Thessaloniki‘s Long-Awaited Metro: A Journey Through Time and Controversy
After a two-decade wait, Thessaloniki’s new metro finally opened its doors, transporting passengers through a tangible journey through the layers of its fascinating history. However, behind the gleaming, modern trains lay a more complex story, one etched in archaeological discoveries and punctuated by delays and setbacks.
Transport Minister Christos Staikouras declared the inaugural ride a triumph, celebrating the completion of the main line which is expected to carry 250,000 passengers daily. The automated system, crafted by the Italian branch of the Japanese company Hitachi, winds its way through the heart of Greece’s second-largest city, a city with a rich history dating back to the fourth century BC.
The metro’s construction unearthed an abundance of historical treasures. "It’s as if the city’s very soul was whispering its history to us," reflected Nikos Denis, deputy director of Metro Elliniko, the development company behind the project. "Some of these artifacts are displayed behind glass panels in stations, quietly sharing their stories with the commuters rushing through."
In total, archaeologists unearthed over 300,000 artifacts, including coins dating back to the Hellenistic period, marble squares from the Roman era, and a 15-meter-high fountain. The discovery of a fifth-century church and thousands of graves unearthed gold jewelry mimicking the ancient styles of the Byzantine era.
The sheer volume and significance of the finds transformed the project into the largest salvage excavation ever undertaken in Greece. "These were not just ancient relics," explained a Ministry of Culture representative, "they became windows into the grandeur and intricate tapestry ofGreece’s past." Excavating these gems however wasn’t easy, according to expert archaeologists. The cost of extracting and preserving them exceeded $215 million, with numerous legal battles adding to the inherent complexities.
A City Shaped By History
Thessaloniki, named after Alexander the Great’s half-sister, has witnessed history unfold through millennia.
The city’s origins can be traced back to theнистиの fourth century BC when it prospered as a key Roman center. Following the Roman Empire,
Thessaloniki ascended to become the second city in the Byzantine Empire after Constantinople
Delays and Due Diligence
While locals eagerly awaited the metro, the long and arduous construction process ignited frustration and resentment. “We turned into Stockholm Syndrome. Everyone thought they’d never see it finish," laughed Anastasia Polykhronidou, a store employee along the main Egnatia Street, echoing the frustration many residents felt. The ongoing construction disrupted businesses and social life along Egnatia Street, leading to closed shops and depleted foot traffic.
"Each time a new completion date was declared, we’d hesitate to believe it, “she added. "Finally, it’s done. But the long queues? That’s just another part of the Thessaloniki experience now."
The initial projected completion date was 2012, a target which was ultimately shelved due to the Greek financial crisis and the bankruptcy of involved companies.
Looking Forward: A Connection to the Future
Despite the tumultuous journey, the metro represents more than just an efficient transport system.
For Thessaloniki, it’s a mirror reflecting its rich history and offering a glimpse into its future. As passengers glide beneath the city, surrounded by remnants of ancient civilizations, the metro serves as a powerful reminder of Thessaloniki’s intricate past and its enduring spirit.
And while the current line, stretching 9.6 kilometers will soon be extended eastward, a connection to Macedonia Airport, Greece’s third busiest, planned for completion in 2040.
Currently there is work extending the metro towards Macedonia Airport, which is 13 km from the city.
What were some of the most significant archaeological finds unearthed during Thessaloniki’s metro construction?
## Thessaloniki’s New Metro: A Ride Through Time
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re talking about the long-awaited opening of Thessaloniki’s new metro system.
Joining us is Dr. Sophia Dimitriou, an archaeologist who worked on the excavation project that ran alongside the metro’s construction. Dr. Dimitriou, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Dimitriou:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Thessaloniki’s new metro has been celebrated as a triumph of infrastructure and engineering. But it’s also noteworthy for the incredible archaeological finds uncovered during its construction. Can you tell us more about that?
**Dr. Dimitriou:** Absolutely. Thessaloniki sits on a multitude of historical layers, and the metro’s construction unearthed over 300,000 artifacts [[1](https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/greek-city-thessaloniki-gets-new-metro-system-driverless-116341097)]. From Hellenistic coins to Roman marble squares, from a magnificent Byzantine-era fountain to a fifth-century church and thousands of graves, it truly felt like the city was sharing its history with us.
**Host:** That’s remarkable. Were these discoveries anticipated before construction began, or were they largely unexpected?
**Dr. Dimitriou:** While we did know Thessaloniki was rich in history, the scale and significance of the finds were truly astonishing. This project became the largest salvage excavation ever undertaken in Greece [[1](https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/greek-city-thessaloniki-gets-new-metro-system-driverless-116341097)].
**Host:** I imagine preserving these artifacts was a delicate and costly process?
**Dr. Dimitriou:** Absolutely. The cost of excavating and preserving these treasures exceeded $215 million [[1](https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/greek-city-thessaloniki-gets-new-metro-system-driverless-116341097)], and we faced numerous legal challenges along the way. But for us, it was essential to protect these windows into Greece’s past.
**Host:** It sounds like a remarkable feat of collaboration between archaeologists and engineers. How do you feel now that the metro is finally open?
**Dr. Dimitriou:** I’m incredibly proud. The metro isn’t just a transportation system, it’s a journey through time. Passengers can now witness the city’s history firsthand, right there in the stations. It’s a powerful reminder of the rich tapestry of Thessaloniki’s past and its enduring legacy.
