Kerameikos Tickets

Established in the 12th century BCE and used for centuries, the Kerameikos served as the main burial ground of ancient Athens, playing a vital role in both civic and religious life. As the city's most significant cemetery, it was the final resting place for prominent citizens, soldiers, and statesmen, with elaborate funerary monuments reflecting the social hierarchy of the time. The site also marked the starting point of the Panathenaic procession, emphasizing its connection to both death and public ritual. Beyond its role as a cemetery, the Kerameikos was an integral part of the city's defensive structure, with the ancient Dipylon and Sacred Gates forming key entrances through Athens' fortifications.

Architecturally, the Kerameikos offers a striking display of classical Athenian craftsmanship. The site is lined with beautifully carved stelai, family tombs, and sculpted reliefs that illustrate ancient Greek funerary customs and artistic refinement. The Sacred Way, which led to Eleusis, passed through the cemetery, linking the Kerameikos to the famed Eleusinian Mysteries. The remains of public buildings and workshops nearby hint at the district’s historical significance beyond its funerary function. Today, the site stands as a testament to the Athenians’ reverence for the dead and their dedication to monumental art, preserving a vivid connection to the city’s past.