Of all the outfits you were planning to pack, one item that comes with matching shoes every day, and you'll want to exclude when visiting iconic landmarks like the Acropolis or the Epidaur site in Athens, Greece. It's not just a fashion fake. It is strictly prohibited.
It could be a great social media post, but it's certainly not worth the hefty fine that could be an unexpected blow to your holiday budget. Due to the risk of damaging historic monuments, you can face a fine of up to 900 euros (£771) to wear heels at these ancient sites. This law was introduced by the Greek government in 2009.
While one small scratch may not seem like a big deal when you're wearing your heels, even small damage can be added when thousands of tourists visit these sites each year.
Government laws will help preserve these historical treasures for future generations. This is an important measure in protecting Greek cultural heritage.
Dawn Morwood, co-director of cheap trading, advises: I always recommend checking official tourist information and quickly Google any unusual regulations that may affect your visit. This way, you can focus on enjoying your trip, rather than avoiding fines and troublesome encounters. ”
It is worth noting that heels are not completely prohibited, but it is always best to check the rules of a particular site.
In fact, footwear isn't the only thing that's regulated. Since 2009, tourists have been prohibited from visiting historic sites while drunk, and food, drinks and on-site performances are prohibited as part of their preservation efforts.
Greece has enacted other regulations to protect its heritage. For example, removing a portion of the property as a souvenir can not only raise eyebrows, but also lead to legal trouble.