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Paramythia, GR
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Elea is located on a naturally fortified plateau at the foothills of the Paramythia mountains.
It has a formidable view of the valley of the Kokytos, a tributary of the Acheron – which just so happens to be the river that Charon crossed on his boat to transport the dead to the Underworld, known as Hades. Even the local coins depict deities of the Underworld, Persephone and the three-headed Cerberus, the guardian of the realm.
The settlement dates back to the mid-4th century BC but was destroyed in 167 BC by the Roman legions and gradually faced abandonment by the end of the 1st century BC
The city was protected by impressive fortification walls, which still reach an impressive 7 meters to this day. The agora was at the heart of the settlement, bordered by stoas with columns along their façades.
Residences were arranged into building blocks around the agora, divided by streets and drainage channels for the removal of household waste and rainwater. Inside the houses, archaeologists have identified storage spaces for large jars (pithoi), rooms specifically designated to looms, and sanitary spaces featuring clay bathtubs.
Opening hours
Summer hours
April 1 – October 31
Mon: 08:30 – 15:30
Tue: Closed
Wed: Closed
Thu: 08:30 – 15:30
Fri: 08:30 – 15:30
Sat: 08:30 – 15:30
Sun: 08:30 – 15:30
Winter hours
November 1 – March 31
The site is open to visitors by appointment.
Please schedule your visit by calling:
+30 26650 29177, +30 26650 29178
Last admission: 20 minutes before closing time
The site remains closed on the following dates and public holidays: January 1, March 25, May 1, Easter Sunday, December 25 & 26.
The site remains closed on the following dates and public holidays: January 1, March 25, May 1, Easter Sunday, December 25 & 26.
Tickets
Full: €5.00
Reduced: €3.00
Admission is free on March 6, April 18, May 18, the last weekend of September, on October 28, as well as on the first and third Sunday of each month between November 1 and March 31.
Amenities
WC
Parking
Contact
Ephorate of Antiquities of Thesprotia
T: +30 26650 29177, +30 26650 29178
E: efathe@culture.gr
