The redevelopment projects on Vasilissis Olgas Avenue, which are part of broader urban planning initiatives to create a 4-kilometer-long archaeological and cultural zone covering a total area of 15,000 stremmas in Athens, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the site this morning.
The Prime Minister was briefed by Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni and the CEO of “Public Space Regeneration S.A.” Chronis Akritidis, about the work carried out on an area of 28,360 square meters and the plans to showcase the uncovered antiquities.
The renovated Vasilissis Olgas Avenue is a tranquil public space connecting the National Garden and the Zappeion Garden with the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, ending on one side just a few meters from the Dionysiou Areopagitou pedestrian walkway - Apostolou Pavlou, which leads to the Acropolis, and on the other, very close to the Panathenaic Stadium and Ardittos Hill.
“A vision spanning decades, which essentially concerned a significant part of the integration of the capital’s archaeological sites, hasnow become a reality, ” the Prime Minister stated at the end of his visit. “I am impressed by the quality of the work and by the immense cultural significance this project holds for showcasing Athens, for its residents, and for the millions of visitors it attracts,” added Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The redevelopment also enhances green spaces in central Athens, as 160 trees and 8,500 ornamental plants were planted, improves safety through the installation of nearly 270 light fixtures and poles, and ensures unimpeded access for people with disabilities throughout the entire length of the sidewalk.
During the works, significant antiquities dating from the 4th century B.C. to the Byzantine era were uncovered and will be made available to the capital’s residents and visitors by early 2027 in a manner that highlights their significance.
Below is the Prime Minister’s full statement: “I am very pleased that, as the Minister said, a decades-long vision—which essentially concerned a significant part of the unification of the capital’s archaeological sites—has now become a reality.
I toured the new Vasilissis Olgas Avenue today and am truly impressed by the quality of the work and by the immense cultural significance this project holds for showcasing Athens, for its residents, and for the millions of visitors it welcomes.
I would like to once again congratulate everyone who worked on this project: the previous municipal administration that initiated it, “Anaplasi S.A.,” and the Ministry of Culture, which worked tirelessly to bring it to completion.
I am pleased that the current Municipal Authority, albeit with some delay—since it did not support the project when it was first planned—now recognizes its importance.
And of course, I want to emphasize regarding the issue of vehicle traffic that the direction we have discussed with the Ministry of Transportation—and there will be announcements very soon—is that for three months the road may be opened on a pilot basis to vehicle traffic, so that we can see how the city reacts and, above all, determine whether this vehicle traffic ultimately helps or hinders traffic in the city center.
Our primary concern has always been to support public transportation, which is currently able to use this street. So, very soon we will know what our final position will be regarding vehicle traffic on this street.
This road, however, is not primarily a road for vehicles. I would say that is the secondary role of this street. I believe that those who have visited this impressive redevelopment will be impressed and will view the completion of this extremely important project for our capital very positively.”
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, for her part, stated: “A vision for Athens, dating back to the 19th century, which took shape in the 1990s and beyond, is now a reality.
With the pedestrianization of Vasilissis Olgas Avenue, a section of the city is being restored, one that highlights Athens throughout its long history, as it connects the archaeological site of the Olympieion with the Zappeion, the National Garden, and all the artifacts scattered throughout the area. It is the gateway to the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis and the Parthenon.
Together with Kostis Bakoyannis, when he was Mayor, we launched this project, Mr. President, through “Anaplasi S.A.,” in order to provide the citizens of Athens with a promenade and recreational space, in the ancient sense of the word.
It is very important that today, with your presence here, we are confirming and sealing what has been part of the city’s design since the last decades of the 19th century, and we thank you very much.”