More Stuff: Antiquities to remain on site at Thessaloniki Metro

The Central Archaeological Council (KAS) is in favor of keeping antiquities discovered during the under-construction Thessaloniki metro’s Venizelos station at the site.

The issue was discussed at a meeting between KAS members and other officials at the northern port city on Tuesday.

The issue had raised considerable controversy among local authorities, Attiko Metro and the Ministry of Culture, with the latter initially opting for the transfer of the antiquities to a different part of the city for maintenance and eventually, viewing.

Among the antiquities discovered on the crossing of Egnatias and Venizelos streets is a 70-meter section of the city’s Byzantine era marble-paved road as well as 7th-century public buildings.

Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris, who also attended Tuesday's meeting, is in favor of showcasing the antiquities within the metro station. He envisions a display which could be part of a larger showcase of the city's ancient heritage.

The removal of the antiquities from the construction site was suspended in July following a decision reached by the Council of State.

Six possible solutions regarding the future of the antiquities were tabled at the meeting with the a majority of KAS members opting for a combination of two of the proposals, both defined by the need to preserve the antiquities' unity.

Source: ekathimerini [January 29, 2014]