A dispute between the Municipality of Naxos and the Cyclades Antiquities Authority escalated on Tuesday with the arrest of an archaeologist and two workers over a temporary fence erected around the ancient monument of Portara. 

The municipality challenged the legality of the wire fence installed without a permit, prompting a complaint to prosecutors. 

Police briefly detained the three individuals, who were later released. 

Mayor Dimitris Lianos criticized the fence, calling it “unnecessary” given the presence of site guards. Archaeologists defended the measure as urgent, citing a recent viral image of a tourist lifting an ancient stone. 

“We followed the archaeological law and notified the ministry,” said Dimitris Athanasoulis, head of the Cyclades Antiquities Authority. 

Portara, a popular sunset destination, had been freely accessible, marked only by rope barriers. The new fencing was added August 4, following the appointment of guards on July 30. 

Both sides agree the site needs formal protection. “The municipality is willing to fund fencing, a gate, even cameras,” said Lianos.