The Ministry of Culture is fortifying the archaeological sites and museums of the Ancient Agora and Kerameikos with modern fire protection systems. This project, with a total budget of €6,500,000, is deemed necessary due to the aging fire infrastructure and the growing impact of the climate crisis.
Kerameikos Archaeological Site
As explained by Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, “The existing active fire protection system does not cover the entire archaeological site. It is already 20 years old and requires an upgrade to meet modern fire prevention and response standards. Installing modern active fire protection systems is crucial for archaeological sites, considering the new challenges posed by the climate crisis and current best practices. We are enhancing fire protection infrastructure and operational planning, focusing on developing appropriate skills among the archaeological site staff. The construction of a modern system for the active fire protection of these archaeological sites is a priority for the Ministry of Culture, ensuring faster adaptation to the new conditions in the most holistic way. The system’s design and operation are tailored to the environment of the archaeological sites, ensuring effective response while minimizing interference with the archaeological landscape and preserving unobstructed views of the monuments.”
Ancient Agora – Areopagus
The implementation of the active fire protection project for the Ancient Agora and Areopagus archaeological sites, which also includes the remnants of the Eleusinion in Asty (a temple dedicated to Demeter), was prompted by the increased fire risks due to dense vegetation, worsened by drought conditions. The site is adjacent to other important archaeological sites, such as the Acropolis and the Hills of the Muses-Nymphs-Pnyx, as well as urban groves like the Thiseio Park. Additionally, this archaeological site receives a large number of visitors daily. The project involves the installation of a permanent water-supply firefighting network within the organized and fenced area of the Ancient Agora. A firefighting network is being installed along the perimeter, supplied by the existing EYDAP water network near Thiseio Park. The main piping system will be above ground or, where required, underground, protected according to regulations.
In the Areopagus site, which is partly fenced and partly open to the public 24/7, two independent firefighting networks are planned, located around the perimeter and also supplied by the EYDAP network. The old network, which draws from the city’s water supply, will now only be used for irrigation and water supply for the archaeological site.
Kerameikos Archaeological Site
The current fire protection network in Kerameikos consists of three fully equipped firefighting stations: one north of the museum, one along the fence on Piraeus Street, and one near the Holy Road by the Holy Trinity Church. A fourth station is planned for the site’s entrance. Several points are also equipped with wheeled fire extinguishers. A water-jet system has recently been installed on the southern hill, and another is planned along the slopes of Ermou Street. According to the new design, a firefighting network will be installed along the perimeter, supplied by the existing EYDAP water network. This network will supply the external fire stations and the automatic sprinkling systems placed in selected locations.
For public warnings in the event of a fire in both archaeological sites, loudspeaker systems will be installed in the Stoa of Attalos and in staff offices at Kerameikos. The project also includes staff training in the use of the new systems.
