According to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle, The Department of Culture and Tourism in Greece is reopening a major archaeological site on the tourist island of Santorini, which was closed for nearly seven years after a roof collapsed, killing a visitor in 2005. The culture ministry said in a statement that the bronze-age town at Akrotiri will open on Wednesday, following completion of a new roof that shelters the entire site of the excavation from the elements.
“One of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece and the world opened its gates again,” said Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister Petros Alivizatos. “Akrotiri, which is now fully safe, will attract visitors and boost Greek tourism.” said according to Reuters.
The town was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in the 17th century B.C. Akrotiri has been dubbed the “Lost City of Atlantis” by many and it was first settled in 3000 BC and served as an important trade port and flourishing city when it was destroyed in a volcanic eruption in 1450 BC, causing the residents to flee the city before it was, totally destroyed and preserved under tons of volcanic ash.
