‘Paving the way’: Italy to return a piece of the Parthenon frieze to Greece

·

ArtNet has today reported that Italy will return a piece of the Parthenon Frieze to Greece, after it was on loan as part of a cultural exchange. 

Journalists were told of the deal at a November 30 meeting of the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports’ Central Archaeological Council.

According to a statement from the Ministry, the fragment from stone VI on the eastern frieze of the Parthenon, can currently be seen at the Museo Archeologico Antonio Salinas in Palermo, Sicily.

READ MORE: Greek PM reiterates call for return of Parthenon Marbles as British public opinion shows support.

Greek Minister of Culture and Sports, Lina Mendoni, has welcomed the news.

Under conditions dictated by Italian law, the piece will travel back to Greece on a four-year loan from December 2021, with the possibility of extension for another four years after that.

“This fragment is permanently exhibited in the Museum of Palermo and is the first time that its long-term borrowing in Greece is agreed,” the Minister of Culture and Sports, Lina Mendoni, said.

“This is a process that started a year ago, involving a series of negotiations between the Greek and Italian sides. This development may pave the way for the final return of the fragment to its place of birth…”

READ MORE: Delphi Bank launches petition for return of the Parthenon marbles.

In return for the loan, the Acropolis Museum will send the Palermo institution a headless statue of the goddess Athena.

After four years, this will be replaced by a protogeometric vase to match the period of time the Parthenon fragment will be on loan in Greece.

A similar deal was offered by Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, to UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, in November as a means to facilitate the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum. Johnson rejected the demands of his Greek counterpart.

READ MORE: UK PM rebuffs Greek PM’s demand for talks on Parthenon marbles.

Source: ArtNet.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Dr Christos Theologos: ‘Dance keeps us bound to our roots, from Chios to Sydney’

As part of the Zeibekiko Festival Australia, respected folklorist Dr Christos Theologos will lead a series of lectures and workshops.

South Melbourne turns to supporters ahead of Australian Championship kick-off

The opening clash of the Australian Championship will be an event shaped by the voices of the fans themselves.

Low birth rates and ageing: The silent enemy of the Greek nation

From the late 1990s it had become clear to Greek demographers and social scientists that the number of births in Greece was falling.

Peta Trimis: The new star of Australian football with a Hellenic soul

At just 19 years old, Peta Trimis is already being hailed as one of the brightest young stars of Australian football.

A second chance at life: Angelo Alateras’ journey from mechanical heart to transplant hope

After years on life support, 80kgs lost, and 615 days of physio, Angelo finally received the gift of a new heart.

You May Also Like

Hospital workers strike in Athens

Public hospital workers took to the streets against mandatory coronavirus vaccinations and staff shortages.

Darwin DiverCity Series: Georgia Politis to launch exhibition celebrating Territorian stories

Award-winning photographer Georgia Politis is set to launch her Darwin DiverCity Series exhibition on Friday, August 9.

Greek sailors to compete in ILCA 7 sailing World Championship in Adelaide

The Greek sailing champion George Papadakos will compete against other Hellenic sailors in the ILCA 7 Men’s World Championship in Adelaide.