Kerameikos Archaeological Site in Athens to Get Upgrade

Aerial view of the Kerameikos archaeological site. Photo source: Ministry of Culture.

The Greek Culture Ministry recently unveiled plans to upgrade the archaeological site of Kerameikos in central Athens.

The site, located between Ermou, Peiraios, and Asomaton streets, is a significant part of the ancient municipality of Kerameon, one of the largest municipalities of ancient Athens.

The upgrade will see a range of functional and aesthetic improvements to the site, aimed at enhancing visitors’ experience.

The Kerameikos archaeological site. Photo source: Ministry of Culture.

More specifically, the interventions planned by the Athens Ephorate of Antiquities include the restoration of the ancient road network within the site and an upgrade of its visitor traffic routes with an addition of a slightly inclined path to allow people with disabilities to visit the site.

Furthermore, the creation of new resting and viewing areas within the archaeological site is also planned.

Additionally, the existing entrance to the Ermou pedestrian walkway will be maintained, while the site’s exit will move to Asomaton street, close to the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art and the Jewish Synagogue.

The Kerameikos archaeological site. Photo source: Ministry of Culture.

This approach will change the flow of visitors and decongest the area, especially during high visitation periods.

The project, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Fund, will also include the creation of new sheltered areas, an upgraded rainwater management system, and the creation of tactile routes for people with visual impairments.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni emphasized the importance of the Kerameikos site, saying that “it  is one of the most important and most interesting archaeological sites in Athens. At the same time, it is a free public space of high aesthetic and educational value.”

The “Dipylon Oinochoe” vase.

The archaeological site of the Kerameikos has a rich history. It was a settlement of potters and vase painters and the main production center of the famous Attic vases.

The area was later converted into a burial ground and gradually developed into the most important cemetery of ancient Athens. The earliest tombs at the Kerameikos date from the Early Bronze Age, and the cemetery appears to have continuously expanded from the sub-Mycenaean period.

The most important Athenian vases come from the tombs of the Kerameikos, including the famous “Dipylon Oinochoe,” which bears the earliest inscription written in the Greek alphabet.