While most Ancient Greek antiquities remained untouched by the recent fires in East Attica, two post-Byzantine churches have been left devastated by the blaze.
The roof of the post-Byzantine church of Agioi Apostoloi within the archaeological site of Oenoe in Marathonas sustained severe damage.
The restored roof and interior of the post-Byzantine church of Aghios Athanassios in Kalentzi, Marathonas, was also damaged. Despite the ruin, the church’s frescoes survived the blaze.
In the Municipality of Penteli, the cave of Davelis and its two churches sustained minor damage.
Greece’s Ministry of Culture said in a statement that the East Attica Ephorate of Antiquities found no damage at the following sites: the acropolis of Ancient Aphidnae in Kapandriti, the organised sites open to visitors in the Municipality of Marathonas, the Archaeological Museum of Marathon and Ikarion at the Municipality of Dionyssos.
Greece’s PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Penteli to meet with officials, as they discussed plans for the restoration of the fire-stricken areas of northeastern Attica.
The plan includes, among other initiatives, a special forest recovery project and a specific program called “Greening My Garden – Greening Penteli,” aimed at the immediate clean-up and restoration of private gardens that have been burned.
An emergency grant from the Ministry of the Interior to fire-affected municipalities, will cover all public spaces affected.
Financial aid can now be applied for by citizens and businesses that have suffered damages.
Forests and mountainous terrains will be restored in conjunction with reforestation projects in Attica. They will be funded by the Recovery and Resilience Fund.
