Archeological discoveries buried during the construction of Thessaloniki Metro in Greece’s second-largest city, have come to light once again.

Construction began in 2006 but the project was delayed due to archaeological discoveries, mostly from the 4th century and 6th century.

According to local media, a stone-paved road, the Decumanus Maximus, will be relocated to build the station, provoking a backlash from citizens, with claims it will suffer irreparable damage.

Thessaloniki Metro is due to open in 2023.

Unique Roman era avenue and ancient city's blocks buried during construction works come to light again - Decumanus Maximus road, the main avenue of ancient Thessaloniki located just below today's Egnatia main street, along with the authentic trade center of the Byzantine period, come to light again, after is was buried in sand to protect it during construction works. Discovery of this ancient city under the modern one, made in 2012, during construction of Venizelou station of Thessaloniki subway.
The monument, of great historical and archaeological significance, will be detached from its 1,600-year-old site and relocated in order to build the station, provoking a backlash from citizens and organizations as they claim it will suffer irreparable damage during the secondment and lose much of its authenticity. Otherwise, the intact preservation of the findings at Venizelou station will make Thessaloniki world-famous as a city that respects and displays its history, making it a pole of attraction for visitors, with significant benefits for the region.