Ilissos had been considered the second main river of Athens, forming an horizontal landmark of the city since antiquity. As mentioned by ancient writers, its banks hosted various activities, as spaces for civic processes, various cults or idyllic landscapes, for social walks and philosophical discussions, i.e. for Socrates and his disciples. 

While the social life around the river flourished, a number of edifices where constructed along its banks dating from antiquity to 19th century, contributing to the accessibility between the banks and the efficient management of the river. 

Ilissos has undergone several re-arrangements on its route, commencing from antiquity and culminating in the 20thcentury AD, when the river has been channeled underground. Today a number of stakeholders envisage to unveil the ‘lost river’, proposing potential solutions for its sustainable re-introduction in the Athenian landscape.

This study presents the case of Ilissos river of Athens from antiquity up to our time. Read it here: http://hydriaproject.info/en/case-studies/tracking-ilissos-river-in-athens/relevance