EVENTS

In a systematic and methodical manner and absolutely within the prescribed timeframe, the process of repositioning the antiquities temporarily removed, during construction works, at the Venizelos Metro Station in Thessaloniki is evolving. The minister of culture and sports, Lina Mendoni, and the deputy minister of infrastructure, Giorgos Karagiannis, expressed their satisfaction with the progress of the work, during an autopsy at Venizelos station.

As Minister of Culture and Sports Lina Mendoni stated, " When in 2020 we started the temporary posting of antiquities at Venizelos station, we committed that within certain timescales the detached antiquities would return to their exact location, based on the principles of science and ethics, constituting a unique monumental ensemble within the shell of the station. Two years on, and earlier than the original plan, it turns out we've been consistent. With absolute respect for the institutional framework and the law for the protection of antiquities, but also for the needs of Thessaloniki and its inhabitants, we are completing an extremely complex archaeological project in the urban fabric of Thessaloniki, the equivalent of which has not been implemented to date. Complete studies were carried out for all necessary and legally foreseen stages, of the entire process of detachment and repositioning of antiquities under the continuous and uninterrupted supervision of the Ephorate of Antiquities of the city of Thessaloniki and with the close cooperation of the competent departments of the Ministry of Culture. All the studies received the positive opinions of the Central Archaeological Council, as well as the positive judgment of the plenum of the Council of State, to which those who obsessively opposed the construction of the station and the completion of the project appealed. Those who inaugurated tarpaulins and those who considered unsigned doodles as studies Thanks to the daily systematic cooperation of the Ministry of Culture with Attiko Metro and its partners, a school for the management, documentation, protection, and promotion of the Cultural Reserve was created in Thessaloniki, as part of the construction of a large and complex technical project.

We preserve and highlight the evidence of the long historical history of the city –from its foundation by Cassander until the last centuries - with pioneering and innovative solutions, utilizing modern techniques and technologies. Thessaloniki, at the end of 2023, will have the first, as it will have an extensive archaeological site integrated into the shell of the station. We show our respect for the past, the present, and future of the city and its citizens."

Deputy Infrastructure Minister George Karagiannis said: "With the return of antiquities to Venizelos station, we achieve an important milestone for the Thessaloniki Metro. This major operation is being developed with the utmost care by Attiko Metro for the promotion of antiquities and, essentially, the great history of the city. According to the timetable, the repositioning of the detached antiquities at Venizelos Station will be completed by the end of November 2023. At the same time, the construction of the dock, the installation of the structure on either side of it, as well as its power supply, have been completed. Now, we have received all 18 state-of-the-art trains, test runs are taking place along the entire length of the base line. So we are making reality what some people claimed was impossible because we believe that major technical projects such as the Thessaloniki Metro can coexist with antiquities as long as there is the political will and care to achieve practical and workable solutions. Thessaloniki will have one of the most modern metro stations in Europe, just as we had promised."