A remarkable Roman-era archaeological complex discovered beneath Vasilissis Olgas Avenue in central Athens will be restored and presented to the public, providing visitors with a new view of the city’s history from the classical period through Late Antiquity and the Byzantine era.
The archaeological ruins were uncovered during work in the redevelopment of Vasilissis Olgas Avenue, near the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Zappeion in 2025. The site includes a monumental Roman building complex with a semicircular courtyard, colonnades, rooms, and an extensive drainage system. Archaeologists have identified successive phases of construction and use spanning several centuries.
The area north of the Olympieion, near the ancient Ilissos River, was an important part of Athens long before the Roman period. It developed outside the classical city walls as an area of worship and settlement and later became incorporated into the expanding Roman city.
The Ministry of Culture says the archaeological ruins will now undergo conservation and restoration as part of a broader effort to integrate the ancient monuments into the redesigned public space.
Layers of Athens’ ancient history as ancient Roman complex uncovered
One of the most significant discoveries is a section of the ditch associated with the Themistoclean Wall, cut into the natural rock. The defensive system dates to the classical period and represents the oldest preserved element identified in the excavation.
The Roman complex itself underwent major construction phases. According to the archaeological study, an initial phase dates from the late third to early fourth century AD, while another major rebuilding took place in the early fifth century.
The remains include carefully constructed walls, rooms, architectural elements, a mosaic floor, and a network of drainage channels. Later Byzantine remains include less substantial walls, storage jars, and underground storage structures, reflecting changes in how the area was used as Athens gradually contracted during Late Antiquity.
The excavation covers an area approximately 68 meters long and 11 meters wide. Earlier archaeological work in the area dates back to the late 19th century, when archaeologist Stefanos Koumanoudis investigated portions of the Roman complex.
Greek Reporter previously covered the Roman complex when the archaeological remains were being prepared for public presentation in 2025. At that time, the site was described as a major addition to Athens’ open-air archaeological landscape, with evidence of more than sixty rooms surrounding a courtyard.
A new archaeological landscape in central Athens
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said the restoration represents the next step following the completion of the Vasilissis Olgas redevelopment and described the site as an important testimony to the long development of the area. She emphasized the importance of protecting and presenting it as a unified archaeological ensemble.
The redevelopment of Vasilissis Olgas forms part of a wider effort to connect major archaeological sites in central Athens. The Greek government has described the project as one aspect of a broader archaeological and cultural zone extending through the historic center.
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