Monuments – Hellenic Republic

What a better idea than taking a stroll at some of the most significant cultural venues of Elefsina?

Archaeological Site

The archaeological site includes the hill of the acropolis, where the settlements of ancient Eleusis were developed from prehistoric times to late antiquity and mainly the famous Sanctuary of Demeter where the Eleusinian Mysteries were performed. The acropolis and the Sanctuary were surrounded by high walls reinforced with towers.

Bonus trivia!

Eleusinian Mysteries. Their ritual represents the myth of Persephone’s abduction by Hades, the god of the underworld, the journey of her mother, the goddess Demeter in search for her daughter, the rise of Persephone from the world of the dead, and her reunion with her mother. During her tragic journey, the goddess finds herself in Elefsina, and is hosted by King Celeus. Wishing to thank him for his hospitality, she reveals to the Elefsinians the secret rites and the blessed art of cultivating the fields, while urging them to build a sanctuary in her honor.

Old Oil Mill Factory

In 1875, the 1^st factory was founded in Elefsina, the Charilaou Soap Factory, operating as a paragon of development right up until its closure in 1960. Since 1995, it has housed the city’s arts festival, the Aeschylia Festival, while since 2022 it has officially been the main home of the Aeschylus Project, a 2023 Eleusis initiative paying tribute to the Elefsinian tragic poet Aeschylus and his work.

The 2,000-seat open-air theatre located within the former industrial complex hosts dance and theatre performances, and film screenings, while the surrounding area is mainly used for site-specific art installations.

Old Railway Station

In 1884, the 1^st train drew into the newly-built Elefsina Railway Station, while in 2001, the last train passed through and the station ceased to operate. The reuse of this building forms part of the 2023 Eleusis Architectural Heritage Development strategy, and there are plans for its permanent use in order to meet cultural/education sector needs. 

Old Town Hall

Located inside an archaeological site, this imposing, two-storey classical building stands at a prominent point on Elefsina’s main pedestrianised street. Built in 1928, it functioned as the Town Hall until the late 1990s and went on to house other local bodies before being leased by 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture in 2020. Taken together with the highly important archaeological site, it constitutes a landmark venue for activities of major cultural value.

The Clock Tower

At the highest point of the Archaeological Site is the City Clock, which on the occasion of the artistic work of 2023 Eleusis was restored and designated a monument.

Sources & photographs taken from: https://2023eleusis.eu/en/

Photograph No 1: Archaeological Site

Photograph No 2: Old Oil Mill Factory

Photograph No 3: Old Railway Station

Photograph No 4: Old Town Hall

Photograph No 5: The Clock Tower

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