New 4-star hotel planned on Syngrou Avenue to preserve ancient cistern
Archaeological authorities approved preserving an ancient cistern on a Nea Smyrni plot where a 140-bed 4-star hotel is planned.
A new hotel investment is moving forward on Syngrou Avenue, in the Municipality of Nea Smyrni, on a plot where archaeological excavation uncovered a classical-era technical structure. The plan involves a multi-storey classical-type 4-star hotel with 140 beds, including basement and roof levels, on a 673.53 sq.m. plot at Andrea Syngrou Avenue 243. The property owner is listed as Summit Properties Monoprosopi IKE.
The Ministry of Culture's Directorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, following a unanimous opinion from the Central Archaeological Council, approved the preservation, protection and promotion of specific archaeological remains found on the plot. The most significant find is an underground cistern with four tunnels dating to the classical period, located in the southeastern part of the property, which will be preserved as a notable technical structure. Preservation was not deemed necessary for the remaining remains or a more recent shelter found on site.
Archaeological research and documentation of the structures must be completed before construction work proceeds, under the supervision of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Piraeus and Islands. Once construction is finished, an informational sign about the antiquities is to be installed, visible to passers-by.
The Ministry of Culture clarifies that this approval concerns only archaeological legislation and does not replace permits required from other competent authorities for the investment to proceed.