Day Out in Elefsina!

Please join us on Sunday, May 7, 2023, for a community-building outing, mini-fund-raiser, and cultural uplift/fun.

Eleusis, Cultural Capital of Europe 2023

Elefsina is a long-neglected but wonderful secret place near Athens. Ancient Eleusis was one of the most sacred sites anywhere, with an impressive ancient fortress as well. The emperors Nero and Hadrian, along with everyone else, came here to be initiated into the Eleusinian Mysteries of Demeter and Kore. The archaeological museum is newly refurbished/reopened. There are lots of other Cultural Capital venues. Then we can eat a fine Tex-Mex lunch with fellow democrats at the Happy Donkey, a cheerful establishment with outdoor seating near the ancient site.

Please RSVP below. Feel free to call Brady Kiesling at 6946 578290 for details.

Entry fee at the Elefsina site and museum is €6, half-price for seniors.

Suggested donation to DAGR is €10 per person/couple, which can be given here.  This will help us run DAGR activities and fund local operating expenses.

At least one participant in each group must be registered as a DAGR member. Children are more than welcome. Dogs aren’t allowed in the archaeological site, alas. 

We will meet at 12:10 pm on Sunday May 7, just inside the gate of the Archaeological site of Eleusis. Once we are assembled, DAGR Chair Brady Kiesling (part-time archaeologist-historian) will lead us to the Telesterion, site of the Mysteries, and talk briefly about the ancient sanctuary and its role in ancient history and politics, with messages for modern times as well.  We’ll then visit the site museum up the hill (stairway), and admire the tantalizing hints of an ancient mystery cult whose truth we will never be sure of.

Afterwards, we walk two minutes to the Old City Hall to see the historical exhibit on Elefsina town (on its last day!!).

Then we walk (six minutes) to the Happy Donkey restaurant/cafe just off the waterfront, for a no-host lunch and free-form political discussion fueled by margaritas and salsa. You are encouraged to wander off and explore the charming little town if the political discussion gets too heated.  

How to get there:

• Public Transportation (Bus 876): From the Agia Marina metro station (Metro Line 3 - Dimotiko Theatro), follow the signs for Kalvou Street and exit on the outbound side of Iera Odos by the taxi stand. The bus stop is in front of Aigaleo City Hall.  Board the 876 bus, which should arrive at the stop just before 11:30 am. Stay aboard until Plateia Elefsinas if you can, but be prepared to be kicked off at an earlier Elefsina stop and walk a few minutes up Pangalou St., turning left to the ancient site when you reach the main square (still under construction).
• Taxi: If you miss the bus, a taxi from Agia Marina station to the arheologiko choro Elefsinas should cost around €18.
• By Car: It’s a straight shot up the old national road to Corinth, past Dafni monastery and the refinery/steel mill. Take the first Eleusis exit (on the right) and then head left down to the bay. Turn right and drive until close to the Happy Donkey, our lunch destination, perhaps finding parking at the parking area by the Old Olive Oil Factory.
• Carpooling: If you plan to drive and have extra seats in your car for a potential new friend or two, let DAGR Secretary Jan Sanders know how many and from where, at [email protected]. 

Bring a hat and sunscreen and wear shoes you can walk in happily. A small bottle of water isn’t a bad idea. The restrooms are fine. The archaeological museum is NOT wheelchair accessible, and the lower site is only marginally accessible. The Happy Donkey has a ramp.

WHEN

Sunday, May 07, 2023 at 12:10 PM Athens Time

WHERE

Elefsina Archaeological Site
Elefsina 19200
Greece
Google map and directions

CONTACT

Chair Brady Kiesling
[email protected]
+30 6946578290

11 RSVPs