On 4 February 2023, Elefsina will celebrate its inauguration as European Capital of Culture - the smallest and oldest of them all. A cultural programme that breaks with the typical image of Greece awaits visitors. In the home of Aeschylus, the great ancient Greek poet, there will be 465 events at 30 different venues. Under the motto "Mysteries of Change", 192 Greek and 137 international artists will present their work in a total of 17 art disciplines. Three thematic pillars form the basic framework of the concept: man and society, environment and work. 

Elefsina or Eleusis, with its 25.000 inhabitants, lies about 20 kilometres west of Athens and is neither particularly beautiful nor picturesque, far away from the typical postcard motif of Greece with whitewashed tavernas, turquoise shutters and the endless sea. 

In Elefsina, you look for such things in vain. 

Instead: Low-rise buildings, industrial ruins, discarded sea steamers rusting away in a ship graveyard. As a former industrial port with hard times behind it, production here has declined sharply today. It resulted in Elefsina's economic fall. The Capital of Culture project aims to breathe new life into several industrial sites by a young team.

One outstanding site lies in the middle of Elefsina: thousands of years ago people attempted to understand the mysteries of death with the help of the legendary "Mysteries of Eleusis". In ancient times, these mysteries were among the most important rites of consecration. And today's archaeological excavation sites offer an exciting counter-programme to the industrial landscape.

website: https://2023eleusis.eu/en/

contact: info@capcult.org