Greece Will Soon Welcome Furry Friends Into Over 100 Archaeological Landmarks

Those who love traveling with their pets or just bringing them around to look at famed historical monuments will be delighted to learn that soon, Greece will be allowing pets into more than 120 of its archaeological sites.

The policy, which will see furry friends get a taste (or sniff) of the country’s storied history, was unanimously approved by the Culture Ministry’s Central Archaeological Council, though government officials have yet to set a date for the change to take place.

At these locations, all dogs will need to be on a leash no more than three feet long or be carried in a pouch or pet-carrying case. Larger dogs, in particular, will be made to wear a muzzle at all times. Proof of the animals’ health certificates may be required upon entry.

However, tourists planning on bringing Fido along on tours of the nation’s most famed landmarks may need to replan their itineraries, as pets will still not be allowed at some of the most popular sites, including the Acropolis in Athens, Knossos in Crete, Olympia, and Delphi.

The exceptions are due to the large crowds at these venues, while others—such as ancient theaters, temples, graves, and monuments with mosaic floors—are upholding the ban on pets in order to preserve their integrity.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said the ruling was “a first, but important, step toward harmonizing the framework of accessibility to monuments and archaeological sites with the standards of other European countries,” most of which allow for pets to enter.

For sites in which pets aren’t allowed to enter, or if one needs to get away from the crowds, the ministry plans to install cages at the entrances of 110 other archaeological sites so that owners can keep their pets in a safe space during the visit.

[via ARTnews and Associated Press, cover image via Erichines | Dreamstime.com]