Greece loans statue to Italy in exchange for Parthenon gesture

·

Greece has lent Italy an ancient statue of the goddess Athena in return for Italy’s long-term loan to the Acropolis Museum of a fragment of the Parthenon Marbles, AP News reports.

The late 5th century BC statue will be displayed in Palermo’s Antonino Salinas Regional Archaeological Museum for four years. It will then be replaced by an 8th century BC Greek vase for another four years.

This move by Greece follows Italy’s decision in January to loan the Fagan fragment from the Parthenon frieze to the Acropolis Museum.

READ MORE: Italy returns Parthenon fragment to Athens in nudge to UK.

The Fagan fragment, which was part of a 160-metre-long frieze that ran around the outer walls of the Parthenon, was loaned to Greece for eight years but Italy has also been pushing for its permanent return.

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, who travelled to Italy for the handover ceremony, said Greece’s gesture “reciprocates the generosity” of the Italian institution.

Greece hopes the loan will boost its campaign for the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum.

“[The deal with Italy] indicates the path that London can follow,” Mendoni said on the day.

Source: AP News.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Giannis Antetokounmpo in talks to buy the Sydney Kings

NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is in talks to buy a stake in the Sydney Kings — with plans to rename the team the ‘Spartan Kings.’

Paros submerged, Syros pelted by hail as storms sweep the Cyclades

Severe weather swept across several Cycladic islands on Monday, March 31 with Paros and Syros among the hardest hit.

Sydney remembers Cyprus’ fight for freedom ahead of National Day anniversary

Cypriot and Greek Australians gathered in solemn remembrance on Sunday, 30 March, for a memorial service marking Cyprus National Day.

Greek Orthodox Community of SA celebrates 204th year of Greek Independence

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia commemorated Greek Independence Day with joyous festivities on Sunday, 30 March.

From alleyway to legacy: Coburg’s Kastoria Lane project gains momentum

Merri-bek City Council has greenlit public consultation for the naming of Kastoria Lane, a project set to transform a neglected alleyway.

You May Also Like

UK football club close to signing 20-year-old Greek Australian Nectarios Triantis

Nectarios Triantis will play his last game for the Central Coast Mariers in the A-Leagues Men grand final before moving to Sunderland.

NSW Government to investigate strict penalties for violence at sports events

The NSW Government has begun working with community groups to investigate new penalties aimed at protecting sporting volunteers and referees.

Chinese President supports return of Parthenon marbles

The President of China, Xi Jinping, visited the Acropolis Museum, on Tuesday morning, accompanied by the President of the Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos. Before his departure...