Elefsina’s Old Oil Mill to Become an Archaeological Museum

The theater in the Elefsina old Oil Mill, Photo source: Municipality of Elefsina

Elefsina, located in Attica near Athens, will get a new archaeological museum, to be created on the premises of the city’s old Oil Mill.

A landmark site of the area, the old oil mill every summer turns into a cultural venue, hosting concerts and theater performances as part of the local Aeschylia Festival.

A property of 11,799sqm, the old mill was recently acquired by the Culture Ministry from the National Bank of Greece. The ministry’s plans include the creation of a new modern museum that will house some of the area’s most significant archaeological findings.

Old Oil Mill, Elefsina. Photo source: Ministry of Culture

“Elefsina is entitled to a modern archaeological museum, worthy of its history and findings. The transformation of the area of ​​the old oil mill into a museum is now in the process of implementation,” Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said during a recent visit to the location.

Lina Mendoni at the Elefstina Archaeological Museum. Photo source: Ministry of Culture

While in Elefsina, Mendoni asked local authorities to proceed with connecting the old oil mill with Elefsina’s archaeological site in order to improve access for visitors.

The project is expected to promote Elefsina’s cultural heritage, as the Greek city is preparing for its term as the European capital of Europe in 2023.

Elefsina upgrades archaeological site

The archaeological site of Elefsina. Photo source: Ministry of Culture

The culture minister also visited the archaeological site of Elefsina, which is currently undergoing upgrade works.

The project includes the redesign of the site’s entrance and its connection to the city’s central Heroes Square, the protection and maintenance of monuments, the restoration of existing routes and the creation of a special path for people with disabilities or mobility issues.

Although restoration works at the archaeological site began in 2018, the coronavirus pandemic has caused significant delays.

“The upgrade of archaeological site of Elefsina is a complex project that requires coordination and additional resources,” Mendoni said, adding that the site must be part of the events for the European Capital of Culture in 2023.

Ahead of its term as European Capital of Culture, Elefsina is also planning to restore an early Christian basilica located in the central Heroes Square.