Tracking Ilissos river in Athens

Ilissos is considered a landmark for the city of Athens and various activities are organised by its banks, ranging from official civic and religious practices to customary walks, as recorded also by Plato.

The temple of Olympian Zeus, the most prominent of the ‘parilissian sanctuaries’ is founded (to be concluded 700 years later in the Roman era).

The benefactor of the city Hadrian offers important public infrastructure buildings and edifices, extending the city eastwards of the river. Athenians offer the ‘Gate of Hadrian’, a monumental entrance to this new part of the city.

A vivid early Christian settlement is formed by Ilissos banks (today METS area).

Impressive buildings designed by known architects are built on the boulevard on the right bank of the river.

The Panathenaic stadium is refurbished to host the 1st modern Olympic Games. After a flood the gradual covering of the river begins.

The need for more urban space leads to the burying of the remaining open parts of the river. Part of it is being diverted to Faliro gulf to prevent floods (Marshall Plan).

Several proposals aspire to raise awareness on Ilissos, the ‘lost river’, proposing its sustainable re-introduction in the Athenian landscape.