Grey Aliveri marble will replace sections of worn asphalt around the Unknown Soldier memorial in Syntagma Square, after a Greek heritage council unanimously approved a redesign of the surrounding space.
The Central Council of Modern Monuments (KSNM), which advises the Ministry of Culture, backed the architectural study for the site. Members asked for further studies on specific parts of the plan.
Besides the new paving, the plan covers conservation work on the stone and metal elements of the Unknown Soldier memorial.
What changes at the Unknown Soldier memorial
According to the study, the existing asphalt heats up to high temperatures. It has also become very slippery as it wears.
To tackle both problems, the proposal lays bands of marble while keeping the character of the space.
Designers chose grey Aliveri marble because its colour is close to the asphalt. That asphalt was the original choice of the monument’s architect, Emmanouil Lazaridis.
During the session, council members heard about cracks, breaks and other wear on the marble elements. They also heard about soot deposits and black crust on the stone.
The metal elements need cleaning and repairs, too. Culture Ministry services will carry out that work.
Finally, the council asked for a detailed lighting study and a planting study. It also wants a dedicated study for the benches planned for the site.
A joint ministry committee
A special advisory committee of the Culture Ministry and the Ministry of National Defence had already approved the architectural study.
In February, Greek City Times reported that the two ministries had set up a committee to plan the preservation of the tomb.
Unveiled on 25 March 1932, the Unknown Soldier memorial stands below the Hellenic Parliament. Its relief of a fallen soldier is the work of sculptor Fokion Rok.
Every hour, crowds gather to watch the Evzones of the Presidential Guard change guard at the Unknown Soldier memorial.
No start date or budget for the works has been made public so far.
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