Athens' newest ancient landmark is instant hit
ATHENS -- After almost 20 centuries of quietly flowing underground, the ancient Athenian river Eridanos openly and loudly gushes through a subway station in the heart of the capital, to the delight of visitors.
Since its opening to the public last week, the small river has instantly become Athens' version of Rome's Trevi fountain, with visitors dropping thousands of coins to its bottom.
When archaeologists started excavations under the central Monastiraki square to build a subway near the traditional Plaka district in the shadow of the Acropolis, little did they know they were about to redesign the Athens tourist trail.
The small Eridanos river, flowing from the springs of the central Athens Lycabetus Hill, was one of three rivers which meandered through the ancient city.
Since Roman times, during the second century AD, it has been covered with a clay roof and used as a sewer in what is regarded as one of the most complex technical works of the time.
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Since its opening to the public last week, the small river has instantly become Athens' version of Rome's Trevi fountain, with visitors dropping thousands of coins to its bottom.
When archaeologists started excavations under the central Monastiraki square to build a subway near the traditional Plaka district in the shadow of the Acropolis, little did they know they were about to redesign the Athens tourist trail.
The small Eridanos river, flowing from the springs of the central Athens Lycabetus Hill, was one of three rivers which meandered through the ancient city.
Since Roman times, during the second century AD, it has been covered with a clay roof and used as a sewer in what is regarded as one of the most complex technical works of the time.