February 8, 2024. Yesterday, the Greek Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, accompanied by other dignitaries, visited the ancient site of the ‘Kasta Tomb’, also referred to as the ‘Amphipolis Tomb’.

The tomb and its tumulus, the largest in Greece, even greater than that of Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great, is located near the northern city of Amphipolis, 98 km east of Thessaloniki.

The opening of the site to the public is eagerly anticipated, but as further restoration work continues, it is now not expected to open until 2027, or 2028.

In 2015, research concluded that the tomb was commissioned by Alexander the Great as a memorial dedicated to Alexander’s dearest friend and lover, Hephaestion, based on three inscriptions which link the tomb to him.

Once open, the site will be an important addition to the ancient archaeology of Northern Greece and in reach of tourists visiting the island of Thassos.