Accessibility and New Viewpoints at Ancient Agora of Athens and Kerameikos

Infrastructure Upgrades to Athens' Ancient Agora and Kerameikos Sites to Be Completed by 2025

According to a recent announcement from the Greek Culture Ministry, the infrastructure upgrades to the Ancient Agora and Kerameikos archaeological sites in Athens will be completed by the end of 2025.

The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Athens, is working to improve access to the archaeological sites of the Ancient Agora of Athens and Kerameikos. This initiative includes restoring ancient visitor pathways, creating new routes that cater to individuals with disabilities and mobility challenges, and adding new rest and viewing areas.

This extensive project aims to preserve the monuments, upgrade entrances, improve water drainage, implement fire protection measures, and enhance key visitor amenities. With a total budget of €5,800,000, the project is funded by the Recovery Fund and is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.

Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni remarked: "Revamping the visitor pathways at the archaeological sites of the Ancient Agora and Kerameikos, with a particular focus on accessibility for individuals with disabilities and mobility difficulties, is a key priority for the proper functioning of these sites. It aligns with our commitment to inclusivity and ensuring no one is excluded. The redesign of the routes, combined with infrastructure upgrades, will improve the visitor experience by making the sites easier to explore and fully accessible. With these new routes, those with mobility challenges will be able to move freely within these archaeological sites, offering a richer understanding of the environment, supported by newly created rest and viewing areas."

In Kerameikos, the goal is to establish a new entrance connecting the archaeological site to Asomaton Street, enhancing connectivity. For the Ancient Agora, the objective is to highlight its historical significance as a political and public space, emphasizing its connection to the Acropolis. Once completed, the project will offer an enhanced experience for both Greek and international visitors.

A key aspect of the project is the restoration of the ancient road network, complemented by new stopping and viewing areas. The interventions target the organized and accessible areas of the site, extending from Adrianou Street to Asteroskopio Street.

The design prioritizes the restoration of ancient routes while minimizing modern paths to create a clear and cohesive network that facilitates circular tours. To further enhance accessibility, the plan includes the creation of dedicated paths to significant monuments equipped with appropriate paving and ramps to accommodate people with disabilities.

"Upon the project's completion, visitors, both Greek and international, will be able to enjoy an enhanced visiting experience," concluded the minister.

Source Argophilia