For the first time, the entire enclosure surrounding the mound at Amphipolis has been revealed, with a perimeter of 497 meters, as well as the full extent occupied by the monument itself, which covers more than 20 acres.

To date, the uncovering of the ancient enclosure, the restoration of the mound’s original slope geometry, and the surrounding landscape have been completed. In addition, restoration of the southern side of the enclosure — over a length of 105 meters — has largely been carried out using scattered ancient marble pieces and a limited number of new artificial stone elements.

At the same time, stabilization work continues on the western section of the enclosure, including extensive reconstruction of the porous stone retaining structure, as well as the construction of a large drainage system for rainwater runoff from the mound.

These interventions cover a particularly large area, since the mound itself occupies 22 acres, while the surrounding area covers an additional 30 acres.

The monument’s interior fully visible

At the funerary monument, following the completion of stabilization and restoration works on the vaulted burial chamber and the installation of a metal support structure inside the burial trench, all conservation and restoration work on the ancient structure has now been completed. All older metal support and reinforcement systems were removed, making the interior of the monument fully visible.

The next step

In the immediate future, the monumental double-leaf marble Macedonian door of the burial chamber is scheduled to be installed, followed by the wings and head of the sphinx.

Along the circular path being formed on the traces of the ancient walkway, later phases of the monument are highlighted, including the location where a Roman crane once stood to dismantle the marble enclosure, as well as ramps used to lower materials from the top of the mound. Also visible is a rudimentary retaining wall made of rough stone masonry on the eastern slopes, demonstrating the long-term handling of engineering problems from antiquity to the present day.

Mendoni: “The Kasta Tomb is a unique and magnificent Macedonian monument”

Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni conducted an inspection at the Kasta Tomb, where she was briefed by restoration director Themistoklis Vlachoulis and supervising engineer Michalis Lefantzis on the progress of the interventions and restoration phases.

After the inspection, Lina Mendoni stated:

“The Kasta Tomb is a unique and monumental Macedonian monument, which through the completion of restoration works and the unveiling of the entire enclosure, now clearly demonstrates its historical significance and value.

The Kasta Tomb is the largest burial mound uncovered so far in Macedonia, with a diameter exceeding 140 meters, compared to the 110-meter diameter of the mound at Aigai, clearly illustrating its uniqueness and scale.

Scientific research and available data confirm its dating to the final quarter of the 4th century BC, while also demonstrating the exceptionally high quality and luxury of its construction, directly linking it to the era of Alexander the Great.

The progress of the works is determined by the monument itself. Every monument is treated as a ‘living organism,’ requiring full documentation, careful management, and continuous study.

For this reason, interventions are being carried out with the utmost care and methodical planning by the competent services of the Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with the National Hellenic Research Foundation and Demokritos National Center for Scientific Research, supported by specialized scientific teams from Greece and abroad.

A decisive role in financing the project is being played by the Region of Central Macedonia through the NSRF Regional Operational Programs 2014–2020 and 2021–2027. The total budget of the interventions is expected to exceed €15 million.

At the same time, procedures are moving forward for the creation of an organized museum space on the eastern side of the mound and the necessary visitor infrastructure. Our goal is the safe and complete opening of the monument by early 2028.”

Visit to Amphipolis’ unique surviving ancient bridge

The minister also inspected the only surviving ancient wooden bridge in Amphipolis, dating to the 5th century BC and referenced by Thucydides.

Protection and conservation work on the bridge has been completed, along with the installation of a metal shelter to protect the monument. The project was carried out by the Directorate for the Conservation of Ancient and Modern Monuments and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Serres, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Fund with a total budget of €1.12 million.

The Minister of Culture then visited the Monastery of Saint John the Baptist in Serres, inspecting restoration projects at the historic 12th-century monastic complex, which were recently completed by the Directorate for the Restoration of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Monuments.

The €1.8 million project to restore the southern burned wing’s cell building and the Kountiadis building was funded through the Central Macedonia NSRF 2014–2020 program. Additional restoration works — including the bishop’s residence, the Chapel of the Annunciation, and the completion of the monastery “hospital” — are also being launched, with €2.1 million in funding from the Central Macedonia NSRF 2021–2027 program.