After 14 years, the imposing enclosure of the Kasta tomb was revealed almost in its entirety

The inspection carried out by the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, at the emblematic burial site highlighted not only the progress of the restoration work, but also the impressive geometry of the enclosure, which is now fully visible to the visitor. For the first time, in fact, a circular tour around the monument is possible, allowing the real size and architectural image to be captured.

The minister was informed in detail by the architect of the monument, Michalis Lefatzis, and the project director, Mr. Vlachoulis, about the progress of the interventions, the technical difficulties, and the important steps that have already been completed for the full restoration of the funerary complex.

One of the most important funerary monuments in the country
The image of the site, with the extensive stabilization and restoration works in progress, reflects the scope of the effort made by the services and departments of the Ministry of Culture in order to rescue and highlight one of the most important funerary monuments in the country.

After 14 years, the imposing enclosure of the Kasta tumulus was revealed almost in its entirety

In her statements after the completion of the autopsy, Lina Mendoni focused particularly on the importance of the Kasta tumulus, while responding to those who, as she said, have questioned both its importance and its dating over time.

“Another autopsy on the Kasta tumulus and on a magnificent monument that for us has been clear what it is since 2014. A monument that has been questioned a lot and about which everyone comes today to say that they had predicted what it is,” she said. The minister noted that the monument itself “now answers its critics,” as the restoration of the enclosure and the highlighting of its overall geometry reveal, as she said, its true dimension.

The contribution of the Region of Central Macedonia is decisive
“The monument is magnificent not only for its size but also for the overall image of the enclosure that is revealed”, he underlined. He also placed particular emphasis on the dating of the monument, pointing out that the data so far confirm the initial assessment that it is a Macedonian monument from the last quarter of the 4th century BC, directly linked to the era of Alexander the Great.

“It is a monument which, as one can understand from both the size and the luxury of its construction, is inextricably linked to the era of Alexander the Great, when gold began to arrive in the coffers of the kingdom”, he stressed.

She insisted that the restoration of such a complex monument requires time and scientific precision, noting that “every monument is a living organism”, which must be studied and treated with absolute respect. According to the minister, the work carried out by the Directorate for the Restoration of Ancient Monuments, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Serres and the other services of the Ministry of Culture has now matured to such an extent that the monument is “slowly revealing itself”.

After 14 years, the imposing enclosure of the Kasta tumulus was revealed almost in its entirety, see photos

She described the contribution of the Region of Central Macedonia as decisive, recalling that the majority of the funding for the projects comes from the Region’s Regional Operational Programs. As he mentioned, the cooperation of the ministry with the Region began in previous years, under the governor of Apostolos Tzitzikostas, and continues today with the administration of Athena Aidona and the participation of the deputy governor of Serres Panagiotis Spyropoulos.

At the same time, the Ministry of Culture finances with national resources, amounting to one million euros, research programs that are implemented in collaboration with the National Research Foundation and the "Demokritos", with the aim of investigating and evaluating every element from the interior of the monument.

In early 2028, the funerary monument will be returned to the public

At the same time, the procedures for the creation of a museum space on the eastern side of the enclosure have already been launched, while the Ephorate of Antiquities of Serres is proceeding with the design of the necessary infrastructure for serving visitors and the overall management of the archaeological site.

The monument's full opening to the public is scheduled for early 2028. As the minister clarified, the operation of the site does not only concern the restoration of the enclosure or the maintenance of the interior, but a comprehensive promotion plan with modern infrastructure and organized management of visitors.