Thessaloniki, Greece – Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Katerina Sakellaropoulou inaugurated the new “Venizelos” metro station today, a project years in the making that has successfully integrated remarkable archaeological finds into its design.
The station, a key part of Thessaloniki’s new metro system, offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history while providing a modern transportation solution.
Guided by Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, the Prime Minister and President toured the station, marveling at the ancient ruins and artifacts unearthed during construction. The remains of a Byzantine-era road and storefronts, meticulously preserved and displayed within the station, are a testament to the city’s layered past.
“This is a truly unique engineering project that showcases the cultural wealth of Thessaloniki,” stated Prime Minister Mitsotakis. He praised the efforts of the Ministry of Culture and the archaeologists involved in the painstaking process of excavating, preserving, and integrating the historical finds into the station’s design. The Prime Minister acknowledged the difficulties faced by the city and local residents during the extended construction period but emphasized the transformative impact the metro will have on Thessaloniki.
The “Venizelos” station represents a remarkable achievement, demonstrating that urban development and archaeological preservation can coexist. The project has garnered international attention for its innovative approach and serves as a model for similar projects around the world.
While the opening of the “Venizelos” station marks a significant milestone, the Prime Minister remained tight-lipped about future plans for Thessaloniki. When questioned about the next stage of development for the city, he simply stated, “Let’s enjoy the metro for a bit, and then we’ll see about the rest.” This has fueled speculation about upcoming infrastructure projects and investments in Greece’s second-largest city. The opening of the “Venizelos” station signifies not only a step forward in public transportation but also a renewed focus on Thessaloniki’s potential for growth and development.