The Erechtheum porch on the Acropolis, held by the six famous caryatids, will soon be revamped with a new floor that will give visitors the opportunity to enter the temple. The new design is based on recommendations of the Acropolis Monuments Preservation division approved by the Central Archaeological Council.

The world-famous porch was constructed between 421 and 405 B.C. and replaced an earlier temple dedicated to ancient Athens patron goddess of wisdom, Athena. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in the 1st century A.D. by raiders of the city and was converted into a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

It was used as a palace during the Frankish occupation (1204-1456) and later housed a harem during the Ottoman occupation. It was during this time that Lord Elgin removed one of the caryatids that is now located at the British Museum. A Turkish bomb fired during the Greek War of Independence in 1827 also damaged the temple.

Efforts to restore it from 1979 through to 1987 won Greece a conservation prize by Europa Nostra. Now, plans have been approved to make the Erechtheum even more accessible to the public. According to the new design, the foundations of the church will be covered for protection. This area was known in antiquity as the Prostomiaion that legend has it sits over a salt-water spring created by the sea god Poseidon during a contest with Athena over who would be the city’s patron.

14-centimeter thick floor plaques will be placed over a removable metal construction to be placed with provisions as to its weight.