Tourists in Athens are now getting a rare, unobstructed look at Greece's most famous ancient temple. (Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)
Lina Mendoni, Greece's culture minister, said during an interview on Skai radio that the scaffolding was removed in late September.
"It is like they are seeing a completely different monument," said Mendoni.
The Parthenon on Athens' Acropolis Hill has been under continuous restoration efforts since the 19th century. (Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
But the pause is temporary.
Mendoni said new scaffolding will be put up in early November, though these structures will be less of an eyesore.
"It is like they are seeing a completely different monument," said an official. (Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
At that point, "the Parthenon will be completely freed of this scaffolding too, and people will be able to see it truly free," Mendoni said.
The Parthenon was built in the 5th century B.C. to honor the goddess Athena. (Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates back to the 5th century B.C.
honor Athena, the patron goddess of Athens.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.
