ATHENS – Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni on August 2 described the Kasta Tumulus, together with the wider archaeological wealth of Amphipolis, as a unique cultural landmark and a major driver of regional development. The Hellenistic-era funerary monument is connected to the family of Alexander the Great.
Speaking at a modest ceremony marking the opening to the public of the upgraded Ancient Wooden Bridge project, the Minister highlighted the distinguished role of the ancient city of Amphipolis and the major challenges it faces in the years ahead.
The digital reconstruction of the unique Ancient Wooden Bridge, combined with the extensive projects carried out over the past seven years to showcase the wider area, is gradually transforming Amphipolis into one of Greece’s foremost archaeological and historical sites, with growing international recognition.
Mendoni noted that total investment in the Serres Regional Unit over the past seven years exceeds 25 million euros, of which almost 20 million euros has been allocated to the Kasta Tumulus alone.
“The body of work completed so far,” the minister said, “demonstrates the commitment of the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis to this region and to the unique Macedonian monument discovered in 2014. The monument is being studied in an exemplary manner through the collaboration of Greek and international specialists, with the aim of opening it to visitors in 2028 under the best possible conditions.”
Over the past seven years, Mendoni has visited Amphipolis on numerous occasions to monitor the progress of work, not only at the Kasta Tumulus but also at the city’s acropolis and the Ancient Wooden Bridge.
During her latest visit Mendoni carried out another inspection of the funerary monument, stressing that restoration work is progressing at a very satisfactory pace and that the current timetable remains unchanged, with the monument expected to open to visitors in early 2028, provided no new scientific issues arise that would require a short extension.
Kasta Tumulus to Open in Early 2028
“One of the project’s greatest challenges,” she said, “was the reinstatement of the marble entrance door following its restoration and reassembly, and this has now been accomplished in the best possible way. Restoration of the monument’s interior is progressing well, with relatively little work still remaining. The tumulus itself is being restored, and during the first half of September the contractor is expected to begin construction of the museum building, which will house both the digital and conventional exhibitions devoted to the monument.”
The Minister continue: “Beyond its sheer size, significance, and uniqueness, the monument continually presents new challenges requiring scientific solutions. Those solutions are being delivered to the highest standards by all those involved. Our objective is for its restoration to become a model of best practice, not only in Greece but internationally.”
Mendoni then visited the ancient acropolis of Amphipolis and its Early Christian basilicas, where important conservation, enhancement, and accessibility projects were also under way, before concluding her tour at the Ancient Wooden Bridge and the impressive new digital reconstruction presenting the complete history of Amphipolis.
The project had a total budget of 1.2 million euros, funded entirely through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, and was implemented by the culture ministry’s Directorate of Restoration Works in cooperation with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Serres.
“Amphipolis,” Mendoni said during the opening ceremony, “is a major archaeological site, having been one of the most important cities throughout its long history, particularly from the Late Archaic period onwards. It is no coincidence that Alexander the Great chose this place, this river and this coastline, as the starting point for his campaign to the East. The Wooden Bridge, constructed in the late sixth century BC, connected the two banks of the River Strymon and, in a sense, linked West and East until the nineteenth century.”
She also expressed her satisfaction with the completion of the works, as well as her admiration for the area’s remarkable natural beauty.
“As evening falls,” she remarked, “the site takes on a coolness and a unique quality of light from the setting sun, whose shadows reveal features that are not always visible. They help us appreciate the importance of Mount Pangaion in antiquity and the figures associated with it – from Thucydides and Brasidas to Alexander, Hephaestion, and the successors of the Macedonians. It is, without question, an invaluable treasure.”
“The Ministry of Culture, the Greek Government and the Greek State have a duty to return this treasure to the local community in the best possible way, while it is the responsibility of the local community and its institutions to manage it in the best possible manner,” the minister concluded.
Material from ANA-MPA was used in this report.
