The Kasta mound in Amphipolis is being prepared for opening in 2028

Kasta mound in Amphipolis for the first time showed the entire ancient perimeter of length 497 meters. After restoration, the monument is planned to be opened to the public in 2028.

Kasta mound in Amphipolis for the first time after many years of work, it revealed the entire ancient perimeter, allowing us to see the true scale of one of the most impressive Macedonian funerary monuments. The perimeter of the structure is 497 metersand the area of ​​the mound itself exceeds 22 stirrups.

According to Greek Ministry of CultureMinister of Culture Lina Mendoni conducted an inspection at the site, where work continues to uncover, strengthen and restore the monument. For the first time, the entire ancient peribole became visible – the outer fencing contour of the mound, which shows the real size of the complex.

To date, the opening of the perimeter, the restoration of the original geometry of the slopes of the mound and the surrounding space, as well as the restoration of the southern side of the fence on a section length 105 meters. Ancient marble elements and a limited number of new artificial stone inserts were used for the work.

What has already been done

Reinforcement work continues on the western perimeter, including extensive restoration of the stone retaining structure. At the same time, an extensive rainwater drainage system is being built, which is necessary to protect the monument from destruction. Given the size of the complex, this is not a cosmetic restoration, but a full-fledged engineering operation. Archeology, as it turns out, also loves drainage, and not just beautiful press releases.

The total area of ​​the mound is about 2.2 hectaresand the surrounding area adds approximately 3 hectares. This makes the object not just a separate tomb, but a large archaeological complex that requires special organization of access, protection and further museum use.

As he writes Proto Themeinside the burial monument, work has been completed to strengthen and restore the vault in the burial chamber. A metal support frame was also installed in the burial bed excavation, and the old temporary metal supports were removed. Thanks to this, the interior space of the monument is now fully visible.

Next stage: marble door and sphinx

In the near future, it is planned to install a monumental double-leaf marble Macedonian door to the burial chamber. The wings and head of the sphinx should also be placed – elements that became one of the symbols of the discovery of Caste after the start of active excavations.

On the perimeter road, which is formed in the footsteps of the ancient bypass, experts also show the later stages of use of the monument, including the Roman period. This is important because the Kasta mound is not only a monument to the time of Alexander the Great, but also an object with a multi-layered history, where different eras have left their traces.

Lina Mendoni named the mound “a unique and majestic Macedonian monument”. According to her, the diameter of the complex exceeds 140 meterswhile the diameter of the mound at Egi is about 110 meters. This makes Kasta the largest burial mound uncovered in Macedonia.

Connection with the era of Alexander the Great

According to the Ministry of Culture, the monument dates back to the last quarter IV century BC e.. The quality of construction and scale of the complex connect it with the era Alexander the Great. It was this historical connection that from the very beginning made the Kasta mound an object of special public and scientific interest.

At the same time, the question of the identity of the buried remains one of the main topics around Amphipolis. The monument has been causing controversy, versions and expectations for many years, sometimes more noisy than archeology itself. But the current stage is important for others: instead of talking about sensations, for the first time the entire scale of the structure and the scope of restoration work become visible.

Total intervention budget as reported Kathimerinimust exceed 15 million euros. Funding is provided primarily through Periphery of Central Macedonia and program ΕΣΠΑ.

When will the monument be opened to the public?

The goal of the project is the safe and complete transfer of the monument to the public at the beginning 2028. By this time, it is planned not only to complete the main work on the restoration and protection of the mound, but also to create an organized museum space that will allow visitors to understand the monument not as a set of individual finds, but as an integral archaeological complex.

During the trip Lina Mendoni also visited the only surviving ancient wooden bridge of Amphipolis, dating back to 5th century BC e.. Work to protect the facility has been completed and a metal covering has been installed. The minister then visited Monastery of John the Baptist in Serreswhere completed and planned restoration projects were presented.

Editorial comment

Kurgan Kasta – a rare case when archeology in Greece again shows the scale, and not just the problem of underfunding and perpetual delays. Full disclosure of the perimeter makes it possible to see the monument as an architectural and historical whole. Now the main question is whether the state will be able to bring the project to completion without the usual Greek scenario: solemn statements today, postponements tomorrow and a ribbon sometime later.

If the monument is indeed opened to the public in 2028Amphipolis will receive not just an archaeological site, but a new cultural center of Northern Greece. And this is the case when money for culture can work not only for reports, but also for historical memory, tourism and a normal attitude towards heritage. Yes, this also happens sometimes. Let’s not frighten the bureaucracy with too loud expectations.

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