pay tribute Eleusis hosts CNN, which explains why “this rusting industrial city could be Greece’s new tourist destination.”

publication begins with the history of Eleusis, which goes back 3000 years, when it was one of the most sacred cities of that time. The Eleusinian mysteries, the myth of Persephone and the archaeological finds of that glorious era are mentioned.

“In modern times, Eleusis has lost its luster as heavy industry on both land and water has eclipsed its ancient wonders with construction and pollution,” he notes.

cultural capital

Now Elefsina is once again enjoying the “light” of publicity, as together with Timișoara in Romania and Vezprem in Hungary, she bears the title of European Capital of Culture for 2023. In fact, Elefsina is the oldest and at the same time the smallest city that has been awarded this title.

American media cite the reconstruction of the archaeological museum and archaeological site, while noting that there is hope that, as the cultural capital of Europe, Eleusis will experience a renaissance and fall into the field of view of travelers.

Then comes the spectacular opening ceremony of Eleusis 2023 in February with a light show and a Stereo Nova concert.

One of the most anticipated events of the summer is the show “Ma” by the Italian director and screenwriter Romeo Castellucci, which will take place at the archaeological site of Elefsina.

“The Modern Shape of the Underworld”

CNN then looks back at Elefsina’s industrialization since the 19th century, which also led to environmental destruction in its beautiful bay.

In fact, a parallel is being drawn: “Smoke obscured a beautiful view. The bay has turned into a graveyard of ships. Eleusis has become the modern form of the underworld, the Sacred Way of antiquity has become the road to hell.”

It is noted that since 2000, the industry in the area began to decline, environmental protection measures are being applied with great zeal and efforts are being made to limit pollution. “We have a long way to go, but we have made a start,” said Mayor Argiris Economou.

“Elefsina Bay is not dead. We’re talking about a patient who can recover with the right treatment – and has already shown improvement. A few years ago I saw dolphins, sea turtles and even seals for the first time,” says Michalis Skoulos, Professor of Environmental Chemistry at the Hellenic National University in Athens, who has been doing research in the waters of Elefsina for many years. decades.

Hopes for a revival

Some of the old factories and buildings in the area have been converted into cultural spaces that house the art of 300 Greek and international artists.

CNN also recalls the statement of the deceased Miss Gerulanu, who described her vision for Eleusis: “An arts center with residencies, annual festivals, educational programs, digital nomads. A community that will join an existing one. A legacy that will benefit the city and its people.”

Greece is again expecting millions of tourists this summer, and it is hoped that visitors to Athens will also take a walk in Elefsina.

“This is the point for a new kind of travel. These travelers want something more than a cliché in today’s environment that combines environmental sensitivity and climate change: mistakes have been made, lessons have been learned, changes are being made for the future. This is exactly what Elefsina is,” comments Yannis Zaras, head of Big Olive.

At the moment, Elefsina, with a population of 30,000, offers its archaeological site, the Plutonian cave, coastal taverns, resurgent streets, its labor movement, and even the accommodation of Ukrainian and Syrian refugees.

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