Last updated: 07/26/2019
Discover the archaeological site of Kerameikos Cemetery, which also houses an archaeological museum full of history in the heart of Athens! Here you will find all the tips to visit this amazing place in Athens.
THE KERAMEIKOS CEMETERY
The Kerameikos (Ceramic) archaeological site is a small part of the ancient Attic Deme of Kerameon, located at the northwest end of the city. It comprises part of the Wall of Themistoclean, the Dipylon Gate and the Holy Gate, the Pompeion, the burial site of the Stele of Hegesus, the Demosion Sema and other well-known monuments. In the past, Kerameikos (ceramics, in Greek) was a settlement of potters and pot painters, and the main production center for the famous Attic vases, due to the existence of clay deposits. The parts that were located near the riverbank were continually suffering from flooding, and thus the area was converted into streets lined with cemeteries and funerary monuments. Over time, the site became the most important cemetery in ancient Athens.
The first Kerameikos tombs date back to the Bronze Age (2700-2000 BC). The cemetery continually expanded and the number of tombs increased over the centuries. The site was heavily used between the Hellenistic period and early Christianity (from 338 BC to approximately the 6th century AD). The most important Athenian vases come from the tombs of the Kerameikos. Among them is the famous “Dipylon Oinochoe”, which has the oldest inscription written in the Greek alphabet.
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CURIOSITY: PEST POST
During the construction of the Kerameikos station for Athens' extensive Metro, a plague pit and approximately 1,000 tombs from the 4th and 5th centuries BC were discovered. At the time, the epidemic lasted two years and killed about a third of the population.
Read more: Athens: 3 Days Itinerary in the Capital of Greece
KERAMEIKOS ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Kerameikos excavations began in 1870 and many ancient objects have been recovered. In 1935, the Kerameikos Museum was built to house the items found during these excavations.
The museum opened in 1937, and in 1960 its structure was expanded to house new pieces found during excavations. It is housed in a small neoclassical building that houses the most extensive collection of tomb-related artifacts in Greece, ranging from large-scale marble sculptures to funerary urns, stelae, jewelry, toys, etc.
The exhibits are displayed in chronological order and according to their provenance. A curiosity is that the most important Athenian vases come from the tombs of Kerameikos. The museum incorporates internal and external courtyards, where the largest sculptures are kept.
HOW TO GET TO KERAMEIKOS CEMETERY
To reach the place by public transport, check below which options and subway lines are available:
- Thissio (Line M1): it is just a 6-minute walk
- Kerameikos (Line M3): it is a 7-minute walk
- Monastiraki (Lines M1 and M3): it is a 10-minute walk
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Kerameikos Cemetery and Kerameikos Archaeological Museum
- Address: 148, Ermou Str, Kerameikos, Athens 118 54, Greece
- Schedules: Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm
- Single Entry: €8 (combined ticket for 7 archaeological sites: €30 – read more in this link)
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