The Temple Of Artemis Agrotera - Endangered Site

www.artemisagrotera.org is a dynamic site of information, communication, and active protest concerning the endangered archeological site of the 5^th B.C ionic temple of Artemis Agrotera on Ardittou St, Mets in the centre of Athens, created by the Citizens of Mets Initiative.

We are a diverse group of people concerned with cultural heritage and the environment and who react to incidents of destruction that occur in the area of Mets. The temple of Artemis is our most important issue presently and we have decided to put it on the net because we believe its scope extends beyond the boundaries of our neighborhood. The sacred site is endangered by a lobby of speculative real estate developers and perspective builders and a slackening in its protection by the state.

The purpose of this site is to inform all interested about the historical significance of the temple and to engender support via a petition. The signatures gathered will then be sent to the Greek Parliament and to the European Parliament with the request that:

The sacred site of the temple of Artemis Agrotera be finally expropriated, fully excavated, unified to the archeological sites adjoining it and opened to the general public, and this after over a century since it was first excavated in 1897 and over forty years since it was protected and first declared for expropriation in 1964.

Petition For Artemis Agrotera

To the European Parliament, the Greek Parliament, and all relevant Government Agencies.

The archaeological site of the Ionic temple of Artemis Agrotera one of the most important historical and archeological sites that has survived in the center of Athens is at risk due to the lack of political will of the Greek Ministers of Culture. Up to this date no action has been taken to release the necessary funds for the expropriation of the land, its further excavation and its accessibility to the public.

In spite of 7 consultations over a period of 40 years with the Central Archaeological Council (the official expert body of the Ministry of Culture) wherein they consistently proposed the expropriation, excavation and accessibility of the site, the Minister has now redirected the issue to the council, proposing the possibility for private construction of the site.

We the undersigned strongly oppose the real estate development of sacred archaeological sites. Governments have the responsibility to protect our world heritage and keep it intact for the generations that follow. We demand that the European Parliament, the Greek Parliament and relevant Government Agencies take action to protect this site.


Petition link

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