The historic fountain in Syntagma Square, a central landmark of Athens and a well-known meeting spot, has been restored and is once again running after weeks of conservation efforts. This marks the first scientific restoration in the monument’s 153-year existence, tovima.com, has reported.
Originally unveiled in 1872, the marble fountain was the work of German-born architect Ernst Ziller, a key figure in shaping 19th-century Athens. Every day, thousands of Athenians and visitors pass by, with many tourists stopping to snap photos—though only a few notice the inscription at its base: “Municipality of Athens 1872.”
The restoration was completed by expert conservators and marble artisans under the direction of the Athens municipality. Mayor Haris Doukas described the process as requiring “surgical precision” to clean, stabilize, and safeguard the fountain. He added, “We return to citizens and visitors a historic monument in the heart of Athens, restored with professionalism and respect for its history.”
The conservation involved cleaning and repairing marble, filling in cracks, reattaching broken fragments, and applying an anti-graffiti coating for protection. One of the toughest challenges was removing the hardened black layer that had built up on the outer basin over decades due to earlier treatments and pollution.
Although informal upkeep had been carried out before, this was the first officially documented conservation effort since the fountain became a listed modern monument. The project was based on a detailed study prepared by Greece’s Ministry of Culture, following months of discussion over whether responsibility for the work lay with the city or the ministry.
Now fully restored, the fountain once again serves as a vibrant symbol of Athens, bridging the city’s modern life with its 19th-century heritage.
Source: tovima.com
