The third phase of the restoration and promotion of the Kasta Tomb in Amphipolis, Serres, has officially entered the public bidding stage, according to Serres Deputy Regional Governor Panagiotis Spyropoulos. Speaking during a special session of the Regional Council of Central Macedonia—focused on the accountability of the regional administration—Spyropoulos responded to a proposal by regional councilor Maria Papadimitriou, from the “Change in the Region of Central Macedonia” party, regarding accessibility improvements to the Kasta Tomb site.
Spyropoulos emphasized that Phase III – Stabilization, Conservation, Restoration, and Promotion of the Kasta Tomb Monument in Amphipolis, Serres has already been approved for funding under the Operational Program of the Region of Central Macedonia, with support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the 2021–2027 programming period, with a total budget of €3,407,452. The project is being executed by the Department of Ancient Monuments of the Ministry of Culture, and, per the approval decision, is scheduled for completion by December 31, 2027.
What the Restoration Work Includes
The planned works include reshaping the eastern and northern slopes downstream of the Peribolos wall and modifying the overall geometry of the tumulus. It will also involve the construction of a perimeter path, the installation of drainage and hydraulic systems within the tomb and surrounding area, and the restoration and highlighting of additional sections of the Peribolos as well as scattered architectural elements.
One key part of the project is a special geotechnical operation to stabilize the excavation of the burial chamber, along with the installation of a metal support structure along the chamber walls in Chamber 4 of the tomb. Other interventions include:
Stabilization and restoration of Chamber 4
Restoration of the corbelled arch, diaphragm D3, and surrounding masonry
Reinstallation of the two-leaf marble door and the marble wings and head of the sphinx sculptures
Remodeling of the external façades of the tomb
Installation of monumental lighting
Construction of an internal staircase in Chamber 1
The project will also involve the conservation of plasters, mosaics, stone decorative elements, and sculptures in Chamber 4, specifically focusing on the mortars and coatings in the box-shaped burial structure. Additionally, a monitoring system for environmental conditions will be installed inside the tomb.
Collaboration for a Second Major Project
Furthermore, the Special Management Service is currently working with the Ministry of Culture to prepare a second project proposal for inclusion in the program. This project, titled “Exhibition Space, Visitor Reception and Information Infrastructure for the Kasta Tomb Monument in Amphipolis, Serres,” has a proposed budget of €6,927,000.
This second project includes two major components:
1. Exhibition and Reception Building
The first component involves constructing a partially underground exhibition building with a green roof, designed so that the visible part offers direct views of the tomb and surrounding archaeological site. In addition to the exhibition hall—occupying the largest part of the structure—the building will include a visitor reception area, public service spaces, a refreshment area, and electromechanical facilities. The project will ensure that all construction and technical systems meet modern standards for accessibility, full functionality, and energy efficiency.
2. Archaeological Site Design and Visitor Infrastructure
The second component focuses on developing the archaeological site with visitor pathways and informative infrastructure. The visitor route will loop around the tumulus at an appropriate distance to allow clear views of the monument, while also emphasizing its relationship to the broader Amphipolis site and the Strymon River. This path will connect directly to the exhibition center, with a branch leading to the entrance of the tomb itself.
Designated viewing platforms and an open-air exhibit area for architectural fragments (which cannot be reinstalled on the monument) will also be created. Additionally, the final stone surfaces (marble and porous limestone) of the Peribolos wall—restored as part of the monument’s reconstruction—will be conserved.
Enhancing the Visitor Experience
Inside the exhibition building, the first room will showcase findings from the tomb, presented through informational panels and digital displays. The second room will feature immersive augmented-reality installations, allowing visitors to interact virtually with the monument. In the third section, an open-air portico facing the tomb, visitors will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Kasta mound and its preserved original marble façade.
The visitor experience will also be enhanced with informational signs, tactile models, printed guides (including Braille editions), and a mobile-friendly digital app accessible to people with disabilities (PWDs). The plan also includes a slope reinforcement study for access routes and the entrance, and the construction of a parking lot and PWD-friendly access routes.
Timeline and Oversight
The first component of the new project will be carried out by the Museum Directorate of the Ministry of Culture and completed by April 30, 2027. The second component will be implemented by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Serres and is scheduled for completion by July 31, 2027.
Spyropoulos reaffirmed the Regional Government’s strong commitment to supporting this globally significant Macedonian monument, emphasizing that all progress must happen under the careful supervision of the Ministry of Culture's specialized services. He concluded by stating that the Region of Central Macedonia has been, is, and will remain a steadfast partner in the ongoing effort, ensuring uninterrupted financial support for all necessary projects.
