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Kerameikos Archaeological Site: Athens' Ancient Cemetery

Discover Kerameikos: Athens' largest ancient cemetery, offering a peaceful exploration of Greek history and funerary traditions.

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Explore Kerameikos, the primary cemetery of ancient Athens, continuously used from the 9th century BC through Roman times. Wander among the ruins of tombs, monuments, and the ancient city walls, and visit the on-site museum to discover artifacts unearthed from this historically rich site.

A brief summary to Kerameikos Archaeological Site

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, as the archaeological site is extensive.
  • Visit in the morning or late afternoon, especially during summer, to avoid the heat and crowds.
  • Take advantage of free admission days, such as the first Sunday of the month from November to March.
  • Consider purchasing a combo ticket for access to multiple archaeological sites, including the Acropolis.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Thiseio Metro Station (Green Line), walk west along Ermou Street for about 5 minutes. The entrance to the Kerameikos Archaeological Site will be on your left, at the end of the pedestrian section of Ermou Street. Alternatively, from Kerameikos Metro Station (Blue Line), walk approximately 10 minutes towards the site. Follow the signs and enjoy the stroll through the Gazi district.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Metro Line 1 (Green Line) to Thiseio station or Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) to Kerameikos station. From Piraeus port, take the Green Line (M1) to Thiseio station. A single metro ticket within Athens costs €1.40. Alternatively, several bus lines serve the area. Check OASA Telematics for routes and timetables.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Athens. A short taxi ride from Syntagma Square to Kerameikos costs approximately €4-€6 and takes about 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Consider using ride-sharing apps for convenience. There is no dedicated parking at the site. The nearest parking areas are near Thiseio metro station and in the Gazi area around Pireos Avenue.

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Discover more about Kerameikos Archaeological Site

Kerameikos, located northwest of the Acropolis, stands as one of Athens' most significant, yet often overlooked, archaeological sites. This area served as the main cemetery of ancient Athens, with continuous use from the 9th century BC until the Roman era. The name 'Kerameikos' derives from the Greek word 'keramos,' meaning pottery, reflecting the numerous pottery workshops that once thrived here, drawn by the Eridanos River's clay deposits. Divided into Inner and Outer Kerameikos by the Themistoclean Wall in 478 BC, the inner section was for urban development, while the outer part remained the cemetery. Here lie the remains of significant citizens and war heroes, with the cemetery showcasing stately tombs and sculptural masterpieces. The Sacred Gate and Dipylon, two main gates of ancient Athens, are also found here. The Sacred Way, leading to Eleusis, began here, significant for the Eleusinian Mysteries. Visitors can explore the archaeological site, discovering ancient walls and the serene atmosphere of this ancient resting place. Highlights include the Pompeion, where preparations for the Panathenaic festival took place. The on-site Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos displays a range of artifacts, from sculptures to pottery, offering insights into ancient Athenian life and burial customs. Excavations continue to reveal more about this historical area, with finds dating from the Bronze Age to Roman rule.

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