The Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni inaugurated the project of lighting the Centennial Gate of the walls of the ancient port of Piraeus, on the Kastraki hill of Drapetsona, informs today’s announcement of the Ministry of Culture.

The mythical Aetian hero Piraeus gave his name to the Gate.

This is the largest and most impressive archaeological site of the Piraeus Coast. It is located to the west of the ancient port of Kantharos (the current port of Piraeus), which it protected.

It was built in 411 BC. and it was one of the two entrances to the fortified city of Piraeus, through which exclusively military forces passed.

The dating of the surviving fortifications goes back to different phases, starting from the 5th c. e.g. and continues until the end of the 3rd c. e.g.

In her greeting, Lina Mendoni pointed out that “the Themistocleian walls of the port of Piraeus, part of which is the Hetionian Gate, are one of the most important works of ancient Greek fortifications.

Here, one can recognize the fortification techniques developed from the 5th to the 3rd century. e.g. It is very important that this excellent work should be seen properly lit and enjoyed by citizens, visitors, and those on board ships arriving at the great port.

The discussion on highlighting the archaeological site of the Gate of Ages – the largest archaeological site in Piraeus, covering an area of ​​20 acres, which was granted by the PPA to the YPPO – began in 2010.

Finally, in 2013, a Cultural Development Program Agreement was signed between the Ministry of Culture and the Region of Attica with the object of lighting the Gate and the remains of Aphrodisi, located within the site.

The implementation of the contract began in 2013 and today the entire intervention is being completed with the lighting of the Gate and the wider area is being upgraded.

The archaeological site is part of the urban fabric, connects the past with the present, highlights the long history of the port of Piraeus and defines a new urban identity in the city and its coastal front, as “Kastraki” is in contact with the archaeological site Drapetsonas, a municipal park, which is planned to host a diverse network of cultural actions and activities.

The project of renovating the archaeological site of the Etionia Gate, let’s see it as a precursor and in direct connection with the major project of converting the Silo – this emblematic building for Piraeus, directly opposite the Gate – into a Museum of Marine Antiquities.

This Museum comes to fill a big gap. In our country we have many and excellent archaeological museums.

But in Greece, with thousands of kilometers of coastline, with thousands of small and large islands, with seafaring and the sea having a decisive role not only in the history and culture of our country, but also in its economic and social physiognomy, we do not there is still the museum, in which the treasures recovered from our seas, the underwater wealth of our country, can be displayed and taught over time.

A few days ago, the contract was signed with the project contractor. The Museum of Marine Antiquities, with a total budget of approximately 100,000,000 euros from the resources of the Recovery Fund, is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2025. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the retired Ephorate of Piraeus and Islands, Angeliki Simosi, for her valuable work and her long-term creative dedication to the Service”.

The restoration project of the Centennial Gate and the Ancient Walls, with a budget of 700,000 euros, concerned the complete restoration of the two towers of the fortification and the general shaping of the area (visitor routes, entrance gate, plantings, information signs, etc.) with the aim to make the space accessible to everyone.

The lighting study was prepared by Eleftheria Deco and implemented by Charalambos Stoupa.