(CNN) — Athens is normally around 90˚F (or 32˚C) this time of year. Temperatures neared 100˚F (or 37.7˚C) this week, according to the CNN weather forecast.
Much of Europe is boiling under a heat wave. Because of that, one of the continent’s most famous attractions is shutting down during the hottest parts of the day.
The Ephorate of Antiquities of Athens closed the Acropolis archaeological site to visitors on Thursday because it was too hot. The temperature there was 96˚F (or 35.6˚C) on Thursday, according to CNN Weather Producer Haley Brink.
On Wednesday visitors were advised that due to the forecast from the National Meteorological Service the site would be closed to the public from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. if the temperature exceeded 104˚F (or 40˚C). Those are typically the hottest hours of the day.
The site was open on Friday.
Visitors who had tickets for Thursday are advised to contact the Department of Operations to reschedule.
CNN’s Haley Brink and Chris Liakos contributed to this report