Athens International Airport Archaeological Collection
The Archaeological Exhibition at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” presents the long historical and cultural heritage of the Mesogeia region through important archaeological findings discovered during excavations carried out within the airport area.
The exhibition was created in 2003 by the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports in collaboration with Athens International Airport and is housed in a specially designed exhibition space inside the Main Terminal Building. It features 177 ancient objects originating exclusively from the archaeological excavations conducted at the airport site, illustrating the continuous development of the area from the Early Helladic period to the Post-Byzantine era.
Through maps, photographs, and informative material, visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of the archaeological landscape and historical evolution of the region where the airport was constructed. Among the most important exhibits are the findings from the fortified prehistoric settlement of Zagani Hill, dating to the Early Helladic period (3200–2000 BC), including stone tools, coarse pottery, and a model reconstruction of the settlement. The exhibition also includes two Geometric-period burials discovered at the cemetery of Spata, as well as artifacts from a Hellenistic pottery workshop identified in the Vathy Pigadi area. One of the highlights of the exhibition is a replica of the marble Sphinx of Spata, the original of which is displayed at the National Archaeological Museum.
The exhibition offers a unique cultural experience within a modern international airport, giving travelers and visitors the opportunity to discover the rich archaeological heritage of Attica and the deep historical connection between the region and Greek civilization.
