Ancient Artifacts Discovered Hidden in Athens’ Secret Basement

The collection of antiquities found in the basement of a store on Pesmazoglou Street. Photo source: Culture Ministry

The Greek Culture Ministry recently announced the discovery of a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts found hidden in a “secret basement” of a shop managed and rented by the Greek National Gallery in the heart of Athens.

The collection includes 102 relics from the Geometric Era (1100–750 B.C.), 36 ecclesiastical items from the post-Byzantine period, and 3,247 coins, medals, signature stones, and other historical artifacts spanning several eras.

The artifacts were uncovered following a court order to vacate the shop, located on at 33 Stadiou and 3 Pesmazoglou streets, which had been used for selling expensive jewelry, watches, and artwork. The items were found packaged in old paper boxes and some wrapped in newspapers from 1940 — the year the property was originally rented out.

Photo source: Culture Ministry

In an announcement, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni highlighted the importance of protecting cultural heritage.

Photo source: Culture Ministry

“The protection of cultural goods is an institutional obligation of the Culture Ministry and one of the main priorities of our policy,” she said. “In addition to repatriating cultural treasures illegally exported from Greece, there are instances where such items are kept illegally within the country. This is one such case, found right in the heart of Athens.”

The discovery was initially reported in February 2024 by a representative of the National Gallery – Alexandros Soutsos Museum. Upon learning of the find, the culture ministry immediately took action, with all items being moved to storage at the Ephorate of the City of Athens and the Numismatic Museum. They will remain there while the courts investigate the items’ provenance and ownership history over the past century.

The artifacts will undergo preservation and restoration work. A Special Scientific Committee, appointed by the Central Archaeological Council, will also assess their value and historical significance.