The Ministry of Culture is restoring and enhancing the protection of the archaeological site of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, in Samothrace, one of the most important worship sites of antiquity.

The sanctuary of the Great Gods is a band of temples, west of the ancient city of Samothrace and near present -day Paleopolis, where mysterious ceremonies were performed, dating from the 7th century BC.

The identity and nature of the deities that were worshiped remains enigmatic. They were different from those of the Olympian gods of the Dodecanese and were related to the chthonic deities of the Kabera, while their most common characterization is the great gods.

During the holidays, residents received ambassadors from other cities – states to the site.

Most building residues date back to the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, but there are also significant remains both from the 5th century BC. as well as the interval between the 2nd century BC. and 2nd century AD

Recovery projects are being launched

After completing the necessary studies – hydraulic, static, architecture, maintenance – the project is launched so that the site can be restored and shielded by the extensive damage suffered by extreme weather events on the island in 2017.

The project concerns three areas of interest:

a) Central stream ripper, which crosses the sanctuary of the Great Gods,

(b) Agia Paraskevi stream zone, near the building’s hygiene building and the beautifully damaged cobbled crossing,

(c) Aghia Paraskevi stream of estuary, near the church of Agia Paraskevi and the Vehicle Parking and Reception of Visitors.

Includes:

1. Geotechnical and hydraulic interventions for the settlement of the central stream and the stream of Agia Paraskevi, with the aim of stabilizing flow and prevent further corrosion of slopes and bottom. The interventions aim to settle the stream, with the few possible modifications of the ancient riverbed and ancient remains. The fastening and restoration of the surviving ancient and modern retaining walls are carried out by following the existing relief of the stream.

2. Architectural and static interventions for the creation of two new metal footprints to ensure the access of visitors to the archaeological site.

3. Restoration of the retaining walls and the bottom of the stream with respect to the morphology and archaeological physiognomy of the site.

4. Interventions for the configuration of the parking lot and reception of visitors to the Agia Paraskevi – Museum footbridge, as well as the surrounding area in the footbridge museum – archaeological site. Information and viewing points for visitors are provided in the upgraded surrounding area.

5. Proposals for additional flood protection measures. The most effective flood protection in the sanctuary of the Great Gods is the diversion of part of the rainwater, from the slope of Mount Saos to reduce the volume of water entering the archaeological site and to limit the risk of future disasters.