C. Macedonia Region Looks to Tap into Amphipolis Site as Tourism Asset

The Northern Greece archaeological site of Amphipolis, which had the world on edge two years ago as to the identity of the person buried there, has been proposed by the Central Macedonia Region to be named cultural heritage site within the European Territorial Cooperation Program “Greece – Bulgaria 2014 – 2020”.

The idea behind the proposal is to promote the region as a major tourist destination through its shared and individual natural heritage sites. Budgeted at 1.460.000 euros, the project will involve a series of works to transform it into a major tourist attraction including walkways and a visitors’ center.

“With this proposal we hope to keep to our commitment to the promotion and enhancement of the area of Amphipolis as a tourist destination based on the global significance of the archaeological finds there,” said Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Central Macedonia Region prefect.

At the same time, regional authorities are aiming to tap into NSRF 2014-2020 funds in order for excavation works at the Amphipolis dig to continue. The Amphipolis site is the largest tomb discovered in the country and has thus far produced among others sculptures of sphinxes and caryatids, mosaics and coins depicting Alexander the Great, but also scientific and political deabte as to actual historic timeframe of the burial ground.

As a World Heritage Site, it would attract cultural tourism, which is gaining ground worldwide and according to a recent OECD report, can contribute greatly to regional development.