensure everyone’s health”he nevertheless asked.
If no public celebration is officially planned, a mass took place at midday in the Gothic cathedral of Milan (north). In order to avoid any spread of the new coronavirus, visitors had to respect safety distances and were subject to two limited entries. While the daily death toll of Covid-19 victims fell below 100 deaths for the first time in two months on May 18, Italy is entering “phase 2” of its deconfinement. A return to normal still very gradual for the country.
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