The municipality of Paros has announced the upcoming digital mapping and presentation of ancient underground marble quarries located in Marathii, marking a significant step in the preservation and promotion of the island's cultural heritage. The project, funded by European resources from the South Aegean Region, is part of the initiative 'Difficult Monuments of the Cyclades - Digital Documentation and Presentation.'
On January 8, 2025, the governor of South Aegean, George Hatzimarkos, signed the project's inclusion into the 'South Aegean' program for 2021-2027, with co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund. The total budget for the initiative is set at €400,000, with the project scheduled to commence on January 2, 2025, and conclude by December 31, 2027. The Cyclades Antiquities Service is the designated beneficiary of this initiative.
Mayor of Paros, Kostas Bizas, expressed gratitude towards Hatzimarkos and the director of the Cyclades Antiquities Service, Dimitris Athanasiou, for their roles in facilitating this important project. He emphasized that the digital documentation and presentation of the ancient quarries, known for producing the world-renowned 'lychnitis' marble, will enhance the visibility of the island's cultural heritage and attract more visitors.
Deputy Mayor of Culture, Anna Kaganis, highlighted the necessity of this project for the promotion of the ancient quarries. She noted that a partnership formed three years ago with representatives from seven associations aimed to advocate for this historic site. Kaganis explained that due to safety concerns, access to the interior of the quarries is restricted, making digital representation crucial for public engagement.
The digital content generated will initially be displayed at the island's Archaeological Museum, with plans for a dedicated kiosk near the quarries for enhanced visitor interaction. The municipality aims to extend digitization efforts to other significant monuments, including the Nikos Perantinos Sculpture Museum in Marpissa.
This project focuses on the digital documentation of monuments and archaeological sites in remote areas of the Cyclades, including the ancient underground marble quarries in Marathii, which date back to the 5th century BC, and the ancient city of Chrysopeis in Folegandros, known for its inscriptions from the 4th century BC.
Three-dimensional models of the quarries will be created to facilitate better documentation, quicker studies, and varied modern presentation methods, including interactive tours and online resources, catering to both on-site and remote visitors.