We are especially pleased that the launching of the new web-site of the Acropolis Restoration Service (YSMA) coincides with the completion of the great restoration programmes of the Acropolis monuments that were undertaken in 2001 by the YSMA, newly established at that time. These are the programmes that all of us who have taken part in the works undertook with devotion and enthusiasm, dedicating all our strength to completing them on time.

The works developed and were accelerated, faithfully adhering to the principles and methodology of the previous years and retaining their internationally recognized high quality. The close relation between the Acropolis works and research, which had been sanctioned from their beginning in 1975, continues systematically, since it is demanded by the great extent of the interventions and the special needs that surface while the works are being carried out. Special emphasis was placed on advanced technology, both in research and in performing the works, particularly in the organization and function of the work-sites, the choice of materials and the monitoring of applications in use.

Today we are justified in being proud. A great work, based on interdisciplinary collaboration and cooperative effort, has restored some areas of the monuments that had serious structural problems in the past. Moreover, the filling in of areas of the monuments with ancient material that has been identified, contributes to their better understanding by the general public.

For all of us, both older and younger colleagues on the Acropolis, this effort was and continues to be a valuable privilege. Working together, we acquired a shared perception of the problems of the monuments, we loved our work and discovered its joys: the connection with the monuments of our cultural heritage and the realization that we were helping to repair the damage they had suffered, created feelings that make the work "a work of pleasure".

Browsing our new web-site will inform those who visit it about the earlier programmes of the works, as well as those now in progress. It is our hope that this will be a fascinating journey through the rich experiences that we were fortunate enough to live.


Maria Ioannidou
Civil Engineer
Director