Grave silence hangs heavy in the air. It’s a deceptive quiet that speaks volumes about the lives and legacies enshrined within these marble grounds of the First Cemetery of Athens. Founded in 1837, this is not just Athens’ official cemetery. It’s the oldest cemetery of modern-day Athens.
Imagine this place back then. Athens had just been liberated from the Ottomans. Burial within city center churches was forbidden. Each municipality needed its own cemetery at least 100 meters outside the city. Back then, that felt far away.
The First Cemetery of Athens quickly became the chosen resting place for prominent figures. Politicians, artists, and national heroes found their final homes here. Over time, it has evolved into a symbol of Greece’s rich history. The cemetery expanded to include sections for Catholics, Protestants and Jews.
Walking through the First Cemetery of Athens is like stepping into an open-air museum. Neoclassical and Romantic architectural styles blend seamlessly. Towering pines and cypresses create a serene atmosphere. Majestic sculptures guard equally beautiful tombs.
Keep an eye out for I Koimomeni. It means The Sleeping Girl. This poignant sculpture by Yannoulis Chalepas depicts a dead young girl. Chalepas himself rests here too.
The First Cemetery of Athens houses over 12000 graves. Many tombs are genuine works of art. They reflect what the deceased’s family considered a fitting memorial.
Among the notable burials is Theodoros Kolokotronis. He was a key figure in the Greek War of Independence. Melina Mercouri is resting here too. She was the famous actress and politician. Nobel Prize-winning poet Odysseas Elytis also calls this place his eternal home. Heinrich Schliemann, the archaeologist who excavated Troy, has a particularly impressive tomb here.
Anapafseos Street leads up to the cemetery gates. Anapafseos means resting place in Greek. It was one of the few roads beyond the city walls at that time.
Some claim the First Cemetery of Athens is haunted. People say they have seen the ghostly presence of Nikolas Batsaris. He was a wreath bearer who worked here until his death. Supposedly, he is oblivious to human presence.
Visiting the First Cemetery of Athens provides a unique glimpse into Greece’s past. It’s a place where history, art, and culture converge. It is the largest sculptural park in the country. So take your time. Wander through the garden streets. Soak in the art. Feel the energy, the peace, the history.