The municipality that hosts one of the largest but least known archaeological sites in Greece, modern-day Elefsina, will submit a bid to host the European Capital of Culture for 2021 event.

Elefsina stands roughly were the ancient city-state of Eleusis was located, west of Athens proper. Today’s Elefsina is in the middle of one of Greece’s most industrialized districts.

The town’s mayor, Giorgos Tsoukalas, made the announcement on Monday.

The candidacy of Eleusis (Elefsina) was backed by Spyros Merkouris, the brother of late Greek culture minister Melina Mercouri, who conceived the institution.

During his address at the event, he stated: “I am pleased that the city of Eleusis is submitting a bid to be named European Capital of Culture for 2021. Culture derives from the past, shapes the present and looks to the future. Eleusis has it all. Therefore, it will become a great capital of culture.”