A particularly important milestone for the work of protecting and highlighting the monuments of the Acropolis marks the completion of the restoration of the western pediment of the Parthenon and the definitive removal of the external scaffolds from the western face of the monument.
For the first time after about 220 years, the western aspect of the Parthenon is attributed by the Ministry of Culture to its fullest possible form, as by placing two rectifiers in the vacant positions of the western pediment and completing the restoration of the antithematic wall the architectural unit of the pediment is restored.
Culture Minister Lena Mendoni said:
"A few months ago we were talking about the first, after decades, seamless view of the Parthenon without the outer scaffolds covering its western side. Today, we are talking about the completion of an extremely demanding restoration operation, thanks to which the western pediment of the Parthenon is attributed to its fuller form after some 220 years. The sight is truly shocking. The pediment, which generations of Greek citizens and visitors from around the world were used to seeing incomplete, regains its architectural unity. The two new standings, placed in its vacant positions, do not only restore a morphological gap. They allow the unique proportions and geometric perfection of the western aspect of the Parthenon to emerge again.
This is a work of extraordinary difficulty, implemented by scientists, engineers, craftsmen and staff of the Acropolis Monuments Maintenance Service with exemplary accuracy and dedication. Its successful completion proves once again that Greece, the Ministry of Culture, its executives have succeeded in the Greek School of Reconstruction leading and joining the top international. Today, we see the western pediment of the Parthenon as we had not seen it for two centuries. It is a moment of historical importance for the monument, for the Acropolis and for global culture. A moment that fills us with pride, but also responsibility to continue with the same consequence the great work of protecting and highlighting the leading symbol of Western Culture."
As stated by the Ministry of Culture, the restoration of the drum rectifiers was one of the most complex interventions in recent years for the Acropolis Conservation Service (SYMA). The project required specialized technical solutions and absolute accuracy at all stages of the process, from the processing of new marbles to their elevation and placement in the monument.
The great pillar of the Western pediment was restored to its original geometry by welding the surviving ancient fragments and supplementing with new marble, while the second was constructed entirely of new marble. For the needs of the final installation of the stones a new functional scaffolding system was installed, which meets the strictest modern safety standards and is aesthetically adapted to the monument.
The completion of the Western Side rehabilitation programme was carried out in the context of a project funded by the Recovery and Durability Fund. The work was carried out by the specialized staff of the HSMA under the supervision of the Committee for the Conservation of Acropolis Monuments (ESMA), confirming the high level of expertise of the Greek restoration school.