This audiovisual application invites you to embark on a historical journey along the Long Walls, a monumental fortification project implemented in the middle of the 5th century BC connecting Athens to Piraeus. The Long Walls provided the Athenians with a continuous supply of goods, ensured uninterrupted access to their fleet, and offered protection for rural residents during wartime. The route of the ancient walls was later followed by the construction of Athinon-Peiraios Avenue, which revitalized the link between modern Athens and Piraeus in the 19th century. Located near the newly established railway, the capital’s industrial facilities grew and thrived. The many industrial buildings that one encounters along this route rarely retain their original use, sometimes being adapted to meet the city’s new needs or, more commonly, remaining as abandoned shells. Their presence, however, highlights the great historical value of the route.
The Points of Interest (POIs) were chosen after a detailed mapping of the archaeological material undertaken by the Dipylon team. They include remains of human presence on either side of the Long Walls as well as buildings that reflect the recent commercial and industrial history of Athens and Piraeus.
Modern and 19th-century cartographic backgrounds are provided in the application (Maps of Attica, Sheet III “Athens-Piraeus”, G. v. Alten and J. A. Kaupert, 1881), allowing for easy switching between both at any point along the route. This route extends over a distance of 7 kilometers. It is aimed at residents and visitors of the area, whether initiated or not, as well as teachers and students at all educational levels.
Explore the route in two ways:
Remote Tour
Discover the route from the comfort of your home! Through the illustrations of artist Petros Christoulias, you can explore life around the Long Walls and listen to fascinating stories surrounding them.
On the Road Tour
The route offers two suggested starting points: one at the so-called Asty Gate of the Piraeus city walls heading towards Athens, and the other at the Philopappos Hill (Hill of the Muses) heading towards Piraeus. You can also begin your walk from any point along the route.
The proposed POIs are grouped into four memory pockets: Athens, Tavros, Moschato, and Piraeus. Each memory pocket is designed to be easily accessible via public transport and includes a route of archaeological and industrial interest across different neighborhoods of today’s urban landscape. Together, they create a comprehensive touring experience of the historic corridor connecting Athens and Piraeus.
For more information about accessing the POIs, visit the “Ways of Access” section in the main menu.