‘No words’: Tourist’s act at historic site prompts global reaction
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There’s nothing quite like standing in the shadow of ancient history—feeling the weight of centuries beneath your feet, marvelling at the craftsmanship of civilisations long gone, and snapping a few photos to show the grandkids.
But as one recent incident in Greece has shown, some tourists are taking their quest for the perfect holiday snap a little too far—and it’s left locals and history buffs around the world absolutely fuming.
The scene of the crime? The iconic Portara on the islet of Palatia, just off the coast of Naxos. This towering marble doorway, standing six metres tall, is all that remains of a once-magnificent temple to Apollo, started way back in the sixth or seventh century BC.
It’s a place that’s seen more history than most of us could ever imagine—and, until recently, it’s been open for all to enjoy, free of charge and without much in the way of security.
But that openness came at a cost. In a moment that’s gone viral for all the wrong reasons, a shirtless tourist was photographed hoisting a hefty chunk of ancient marble—apparently taken from the sacred grounds—while his companion snapped away.
The image quickly made the rounds on social media, sparking outrage and a flurry of comments from Greeks and global travellers alike.
'Disrespectful in every way,' one commenter fumed. Another lamented, 'It feels like people are becoming more stupid year after year.'
And perhaps most cutting of all: 'Naxos is increasingly becoming a Disneyland and the visitors probably have money, but no respect and decency.'
The man who shared the photo, Mr Boulamatsis, didn’t mince words. He pointed out that the site’s lack of security—no guards, no ticketing, just open access—left it vulnerable to exactly this kind of behaviour.
He called on local authorities to act fast, urging them to post security guards before the situation gets even worse. 'Don’t wait until the season is over. Do it before the month changes,' he pleaded.
And he’s got a point. In many other countries, tampering with ancient artefacts isn’t just frowned upon—it’s illegal, and can result in hefty fines or even deportation.
In this case, the Greek Ministry of Culture has since responded by posting a guard at the Portara, but it’s unclear how long this measure will last.
Why does this matter so much? Well, for starters, sites like the Portara aren’t just pretty backdrops for our holiday photos—they’re irreplaceable links to our shared human story.
Every stone, every carving, every weathered surface tells a tale that stretches back thousands of years. When someone decides to treat these treasures like playground equipment, it’s not just disrespectful—it’s potentially destructive.
Sadly, this isn’t an isolated incident. Around the world, there’s been a worrying trend of tourists behaving badly at heritage sites. From carving initials into the Colosseum to climbing on sacred statues in Southeast Asia, it seems some travellers forget that these places aren’t just there for their entertainment.
So, what can we do to help protect these wonders for future generations? Here are a few tips for responsible travel:
1. Admire ancient artefacts and structures from a respectful distance. Even a gentle touch can cause damage over time.
2. If a site has signs, barriers, or guidelines, they’re there for a reason. Stick to marked paths and respect restricted areas.
3. If you see someone behaving inappropriately, don’t be afraid to say something (politely, of course) or alert a staff member.
4. Many sites rely on donations or ticket sales for upkeep. If you can, contribute to help keep these treasures safe.
5. Encourage friends and family to travel responsibly. Sometimes, a gentle reminder is all it takes to change someone’s behaviour.
Read more: You won't believe how scientists finally uncovered Stonehenge's 5,000-year-old secret!
Have you ever witnessed bad behaviour at a historical site? Or do you have tips for being a respectful traveller? We’d love to hear your stories and advice in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation going and help protect our world’s incredible heritage—one trip at a time.
But as one recent incident in Greece has shown, some tourists are taking their quest for the perfect holiday snap a little too far—and it’s left locals and history buffs around the world absolutely fuming.
The scene of the crime? The iconic Portara on the islet of Palatia, just off the coast of Naxos. This towering marble doorway, standing six metres tall, is all that remains of a once-magnificent temple to Apollo, started way back in the sixth or seventh century BC.
It’s a place that’s seen more history than most of us could ever imagine—and, until recently, it’s been open for all to enjoy, free of charge and without much in the way of security.
But that openness came at a cost. In a moment that’s gone viral for all the wrong reasons, a shirtless tourist was photographed hoisting a hefty chunk of ancient marble—apparently taken from the sacred grounds—while his companion snapped away.
The image quickly made the rounds on social media, sparking outrage and a flurry of comments from Greeks and global travellers alike.
A tourist in Naxos, Greece, has been slammed as 'disrespectful' for lifting an ancient marble slab at the historic Portara site for a photo opportunity. Image source: Kiriakos Jr Boulamatsis / Facebook.
'Disrespectful in every way,' one commenter fumed. Another lamented, 'It feels like people are becoming more stupid year after year.'
And perhaps most cutting of all: 'Naxos is increasingly becoming a Disneyland and the visitors probably have money, but no respect and decency.'
The man who shared the photo, Mr Boulamatsis, didn’t mince words. He pointed out that the site’s lack of security—no guards, no ticketing, just open access—left it vulnerable to exactly this kind of behaviour.
He called on local authorities to act fast, urging them to post security guards before the situation gets even worse. 'Don’t wait until the season is over. Do it before the month changes,' he pleaded.
And he’s got a point. In many other countries, tampering with ancient artefacts isn’t just frowned upon—it’s illegal, and can result in hefty fines or even deportation.
In this case, the Greek Ministry of Culture has since responded by posting a guard at the Portara, but it’s unclear how long this measure will last.
Why does this matter so much? Well, for starters, sites like the Portara aren’t just pretty backdrops for our holiday photos—they’re irreplaceable links to our shared human story.
Every stone, every carving, every weathered surface tells a tale that stretches back thousands of years. When someone decides to treat these treasures like playground equipment, it’s not just disrespectful—it’s potentially destructive.
Sadly, this isn’t an isolated incident. Around the world, there’s been a worrying trend of tourists behaving badly at heritage sites. From carving initials into the Colosseum to climbing on sacred statues in Southeast Asia, it seems some travellers forget that these places aren’t just there for their entertainment.
So, what can we do to help protect these wonders for future generations? Here are a few tips for responsible travel:
1. Admire ancient artefacts and structures from a respectful distance. Even a gentle touch can cause damage over time.
2. If a site has signs, barriers, or guidelines, they’re there for a reason. Stick to marked paths and respect restricted areas.
3. If you see someone behaving inappropriately, don’t be afraid to say something (politely, of course) or alert a staff member.
4. Many sites rely on donations or ticket sales for upkeep. If you can, contribute to help keep these treasures safe.
5. Encourage friends and family to travel responsibly. Sometimes, a gentle reminder is all it takes to change someone’s behaviour.
Read more: You won't believe how scientists finally uncovered Stonehenge's 5,000-year-old secret!
Have you ever witnessed bad behaviour at a historical site? Or do you have tips for being a respectful traveller? We’d love to hear your stories and advice in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation going and help protect our world’s incredible heritage—one trip at a time.
