Athens
CNN
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Climbing to the top of the Acropolis of Athens, the birthplace of democracy, has always been a feat for the brave. Never more so, perhaps, than in recent summers when the city has sweated through long and perilous heatwaves.
In the past two years, during peak tourism season, relentless heat has repeatedly forced authorities to shut Greece’s most-visited site during the hottest hours of the day to protect visitors and staff from temperatures exceeding 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).
The UNESCO World Heritage site has little shade. Standing among the exquisitely-crafted white marble columns of the Parthenon as they reflect the fierce Mediterranean sun can…
