The Sanctuary of Aphrodite in Aphaea Skaramangas: Design Proposal to enhance the cultural and historical area
Specialized topics in Landscape Architecture
Agricultural University of Athens
The significance of the area in ancient times, as an important stopover of the Eleusinian procession, an area to rest and accommodate wayfarers and pilgrims depicted in the archaeological site of the Aphrodite's Sanctuary and in the well-preserved part of the Sacred Way (Iera Odos), excavated from the temple towards lake Reiton, along with the uniqueness of Attica's landscape and the effort to revive it, were a source of inspiration for this research. Main objectives are:
- Integration of the large green-planted-areas of Mount Poikilo and Mount Aigaleo, as well as the settlement of Aphaea with Mount Aigaleo.
- The emergence of Aphrodite's Sanctuary through the green areas integration together with a network of open-air areas and information infrastructures.
- Connecting the area with the ancient route part of the Sacred Way (Iera Odos) from Echo Hill to Lake Reiton.
- Highlighting the two streams in the area.
- Creating infrastructure (playgrounds and sports facilities, information and accommodation infrastructures, green land leisure areas) which will attract more visitors to Aphrodite's Sanctuary and will activate the settlement.
The design proposal is based on making Iera Odos (Sacred Way) road underground in this section and the formation of a unified space above that emphasizes both cultural (Aphrodite's Sanctuary and the traces of the ancient Sacred Way towards Lake Reiton) and natural elements (streams, forest areas of Mount Aigaleo and Mount Poikilo).