A wildfire in Achaia, western Greece, has caused only limited damage to the Voudeni archaeological site, according to a statement from the Ministry of Culture. The site, which contains one of Greece’s most significant prehistoric cemeteries dating from the early to late Mycenaean period (17th–11th centuries BC), remains largely intact.
The blaze, which broke out near Sychaina in Patras on the night of 12 August, reached the site early the next morning, entering from the area of the prehistoric settlement. It quickly spread through forested sections with dense pine and shrub vegetation. However, the Mycenaean tombs, as well as the two largest protective shelters covering them, were unaffected.
Six smaller shelters were destroyed and will be replaced as soon as conditions permit. Visitor walkways suffered some localized damage, and wooden benches, large gazebos, and two storage sheds were lost—one empty, the other containing tools, materials, and crates with pottery sherds from past excavations. All conserved artefacts had been moved to the Patras Archaeological Museum in 2016 for safekeeping.
Modern site facilities, including the ticket office, guard post, projection room, visitor service areas, and staff building, remain unharmed. Access to the prehistoric settlement area is currently impossible, so its condition is unknown.
Authorities emphasize that a full inventory and damage assessment will be conducted once the fire is fully contained and access is safe. The Voudeni site will remain closed to the public until restoration work is completed. No damage has been reported to other monuments or sites under the jurisdiction of the Achaia Ephorate of Antiquities.
