A complex of luxurious Roman-era residences has been uncovered in front of the Zappeion, during redevelopment and reconstruction work on Vasilissis Olgas Avenue.
A new archaeological site has been revealed in the heart of Athens, where archaeologists have brought to light highly significant finds from the city’s Roman period. The discoveries consist of complexes of luxurious Roman-era homes found in front of the Zappeion, uncovered during the redevelopment and reconstruction works on Vasilissis Olgas Avenue.
At a recent meeting of the Central Archaeological Council (KAS), it was decided that these finds will be showcased, with a large excavation pit to remain open to the public from above, located right next to the paved walkway of the new pedestrian zone.
This project had been a point of contention between the municipal administration of Mayor Haris Doukas and the government. The mayor had advocated at the start of his term for partial vehicle access on Vasilissis Olgas Avenue, while Lina Mendoni, then Minister of Culture, expressed opposition citing the important archaeological discoveries found at the site.
The area has been known archaeologically since the 19th century, with significant ancient remains confirming its continuous use from the late Mycenaean period through the reign of King Otto. This particular location is especially important for the Roman period of Athens, with other major archaeological finds uncovered in previous decades, some of which are already open to the public on Vasilissis Amalias Avenue.
The newly revealed finds, as decided by KAS, will be displayed without a protective roof, to allow better visibility for visitors while visually connecting with the archaeological site of the Ancient Theatre of Dionysus (Olympieio).
Furthermore, since the Roman complex stretches approximately 48 meters in length and 40 meters in width—currently occupied by the facilities of the Agricultural Department of the Zappeion—it has been proposed, in agreement with the Committee for Olympians & Legacies, to release a strip about 7 meters wide for the creation of a walkway along the northern side of the excavation.
The goal is to create an elevated viewing platform that will have a direct line of sight to the Acropolis, the Ancient Theatre of Dionysus, and Mount Ardettos, enabling visitors to appreciate the entirety of the monuments and the topography of ancient Athens.
This zone will be softly landscaped and will end at the fenced archaeological site near the statue of Byron, which contains the remains of a semicircular stoa. Finally, lighting is planned for the site to highlight it at night.
When Will It Open to the Public?
A first section of Vasilissis Olgas Avenue will reopen to traffic on June 26, coinciding with the start of the 2025 EKO Acropolis Rally, according to Mayor Haris Doukas. However, the part of the avenue featuring the archaeological site is expected to open later, likely in September.
Speaking to SKAI TV, Doukas said the reopening would be impressive: “On June 26, the first section will open to host the super special stage of the Acropolis Rally,” explaining that it will be the right side of the avenue that reopens first.
When asked whether the entire avenue would reopen to traffic after the rally, he replied, “The left side still has some issues; we are waiting for the tram and trolley rails. I believe two lanes of light traffic will open around September–October, as planned.”
“To clarify, because many things have been written: From the start, there were roads designed for light traffic so that citizens can play tennis and go to the Zappeion Hall (Aigli). It will be used by all residents, not just those with special permits,” Doukas emphasized.
