The Greek Ministry of Culture has announced a major initiative to restore and open to the public a sprawling Roman villa near Amyntaio, located on the historic grounds of ancient Eordaia.
Spanning 5,100 square meters, this “urban mansion” is one of the most significant residential discoveries in Northern Greece, reflecting the immense wealth of the Roman Imperial era.
Roman villa is next to the ancient Egnatia Odos
While Eordaia was inhabited as early as the late Hellenistic period—evidenced by the remains of an older agro-industrial building—it reached its zenith under Roman rule. The villa’s growth was driven by a shift toward large-scale land ownership and its prime location near the Egnatia Odos, the “superhighway” of the ancient world.
This strategic positioning connected the estate to the vital trade routes of the Roman Empire and the ancient city of Kelli. While Kelli served as an organized Roman station (mansio), its exact location remains one of the region’s great archaeological mysteries, though its influence on the villa’s prosperity is undeniable.
Architectural grandeur: 175 rooms of luxury
The villa’s intricate floor plan is divided into five distinct wings, separated by courtyards and elongated porticoes:
- The Central Wing: The opulent heart of the estate, featuring grand reception halls and the villa’s most impressive decorative elements.
- The Western Wing: Home to an extensive, high-status bath complex designed for public or semi-public use.
- The Northern Wing: A more secluded sector featuring a private bath and statues of various deities.
- The Southern & Eastern Wings: Residential areas that reveal a complex construction history with multiple later additions.
In total, archaeologists have identified 175 distinct spaces. Of these, 610 square meters are adorned with exceptionally crafted mosaics and wall paintings, renowned for their thematic diversity and artistic richness.
The restoration project
With a budget of €2.5 million funded by the 2021-2027 NSRF programme, the Ministry of Culture aims to transform the site into a premier cultural destination. The project includes:
- Conservation and presentation of all architectural remains.
- Construction of permanent, high-tech protective shelters for the mosaics.
- New visitor pathways, reception facilities, and modern lighting.
- Advanced drainage infrastructure to replace the current temporary systems.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni emphasized the site’s dual value:
“The enhancement of this monument serves as both an educational resource and a driver for local development. For the Ministry, sustainable heritage promotion is intrinsically linked to strengthening local communities and the regional economy of Western Macedonia.”
Related: Thermal Complex Discovered at Roman Villa in Ancient Greek City of Agrigento