The archaeological Tower in Nea Fokaea Halkidiki, which is already welcoming its first tourists, has been vandalized with graffitiwhile a torn Greek flag flies.

As residents complain to ERT, the spot is a hangout for young people. They gather mainly at night, have fun, leave garbage and vandalize uncontrollably. “They are young children, they have not learnt the importance of the monument. Different era, we used to appreciate these things,” said a resident.

This is not the first time the monument has been targeted by thieves. As the president of the local community, Komnenos Kapetanios, points out, the municipality often proceeds to clean both the site and the buildings, but there is no policing.

“What we got out of paper and junk. There is no respect for either public or archaeological sites. The ELAS has been informed, they are making efforts but it is not easy. The youth now… I don’t know… It has its own law,” he said.

The monument was built in the early 15th century to counter pirates and played an important role in the Greek revolution.

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