Elefsina Archaeological Site Upgrade to be Completed in 2022

Elefsina archaeological site. Photo source: Ministry of Culture

Works for the upgrade of the archaeological site and the construction of a new archaeological museum in the city of Elefsina, near Athens, will be completed by 2022, according to Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.

The minister, accompanied by Attica Governor George Patoulis, recently visited the archaeological site of Elefsina that is being upgraded ahead of the city’s term as the European capital of Europe in 2023.

“This is a huge opportunity for Elefsina – a very important city for Attica with special cultural significance… Our aim is for the archaeological site, the museum and the city’s infrastructure to be ready by the end of 2022,” Mendoni said.

The ministry is also expected to soon complete the process for the acquisition of Elefsina’s old Oil Mill, a landmark site of the area that will house the city’s new archaeological museum and some of the area’s most significant archaeological findings.

Attica Governor George Patoulis and Culture Minister Lina Mendoni

The archaeological site

The project for the upgrade of Elefsina’s archaeological site aims to improve accessibility as well as protect and highlight the existing infrastructure.

“The Region of Attica contributes to the project for the restoration and promotion of the Elefsina archaeological site by allocating a total of 1.65 million euros from the Attica 2014-2020 Operational Program. Furthermore, we have signed a contract for additional works worth 650,000 euros,” Attica Governor George Patoulis said.

Elefsina archaeological site. Photo source: Ministry of Culture

According to Patoulis, the Region also plans to secure additional funding of 1.5 million euros through the Regional Operational Program in order to redesign the site’s entrance, create modern ticket booths, connect the site with the city’s central Heroes Square, restore the existing routes and create a special path for people with disabilities or mobility issues.