Description of the attraction
Lavrion is a small Greek town located in the southeastern part of Attica. Lavrion was famous in ancient times thanks to the silver mines, which were one of the main sources of income for the Athenian state. This silver was mainly used for making coins. Lavrion is also a port city, although it is much smaller than neighboring Piraeus.
Lavrion is located 60 km southeast of Athens, south of the city of Keratea and north of Cape Sounion. From here there is an excellent view of the small uninhabited island of Makronisos. The city is only 35 km from Athens airport.
The Lavrion mines were initially so rich that part of the income went to the state treasury, and the rest was distributed among citizens. After the Battle of Marathon (one of the largest land battles of the Greco-Persian wars of 490 BC), Themistocles persuaded the Athenians to direct the expected revenues from the silver mines of Lavrion to expand the Athenian fleet to 200 triremes (triremes - warships), and thus laid the foundation for the maritime empire of Athens. The mines that were owned by the state, as a rule, were leased to individuals on a short-term lease basis at a certain percentage. The development of the deposit was carried out by hand and exclusively slave labor was used. At the end of the 5th century, during the Peloponnesian War, production decreased significantly, but the mines continued to work. Although the Greek historian and geographer Strabo pointed out in his writings that at this time in Attica, the smelting of old metallurgical wastes began, which indicates the depletion of primary deposits. In the 1st century A. D. the mines were abandoned. In the 20th century, the mines were converted, but mainly for the production of lead, manganese and cadmium.
Today Lavrion is the most attractive for tourists as a port where you can rent a yacht. It is from here that it is most convenient to get to such interesting places as the Cyclades Islands, Euboea, and the Saronic Islands. Cape Sounion, on which the ancient temple of Poseidon is located, is also interesting for tourists. The city has its own archaeological museum and a museum of minerals - the only museum of its kind in Greece.
The numerous taverns along the waterfront offer Greek specialties from freshly caught fish and other seafood.
