Amphipolis: The Grandeur of Kasta Tomb Revealed

For the first time since its discovery, the entire Kasta Tomb in Amphipolis is visible, revealing a site of unprecedented scale and historical importance.

The tomb’s perimeter wall (the peribolos) extends to 497 meters, enclosing an area of more than 20 acres (8 hectares). When including the surrounding landscape, the total site managed by the Ministry exceeds 50 acres.

Restoration milestones at Kasta Tomb in Amphipolis

The Enclosure: The ancient enclosure has been fully unearthed. Restoration of the southern side is largely complete, spanning 105 meters. This work utilizes authentic ancient marble members found scattered at the site, supplemented sparingly by artificial stone to ensure structural integrity.

Structural Stabilization: Technical teams are currently stabilizing the western section of the enclosure. Simultaneously, an extensive hydraulic drainage network is being installed to protect the mound from rainwater erosion.

The Burial Chamber: Following the stabilization of the burial chamber’s vault and the installation of a metal support frame within the burial pit, all legacy scaffolding has been removed. For the first time, the interior of the monument is fully visible to researchers.

Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni announced that the next phase of work will focus on restoring the monument’s symbolic grandeur. This includes:

• The Monumental Door: The installation of the massive, double-leaf marble Macedonian door to the burial chamber.
• The Sphinxes: The return of the missing wings and the head of the iconic Sphinxes that guard the entrance.
• The Ancient Path: A perimeter walkway is being constructed along the traces of the ancient “peridromos.” This path will highlight various historical layers, including the exact spot where a Roman crane once stood to dismantle the tomb’s marble for reuse elsewhere.

A monument linked to Alexander the Great

During her statement, Minister Mendoni emphasized the site’s unique place in Macedonian history.

“The Kasta Tomb is a unique and magnificent Macedonian monument. With its diameter exceeding 140 meters—surpassing even the 110-meter Great Tumulus at Aigai—it is the largest burial mound ever discovered in Macedonia,” Mendoni said.

Current scientific data and archaeological evidence confirm the monument dates back to the last quarter of the 4th century BC. The “exceedingly high quality and luxury” of the construction directly link the site to the era of Alexander the Great.

The Ministry aims to complete the necessary visitor infrastructure—including a dedicated museum space on the eastern side—to fully and safely open the monument to the public by early 2028.

Related: The Guardian of Amphipolis: Full Documentary