Overview
- The District Court of Naxos rejected the municipality’s request to remove the roughly 1.5‑meter barrier and ordered it to remain in place until at least September 27.
- The Greek Ministry of Culture installed the provisional wire fence on July 29 following reports of tourist misconduct, including a viral photo of a visitor lifting a marble block and a family picnicking on the stones.
- The Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades filed a complaint over disrespectful behavior and is studying permanent protection options, including a closed, guarded site with paid entry.
- Local officials and residents oppose restricting access, arguing the open approach is part of the island’s identity and that fencing detracts from the monument’s setting.
- An initial inspection reported no damage from the viral incident, and a guard was dispatched to the site as authorities assess longer‑term visitor management.