At the Archaeological Museum of Lavrion, finds from the mines and metalworking workshops illustrate human life and activity in the region from 5000 BC to the 6th century AD. The collection also includes finds from Lavreotiki and its surroundings, including Sounion and Thorikos. The history of East Attica can be encountered in its museums, at ancient sites and in the landscape.
Museums and their periods
The permanent exhibition at the Archaeological Museum of Marathon presents the history of the region from prehistoric times to the Roman period. The finds on display include objects from the prehistoric cemeteries of Vrana and Tsepi, from the tombs of the Athenians and Plataeans who fought in the Battle of Marathon, and from the Roman sanctuary of the Egyptian gods at Brexiza.
The Archaeological Museum of Vravrona is near the archaeological site. Its finds date from the 3rd millennium BC to the 4th century AD. The permanent exhibition introduces the Sanctuary of Artemis at Vravrona and the history of Mesogaia and its surroundings. In Kamariza, the Mineralogical and Mining Museum is housed in the former engine building.
Educational programs at the Marathon Run Museum are another way to explore museum topics. They include a guided tour and the hands-on “Search & Find” activity, in which students explore the museum.
Sanctuaries and structures
The Amphiareion on the road to Kalamos served as an oracle from the 5th century BC. The archaeological site lies in a pine-covered valley beside a spring. The Sanctuary of Nemesis at Ramnous dates from the 6th century BC and is considered the most important sanctuary dedicated to this goddess in the Hellenic world. A path leads down from the ancient city of Ramnous to the sea.
At Brexiza in Nea Makri, the sanctuary of the Egyptian gods is square in plan and measures 50 by 50 meters. A quite different and much more recent structure is the Marathon Dam: built between 1926 and 1929, it is 54 meters high and 285 meters long, and clad in Pentelic marble.
Today, 15 of the original 45 Doric columns remain at the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. Visitors come to Sounion and the temple throughout the year, especially in summer, to experience sunsets and the rising of the full moon over the cape.
Landscapes, water and local highlights
Lake Marathon lies in northeastern Attica, 28 kilometers from the center of Athens. It covers 2,450 acres and is one of Attica’s significant wetlands. Ramnous-Limiko is designated a landscape of particular natural beauty and is a protected area covering 261.2 hectares. The figures for the lake and protected area highlight two different aspects of East Attica’s landscape: a wetland and a designated natural landscape.
The port of Lavrion is home to a historic fish market and small ouzo tavernas. If you would like to stop there, check current opening hours. The mix of archaeological collections, structures and landscapes offers different ways to explore East Attica.
Planning your trip
Marathon is connected to Athens by regular suburban buses, which depart mainly from Pedion Areos in central Athens. Check the frequency and route before you travel. When choosing accommodation, it helps to first decide which places and themes are most important to you.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Keratea, Vravrona, Anávissos, Sounion, Vari, Palaia Fokaia, Porto Rafti, Kryonéri, Agios Stefanos, Kalamos, Skala Oropou, Koropi, Kalyvia Thorikou, Grammatiko, Vouliagmeni, Voula, Markopoulo Mesogaias, Rafina, Marathon, Varnavas, Artemida, Agios Panteleimon, Poria, Lavrion, Zastano, Kato Posidonia, Pefka, Spata, Paiania, Thimari, Drosia, Agios Konstantinos, Pallini, Kouvaras, Drafi, Eastern Attica, Mikrochori.
For the broader travel overview: Attica.
