Amphipolis Fully Revealed for the First Time
The full 497-meter perimeter of the Kasta Tumulus at Amphipolis has been uncovered for the first time, revealing a monument that covers more than 22 acres of ground. Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni visited the site on Monday to inspect ongoing restoration work and received a full briefing from the project's lead architects.
The Kasta Tumulus is now confirmed as the largest burial mound ever excavated in Macedonia, with a diameter exceeding 140 meters, compared to 110 meters for the Royal Tombs at Aegae. Mendoni described the monument as dating to the last quarter of the 4th century BC, placing it squarely in the era of Alexander the Great.
Restoration of the southern perimeter wall is already 105 meters complete, using original scattered marble elements alongside limited new artificial stone. Workers are simultaneously reinforcing the western section and building an extensive rainwater drainage network across the entire site.
Inside the burial chamber, all older metal support structures have been removed, making the interior fully visible for the first time. Next on the schedule is the installation of a monumental two-leaf Macedonian marble door at the chamber entrance, followed by the wings and head of the sphinx.
The total project budget is expected to exceed 15 million euros, funded through the Central Macedonia Regional Authority and EU structural funds from both the 2014-2020 and 2021-2027 ESPA programs. Mendoni said the goal is to open the site to the public as a fully organized museum space by early 2028.
During the same visit, Mendoni also inspected the only surviving ancient wooden bridge at Amphipolis, dated to the 5th century BC and referenced by the historian Thucydides. A 1.12 million euro protective metal shelter has been completed over the bridge to preserve it.
