Officials said on Wednesday that the Acropolis, the most popular ancient monument in the Greek capital, will not open on the night of the August full moon following extensive damage to the site last year.

Full moon night in August is the only time when archeological sites remain open after sunset.

The Central Archaeological Council (KAS) has given the green light for 60 monuments and museums to stay open on the night of August 13, but the ancient citadel at the heart of the old city is off the list this year.

The council said that the large number of visitors have over the previous years resulted in damages to the monument as well as injuries among visitors.

More than 15,000 people visited the Acropolis during the August full moon last year.