Ελληνικό Δίκτυο ΦΙΛΟΙ της ΦΥΣΗΣ
31
The Kronos Distillery in
Eleusis, built in the 1920s,
one of the many old factory
buildings of historic,
architectural and social
interest.
Eleusis
It is here that Demeter first revealed to the people the secrets of agriculture. Pausanias says that its
plain, Rarion Pedion, is “the place where man cultivated wheat for the first time”. Today, the ruins of
her temple and the Telestirion are found among the structures of the modern city, the old refugee
neighborhoods and its contemporary folk traditions. The seafront is a reflection of the vigorous
industrial past, with significant examples of industrial architecture, like the KRONOS Spirits Factory
(1922), IRIS Paint Factory (1925), the Olive Mill and Soap Producers ELAIOURGIKI (1955),
VOTRYS Distillery (1906), the Soap and Olive Producers ELAIOURGEION (1875), the TITAN
Cement Factory (1902-1910).
Events like “Eleusis, European Capital of Culture 2021”, the Aeschylia Festival and the Folk-
art Month revitalize important cultural locations. Exhibitions and cultural events can be found
throughout the town, from the Asian Minor refugee neighborhood and the train station to the Old
Olive Mill.
Approaching the archaeological site, on Heroon Square, the church of St. Zachary impresses with
its simplicity and elegance. From 1834 to 1889 it housed the unofficial “museum” of the town,
embodying the architectural ambience of the humble settlement. The post-Byzantine church was
built with pieces from ancient structures, on the ruins of a paleochristian basilica church.