The iconic fountain in Syntagma Square has been out of service for several weeks now, raising questions among passersby and tourists alike. The reason? Ongoing maintenance and restoration works being carried out by the Municipality of Athens.

In a recent statement, the Municipality emphasized the historical and cultural significance of Syntagma Square, describing it as “a timeless point of reference for Athens’ political and social life.” Originally known as “Palace Square,” it was renamed “Syntagma” after the September 3, 1843 revolution, when King Otto was compelled to grant a constitution to the Greek people.

Back in the 1850s, the center of the square featured a pond with goldfish, a tall clock tower, and a marble bandstand. Tree planting was completed by 1875, transforming the square into a unified green public space and gathering point.

A Fountain with Deep Roots

But when was the current fountain created? According to the city’s technical department, the fountain still standing today was installed in the late 19th century. It bears the inscription “Municipality of Athens 1872,” and its central element was designed by renowned German architect Ernst Ziller.

Though its form has been simplified over the decades, the fountain remains a historic feature of Athens’ urban landscape. Its current restoration is part of the broader municipal project titled “Preservation of Outdoor Sculptures of the Municipality of Athens.”

Restoration with Surgical Precision

The restoration effort is being conducted with what the Municipality describes as “surgical precision,” due to the monument’s historic nature. The aim is to complete the work and reopen the fountain as soon as possible—potentially within August.

The restoration involves much more than surface cleaning. It includes structural treatment such as joint repair and waterproofing. The project is extensive, given the fountain consists of two large basins and requires interior and exterior wall work. It’s made of individual pieces of Pentelic marble, each with unique properties and deterioration issues.

The outer crust is being carefully removed by hand using surgical scalpels—a meticulous and delicate process. The team consists of five certified professionals: conservators of antiquities and artworks, as well as a specialized marble technician working on the joints.

Notably, this is the first scientifically documented conservation effort on the Syntagma fountain in its recorded history.