A new wire fence now surrounds the ancient Porta gateway on the Greek island of Naxos, an emergency measure installed by authorities after a viral photo showed a man lifting a stone at the site, but the move has sparked an outcry from local residents.
The decision to fence off the iconic marble gateway, a remnant of a temple to Apollo, was made after the online circulation of the photo.
The head of the Cyclades Ephorate of Antiquities, Dimitris Athanasoulis, called the act an "insult" to the historic site, though he confirmed no direct damage was done.
The fence was installed on Monday.
However, many residents have reacted strongly, arguing that the barrier "aesthetically degrades the monument" and that more subtle protection methods should be used.
For years, the popular landmark has been freely accessible to the public. In addition to the new fence, security guards have now been stationed at the site.