Rondiri Square Archaeological Site: Echoes of Ancient Piraeus

Nestled in the heart of Piraeus, the Rondiri Square Archaeological Site provides a window into the ancient city. Unearthed during the construction of the Piraeus Courthouse in 1980, the site showcases a section of an urban block from the ancient city. The ruins reveal residential buildings dating from the Late Classical period to the early Byzantine era, with the best-preserved houses originating from the Roman period. The archaeological site sits atop foundations laid out according to the Hippodamian plan, a grid system using mathematical proportions to create city blocks. This layout defined the building plots and streets of ancient Piraeus. The excavations also uncovered narrow alleys, approximately 2 to 3 meters wide, which served as secondary passages to the north and south of the block. The ancient central street of Piraeus, known as Plateia Odos, aligns with the modern Iroon Politechniou Street, running along the site's eastern side. Visitors can observe remnants of houses and shops, offering insights into the daily life of Piraeus residents centuries ago. Although the site is fenced off, a good view of the stone pillars and fragments of ancient house walls is possible from the sidewalk.