“Anapafseos Street” translates to “Eternal Rest Street”. This is where we find the First Cemetery of Athens. It is also known in Greek as Proto Nekrotafeio Athinon.
The First Cemetery of Athens is not just any burial ground. It is the official cemetery of the city. It was the first to be built. Imagine its establishment dating back to 1837. This coincided with the founding of the modern Greek state.
The location is quite central. It sits behind the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathinaiko Stadium.
This cemetery quickly became prestigious. Greeks and foreigners alike sought their final resting place here. As you wander, you will notice it is a large green space. Pines and cypresses add to its serene atmosphere. It feels like a park.
Within the First Cemetery of Athens, there are three churches. The main one is the Church of Saint Theodores. A smaller church is dedicated to Saint Lazarus. There is also the Catholic Church of Saint Charles.
The cemetery boasts several impressive tombs. Consider Heinrich Schliemann’s tomb. It was designed by Ernst Ziller. Notice also the tomb of Georgios Averoff.
One tomb features a famous sculpture. It is of a dead young girl. It is called I Koimomeni which means “The Sleeping Girl”. Yannoulis Chalepas from Tinos sculpted it.
There are burial areas for Protestants and Jews here. Segregation is not compulsory. The cemetery is under the Municipality of Athens. It has been declared a historical monument.
Many notable figures are interred here. Odysseas Androutsos was a hero of the Greek War of Independence. George Averoff was a philanthropist and businessman. You’ll also find the grave of Yannoulis Chalepas, the sculptor.
Other famous Greeks resting here include poets Odysseas Elytis and Kostis Palamas. There are graves of actors like Tzeni Karezi and actresses like Melina Mercouri. Also buried here are former Prime Ministers of Greece. These include Andreas Papandreou and Georgios Kafantaris.
Heinrich Schliemann, the archaeologist who excavated Troy, is buried here.
The First Cemetery of Athens is a place of history. It is also a place of art and reflection. Opening times are 08:00 to 20:00 daily.