Silver Mines & Mine Workshops of Lavrio

Silver from the silver mines of Lavrio (or Lavrion or Laurion) was the source of wealth and power of ancient Athens. It is therefore an important factor in the development of Western civilization.

The mines and workshops are located in a general area called Agrileza (Near the village of Agios Konstadinos - or Kamariza to use it's ancient name) which is situated inside the Sounio National Park. The nearest main town & municipality is Lavrio which is coastal.

This facinating area was being excavated in 2003 and still in 2009 with fences being erected around the main workshops (mainly in a section near Souriza's valley). Although now within easy reach of Athens due to the new Attiki Odos motorway and the new dual-carriageway to Lavrio, the area is virtually unknown to most Athenians, somewhat difficult to find, situated in a rather wild & uninhabited area and sadly rarely visited.

Location: 37° 41' 31.08" N, 24° 01' 2.29" E