Extract from a speech at Vafopoulio Cultural Centre 12/12/2014

March 14 15:38 2015 Print This Article

Let those who are not still convinced that the sculptures should be returned to Athens ,  go to the Acropolis. Let them  “listen” to the marbles. Let them  see the empty spots on the marbles where  the  frieze was torn off. Let them see  the vacant posts of pediments , where the sculptor Phidias under the sleepless gaze of  Periklis had placed these masterpieces of Greek artists. If dare, let them look into the eyes of the Caryadits to see their petrified grief  for their exiled sister. And finally let them ask the thousands of travelers from all over the world, who daily visit the Acropolis, where they would  prefer to admire the masterpieces of Pheidias , in Athens their  sunny homeland  or in London their dark  exile place.

 E.F.