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

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Agios Efstratios becomes Greece’s first fully green, energy-autonomous island

The northern Aegean island of Agios Efstratios (Ai Stratis) has successfully completed a pilot project to run entirely on green energy.

British Museum loans Ancient Greek Meidia Vase to Athens

The British Museum has recently offered a loan to Greece to send a valuable painted Meidias Hydria vase dating to 420BC.

Are dating apps and blind dates the modern day proxenio?

Many Greeks shudder when they hear the word ‘proxenio’ (matchmaking). Visions of being forced on an awkward date might spring to mind.