Outrage and frustration have spread throughout the local community of Naxos—and beyond—after photos showing disrespectful behavior by visitors at the archaeological site of the Temple of Delian Apollo (Portara) began circulating online.

One image shows a shirtless young man lifting an ancient stone slab with both hands. Another shows a family having a picnic—with skewers and soft drinks—right on the historic ruins.

The Portara is Naxos’ most iconic landmark: a towering marble gate that greets travelers arriving by ferry, located at the northern edge of the island’s harbor. It is part of the sacred Temple of Delian Apollo archaeological site. However, the area is not an organized archaeological park—it’s freely accessible, with no ticket required and no permanent security presence. This means its preservation depends solely on the respect and awareness of visitors—something that, as recent events have shown, can’t be taken for granted.

Speaking to protothema.gr, Naxos Mayor Dimitris Lianos said the Ministry of Culture was immediately notified about the incidents. As of yesterday, a security guard has been assigned to monitor the site, though it’s not yet clear whether this will be a permanent placement.

“What the municipality and local residents want—and what we’ve already proposed to the Ministry—is to restore and upgrade the site so that it becomes a properly managed archaeological park,” said the mayor. “That means regular maintenance, an entrance fee, and security in place—not just to protect the monument, but also to generate revenue that can support cultural initiatives.” Lianos also praised the important work of Dimitris Athanasoulis, the head of the Cyclades Ephorate of Antiquities, who oversees heritage preservation on the island.

However, the relationship between the municipality and the Ministry of Culture has not been without tension. Recently, the Municipality of Naxos, backed by many locals, strongly opposed the Ministry’s plan to move significant artifacts—specifically, the Kouros statues from the Flerio region—to the under-construction Archaeological Museum in Chora (the island’s main town).

During a recent municipal council meeting, Athanasoulis presented studies supporting the transfer, stressing it was necessary for the statues’ protection. Nonetheless, the council and citizens were firmly against the idea, even threatening legal action to prevent it.

“We are indeed opposed to relocating antiquities from their original settings,” Mayor Lianos confirmed. “We’re calling on the Ministry to reconsider and adjust its priorities.”