Roman Monumental Complex in Athens to Be Restored
by Kosta Papadopoulos · Greek City TimesStay connected to Greek City Times for Free on Google News
Click NOW
A major Roman monumental complex uncovered during redevelopment works on Vasilissis Olgas Street in Athens will undergo restoration and conservation, while the Ministry of Culture plans to make the archaeological site more accessible and visible to the public.
The Ministry of Culture said on Wednesday, August 12, that the project forms part of its strategy to highlight previously lesser-known aspects of Athens’ history and archaeology.
The excavation uncovered an impressive Roman building complex with a semicircular courtyard, colonnades, organised spaces and an extensive drainage network. Archaeologists identified several construction phases dating from the 3rd to the 5th century AD.
The site lies north of the Olympieion, close to the Ilissos River, in one of Athens’ most historically significant areas. Human activity continued there from prehistoric times through the early Byzantine period.
From ancient sanctuary to wealthy Roman neighbourhood
The area initially developed outside the walls of ancient Athens as a place of worship and habitation, with several important sanctuaries.
During the Roman period, particularly under Emperor Hadrian, the area became integrated into the city and developed into one of Athens’ wealthier neighbourhoods, featuring monumental public and private buildings.
Despite destruction during the later Roman period, the area experienced renewed prosperity during the 4th and 5th centuries AD. A gradual decline in habitation during the 6th century marked the transition to the Byzantine period.
Remains of the Themistoclean Wall discovered
One of the most significant discoveries is a ditch carved directly into the natural rock, associated with the Themistoclean Wall.
The ditch represents the oldest surviving element uncovered during the excavation and confirms the route of the ancient fortifications.
Archaeologists identified two major construction phases in the Roman complex:
| Construction phase | Period |
|---|---|
| First major phase | Late 3rd to early 4th century AD |
| Second major phase | Early 5th century AD |
| Later modifications | Late Roman period |
| Final use | Byzantine period |
The archaeological evidence also reveals different construction techniques used across the centuries, ranging from carefully constructed masonry from the Classical period to characteristic Roman wall-building systems.
Byzantine period transformed the character of the site
The final phase of activity belongs to the Byzantine period.
Researchers found simpler masonry, underground storage pits and large storage jars, indicating that the area shifted away from its earlier residential and monumental character towards production and storage activities.
The findings correspond with archaeological evidence from the wider area surrounding the site.
Restoration work
The restoration programme will include:
- Conservation and restoration of masonry
- Conservation of the mosaic floor
- Restoration of architectural elements
- Management of vegetation
- Removal of incompatible modern interventions
- Improvements to the site’s visual interpretation
- Restoration of historical ground levels
- Comprehensive rainwater management
- Measures to protect the archaeological remains
The restoration proposals follow internationally accepted principles for architectural heritage conservation, with emphasis on preserving the monument’s authenticity and original building materials.
Mendoni: Site will reveal another chapter of Athens’ history
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said the restoration represents the next major step following the reopening of Vasilissis Olgas Street to Athenians at the end of April.
She said the archaeological remains provide important evidence about the development of the area north of the Olympieion from the Classical period through Byzantine times.
Mendoni highlighted the discovery of the Themistoclean Wall ditch, the extensive Roman complex, its semicircular courtyard and colonnades, residential areas, drainage systems and later Byzantine remains.
She said the ministry would focus on the functional and aesthetic integration of the archaeological remains, allowing visitors to understand the site as a unified historical complex while ensuring its long-term protection.
The minister described the preservation and presentation of the monuments as both a responsibility towards the past and an investment in collective memory, cultural identity and the quality of Athens’ public spaces.
Stay updated with the latest news from Greece and around the world on greekcitytimes.com.
Contact our newsroom to share your updates, stories, photos, or videos. Follow GCT on Google News and Apple News.