Kerameikos: In the marble Elysium of art

The Dipylon, the most imposing gateway to the ancient city, is located here as well. The place name “Kerameikos” originates from the ceramic workshops of potters (“kerameis” in Greek), who chose this area for the deposits of clay soil along the banks of the River Eridanos, ideal for the production of vases.

Kerameikos started being used as a burial site in the Early Bronze Age (2700 – 2000 BC) and gradually became the most important necropolis of ancient Athens. Its operation continued uninterrupted until the 6th century AD, offering modern visitors the unique opportunity to experience 15 centuries of Athenians and settlers alike, slumbering beneath their their feet.

Through monumental inscribed funerary stelae and impressive statues, the ancient necropolis will inevitably lead you to its elegant museum. This is where Kostis Palamas, observing a funerary monument dedicated to the young horseman Dexileos, called Kerameikos “the marble Elysium of art” in his poem “Dexileos”.