PLATOS' ACADEMY

 

                

The Archaeological Council of Greece,, approved the studies submitted by the municipality of Athens and the Athens Ephorate of Antiquities for the prospects involving the regeneration of the park and archaeological site of Platos’ Academy.

 

The project includes the area’s upgrade and promotion and foresees the offer of an architectural tender for the publication of a study that will focus on the construction of the Archaeological Museum of Athens.

 

The museum will be built in the area that has been selected since 2002, as instructed in the two studies that have already been prepared and approved by the Ministry of Culture.

The academy was founded by Plato in 387 BC.  It operated  throughout the Hellenistic Period and came to an end after the death of Philo of Larissa in 83 BC.  It was destroyed by Roman dictator Sula.

                                                            Gymnasium

                                              Plato's School of Philosophy

 According to the  Greek Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, the studies aim to promote the archaeological site that is connected with the Gymnasium  and Plato’s School of Philosophy, which is considered the world’s first university.

 

“The regeneration project fully respects the history of the area and revives the spirit of the Platonic Academy,” she said.

 

Apart from the regeneration of the archaeological site, the project also includes the change construction of the Archaeological Museum of Athens, which will present the city’s history through the findings of the archaeological research, for decades, underneath Athens.  The exhibits will be presented for the first time.

According to the mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyiannis, the regenerating project creates a whole new development opportunity for the area that has been abandoned for years.

 

“It provides us with the opportunity to transform into a destination and area of development, as well as to upgrade the quality and everyday life of its residents.  It will also become the starting point of a journey of entrepreneurship,  new jobs and modernisation,”  the mayor said.

 

The project that will focus on the transformation of the south and southeast part of the archaeological site will aim to:

  

     Highlight the archaeological site protection and promotion of its monuments as part of a wider architectural ensemble.

 

    Improve accessibility and create a continuous path  that will connect the level of the antiquities with the modern city and the park.

 

   Upgrade the neighbourhood and create a green area for walks and recreational activities.

   Focus on the safety of visitors, public property and cultural heritage.