Greece to reopen ancient monuments this month as it eases coronavirus ban

A Greek national flag flutters in Oia, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, on the island of Santorini, Greece, May 6, 2020. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

After standing empty for two months, Greece's ancient sites, including the Acropolis hill towering over Athens, will reopen to visitors on May 18, authorities said on Thursday.

The ancient monuments were closed along with museums in mid-March in Greece's lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Restrictions have gradually been eased this week.

Museums will open again in mid-June while open-air performances will resume in mid-July, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said. Distance and safety rules will apply.

Musicians wearing protective face masks gather around the White Tower during a protest by workers in the music industry in demand of state aid to mitigate financial losses due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Thessaloniki, Greece, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

The many historical sites are one of the mainstays of Greece's vital tourism sector and efforts will now kick in to encourage visitors after travel restrictions and widespread closures caused a collapse in bookings.

Hundreds of musicians, actors and art workers rallied outside parliament to demand more support for their sector.

"We are here," read a message drawn in chalk on the street. Protesters waved a giant theatre puppet. In the northern city of Thessaloniki, musicians performed tied up in a red and white cordon tape.

Musicians wearing protective face masks gather around the White Tower during a protest by workers in the music industry in demand of state aid to mitigate financial losses due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Thessaloniki, Greece, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

Many artists have performed live online for those staying home since Greece reported its first case of the new coronavirus in February.

"We stayed home but we didn't stay silent," artists' unions said in a statement.

A ferry sails next to the caldera of Oia, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, on the island of Santorini, Greece, May 6, 2020. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

(Reporting by Lefteris Papadimas and Renee Maltezou; Editing by Kevin Liffey)

Empty balconies in Oia, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, on the island of Santorini, Greece, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

People watch the sunset from the castle of Oia, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, on the island of Santorini, Greece, May 6, 2020. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

Musicians wearing protective face masks gather around the White Tower during a protest by workers in the music industry in demand of state aid to mitigate financial losses due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Thessaloniki, Greece, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

Locals make their way in Oia, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, on the island of Santorini, Greece, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

Musicians wearing protective face masks gather around the White Tower during a protest by workers in the music industry in demand of state aid to mitigate financial losses due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Thessaloniki, Greece, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

A view of Oia as the sun sets, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, on the island of Santorini, Greece, May 6, 2020. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

A girl plays on the beach of Perissa, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, on the island of Santorini, Greece, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

Musicians wearing protective face masks gather around the White Tower during a protest by workers in the music industry in demand of state aid to mitigate financial losses due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Thessaloniki, Greece, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

Musicians wearing protective face masks gather around the White Tower during a protest by workers in the music industry in demand of state aid to mitigate financial losses due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Thessaloniki, Greece, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

A musician wearing a protective face mask takes part in a protest by workers in the music industry in demand of state aid to mitigate financial losses due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Thessaloniki, Greece, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

A musician wearing a protective face mask takes part in a protest by workers in the music industry in demand of state aid to mitigate financial losses due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Thessaloniki, Greece, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Murad Sezer