On Thursday, April 18, archaeological sites of our country participate in the celebration of World Monuments and Sites Day. Since 1983 April 18 of each year has been designated by UNESCO and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) as World Monuments Day. As every year, on this day as well, this global institution gives us the opportunity to freely visit monuments and archaeological sites, explore their history and enjoy their glory.
The common thematic axis of celebration for 2024 is entitled “Disasters and conflicts through the prism of the Venice Charter” on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of its creation. The Venice Charter was adopted in 1964, two decades following World War II in an era that promised unlimited progress and economic growth. Six decades later, we face the climate crisis with an increasing number of natural disasters, as well as conflicts that lead to the destruction of cultural sites and the mass displacement of populations… Through this year’s celebration, ICOMOS examines the role that the Charter of Venice has today following 60 years since its creation, as a founding body that is at the heart of ICOMOS’s identity.
The list of cultural heritage sites that are quiet and idyllic spots – like lungs of mind and body – from Evros to Crete and from Ioannina to Kastellorizo is long. “E.T.” has collected and recommends archaeological sites within close proximity of the two largest urban centers of the country, Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as some state museums such as the National Archaeological Museum and the Ancient Agora in Athens and the Polycentric Museum of the Goats which will welcome the public with free entry!
Acropolis of Athens
The cradle of Western civilization in the center of Athens. The monuments on the Sacred Rock symbolize the height of Athenian democracy and are associated with the universal values of Democracy, Philosophy and the Arts. The architecture of the Acropolis of Athens, which was created during the heyday of the Athenian democracy, echoes its values in an era of flourishing arts, letters and sciences. In 1987 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. From every corner of the earth, millions of people come to our country every year to pass the imposing building of the Propylaea that prepares the visitor for the splendor of the Holy Rock of the Acropolis. Please note that on Thursday, April 18, the visit is free of charge. Free entry tickets for the specific day are issued exclusively at the venues’ ticket offices. Information: 210 3214172
Ancient market
In the northern foothills of the Acropolis we find the ancient Agora of Athens. It is the point where the Athenian Democracy was sculpted and took tangible form and substance. What to see for the first time in this idyllic place where spring puts its own touches on the landscape! The area is crossed from the north-west to the south-east by the Panathenaic street, one of the most important road arteries of the ancient city, which was followed every four years by the famous procession of the Great Panathenaians. At the top of a hill to the west dominates the Temple of Hephaestus (5th century BC), while directly opposite the eastern side of the Ancient Agora dominates the “Stoa of Attalus”, the gift of the king of Pergamum Attalus II (159- 138 BC) in the city of Athens. Today, the Stoa functions as a museum, in which the finds from the excavations of the Ancient Agora area are exhibited, and on 18/4 it will have free entry. Information: 210 3210185
Archaeological site of Elefsina
In just half an hour from the center we are in one of the most important religious centers of antiquity, the Sanctuary of Eleusis. The archaeological site today tells the story of the cult of the goddess Demeter and her daughter, Persephone, related to the cultivation of the land, vegetation, fertility, as well as the rebirth of nature and life. The area is dominated by the famous Sanctuary of Demeter, where the Eleusinian Mysteries were performed, on the eastern slope of the hill. Also visit the Archaeological Museum of Elefsina where it also has free entry for the public on 4/18. Information: 210 5561097
Temple of Poseidon
At the edge of the Argosaronic Gulf, regarding an hour away from the center of Athens, the Temple of Poseidon rewards anyone who visits it… It was built from local marble from Agrileza around 444 – 440 BC. From there, the city-state of Athens controlled the sea passage to the Aegean and Piraeus, its central port, as well as the peninsula of Lavreotiki, with its rich silver mines, thanks to which it emerged as a superpower in the 5th century. e.g. Information: 2292039363
Archaeological site of Vavrona
It is one of the most beautiful places in Attica, where each season gives its own beauty. After all, it is no coincidence that the location that the ancient myth illuminates… Having traveled regarding 40 kilometers from Athens, you will find yourself in one of the most important ancient sanctuaries of Attica. On the banks of the Erasinos River, an idyllic centuries-old landscape composes the place where the goddess Artemis, protector of children, animals and nature, was worshipped. Vravrona was one of the 12 ancient cities of Attica and was named following the hero Vravron. From 700 BC approximately begins the heyday of the sanctuary, which reaches its peak in the second half of the 5th c. e.g. and throughout almost the entire 4th c. e.g. Also visit the archaeological Museum of Vavrona, which also participates in World Monuments Day. Information: 22990 27020
THESSALONIKI:
IN AEGIES AND THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
The emblematic work of the Polycentric Museum of the Goats preserves and tells the story of the Goats, the cradle, the palace center and burial place of the members of the Temenid royal dynasty. The traces of Macedonian life, the culture, the history of the Goats and the Macedonian Kingdom illuminate the world, which following the passing of Philip II and Alexander the Great changed forever. Monuments, museum shells and archaeological sites, the Palace, the Tomb with the burial cluster of Philip II, the Necropolis of the Temenides and the Central Building make up the Polycentric Museum of the Goats, which also participates in the World Day of Monuments and Sites. Information: 2331 092347
Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, in the center of the city and at the center of its cultural life, opens with free admission to the public. The history of ancient Macedonia is concentrated in the emblematic museum of the city. Unique masterpieces of ancient Greek art dating from prehistoric times to late antiquity accompany the tour. Information: 231331 0201.
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