It was a rare sight on Athens’ skyline, and it didn't last long: The Parthenon was without scaffolding for the first time in years.

Greek residents and visitors in recent weeks enjoyed an unobstructed view of the marble temple crowning the Acropolis during its seemingly endless restoration.

However, conservation work must continue, and the respite was temporary.

The renewed conservation work is expected to last until early summer in 2026.

The Acropolis is by far Greece’s most popular tourist site, with 4.5 million people visiting in 2024, according to the country’s statistical authority.

The marble temple was built in the mid 5th century B.C. to honor the city’s patron goddess, Athena.

AP video by Lefteris Pitarakis

AP Production: Lefteris Pitarakis, Theodora Tongas and Derek Gatopoulos