Greece's Culture Ministry has decided to remove the last original sculptures still adorning the Parthenon, Athens' iconic ancient temple, while a senior archaeologist expressed concerns over a major pollution threat. (File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhuanet) -- Greece's Culture Ministry has decided to remove the last original sculptures still adorning the Parthenon, Athens' iconic ancient temple, while a senior archaeologist expressed concerns over a major pollution threat, media reported Monday.

    "There are still 17 original metopes (sculpted plaques) which must be protected because they can no longer endure atmospheric conditions," Acropolis site supervisor Alexandros Mantis said on Friday.

    Mantis has proposed that the endangered sculptures be replaced by replicas and kept safe in a new museum located below the Acropolis that is scheduled to open in September.

    Officials from the ministry's Central Archaeological Council (KAS) have announced the removal of all the 17 metopes. Fourteen of them will be from the west side of the Parthenon, which Mantis say, is in a "pitiful" condition.

    Athens' most recognizable landmark and part of the ancient Acropolis citadel overlooking the city, the Parthenon dates back to the golden age of Athenian democracy which began in the fifth century B.C.

    Restoration of the pollution-ravaged friezes of the Acropolis first began in the mid-1970s. Last year, archaeologists removed six metopes from the west side of the Parthenon.

    (Agencies)