The route these photographs follow approaches Eleusis from the north of the Forecourt, then turns right into the area beyond the Western Triumphal Arch. Returning to the Forecourt, it proceeds through the Eastern Triumphal Arch, past the Inn and the Baths, and southwards beside the Roman wall to the great defences, before returning to the Forecourt and the monumental Fountain. The route then enters the sacred area, first through the Greater, then the Lesser Propylaia and to the rock shelter where there is good reason to believe sacred practices began. Returning to the path and passing votive plinths, the slope is climbed to the Telestron and on, up the hill to reach the chapel.

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In the background are the pillars of Perikles' huge grain Silos. Directly below is the Well of the Maidens, where Demeter rested while searching for Persepone.




When the Sanctuary area was extended in the Archaic period, the cult rituals were transferred from here to the Well of the Fair Dances.




The earliest fortified walls around the sanctuary were built in C6 by Peisistratos. The stone foundations were laid in the polygonal style which originated in Lesbos.




The tall superstructures were made of sun-dried mud and straw bricks, protected from the rain by impermeable plaster.




Uninterrupted worship of the feminine, the chapel is dedicated to Our Lady.




Fountains were important features in public spaces, especially in areas suffering from lack of water. This fountain had 6 columns on its facade ...




... with eight waterspouts and basins feeding water into a conduit outside the walls.




A large two chamber Cistern, made watertight by impermeable plaster supplied water.




The first allowed sediment to settle, while clean water was drawn from the second...




... and channelled via conduit.




Stairs to the cisterns ...




... gave access for cleaning.




Decorated grating.




The Kallichoron / Well of Fair Dances existed from earliest times. The well-head is dated from C6BC and was always regarded as sacred.




Demeter was celebrated by a special harvest festival with dances performed by maidens from Eleusis.




Lighted torches: important to Eleusinian symbology (on its side).




the Greater Propylaia, built by Marcus Aurelius as a monumental entrance to the Sanctuary during the time of peace enjoyed during Roman era.




Ionic capital (upside-down) decorated with the egg of fertility.




This bust of Marcus Aurelius probably took central position in the Tympanum.




The gateway was very broad.




The columns are of white marble from Pentelis which contrasts with the grey Eleusinan stone.




Metal dowels secured the placement of columns.




The exterior of the Lesser Propylaia has Caryatids representing Demeter with a sacred basket on her head standing on either side of the gateway. The remains of one is in the museum and the other is in the Fitzwilliam where it was taken in 1812.




The interior, built in 54BC by Appius Claudius Pulcher over the archaic entrance to the Sanctuary, had Corynthian columns and capitals




Corinthian capital decorated with leaves.




Cult symbols: sheaves of corn, poppies, caskets, buchrania adorn the Doric frieze.

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ELEUSIS