Österreichisches Archäologisches Institut Athen

02/09/2026

A little visit to our neighbours at Kaiafas: the Anigriad Nymphs, the ancient healing springs — and, of course, the water turtles. 🐢

Myth, water and landscape are never far away here. Just a short distance from the sanctuary of Poseidon at Kleidi-Samikon, the springs of Kaiafas are another reminder of how closely the sacred places of ancient Triphylia were connected with this extraordinary landscape.

28/08/2026

In the local news...


Ερωφίλη-Ίρις Κόλλια: «Αναμένουμε να αποκαλύψουμε όλο τον ναό - Προχωράμε κανονικά παρά τη συσσώρευση υδάτων» Με αμείωτο ρυθμό συνεχίζονται κανονικά, παρά τα προβ....

28/08/2026

Birgitta Eder and Erofili-Iris Kolia cutting the traditional Fanouropita. With St Phanourios in charge of finding what is lost and Poseidon watching over his sanctuary, we hope we have the right divine team on our side. May this year’s excavations at Samikon bring exciting finds!

22/08/2026

Greek-Austrian music summer at Mesolonghi, 23rd August

You are invited to the Ancient Theater of Plevrona in Messolonghi on 23 August at 19:15, to enjoy a beautiful summer evening of chamber music with the three exceptional winners of the “Akoume tous Neous” (Listen to the Young) 2026 competition.

Here, the artistic spirit of a new generation will meet the history of one of the region’s most iconic ancient theatres. Petros Andreadis, clarinettist and Sibelius Academy graduate, recognised for his innovative playing, award-winning pianist Daniil Kolanian with distinctions in Greece and abroad and Austria-based violinist Stelios Mastroyiannis, one of the three selected soloists of the competition, will come together for a special program featuring works by Khachaturian, Shostakovich, Liszt, Kreisler and Saint-Saëns.

“Listen to the Young” is an outstanding initiative within a wider network supporting emerging artists, bringing selected musicians to stages across Greece!

The concert is organised by the Municipality of the Sacred City of Messolonghi - commemorating 200 years since the Exodus of Messolonghi - Fondation Kaloy, DIAZOMA and Megaron Athens Concert Hall. The Austrian Embassy Athens is pleased to engage within this important initiative!

18/08/2026

Start of the 2026 excavations at Kleidi-Samikon, carried out as cooperation between the Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Ηλείας and the Austrian Archaeological Institute Athens. This season will focus on the excavation of the main hall of the temple of Poseidon Samios.

05/07/2026

With a few pictures from the garden the Austrian Archaeological Institute wishes you an enjoyable and productive summer!

02/06/2026

Austria’s Ambassador to Greece joins To Vima International’s Ambass...

24/05/2026

The 2026 Aigeira excavation season has started successfully!
This year’s campaign focuses on the documentation and study of finds from previous excavations, alongside the continuation of excavation work in the acropolis area.
We were pleased to welcome Andrea Rodler and Andrea Acevedo Mejia from the Austrian Archaeological Institute (ÖAI) in Vienna, who visited Aigeira for a few days to gain first insights into the wall paintings and plaster fragments discovered during the excavations of the 1980s in the theatre area.
Unlike previous years, the weather has been surprisingly unstable, occasionally forcing us to adjust and reschedule our work in the field.
Excavation work is once again being carried out together with our experienced local team: Giorgos Gekas, Andreas and Angelos Stavrou, and Giorgos Antonopoulos, shown here while preparing the site for the current campaign.
As the season continues, we look forward to the coming weeks of research and excavation in Aigeira.

08/05/2026

What a memorable evening! The Annual Meeting opened with the presentation of the Annual Report by Birgitta Eder, highlighting the activities and achievements of the past year. This was followed by an engaging lecture by Christoph Baier on his recent research on Hellenistic Lousoi. The event attracted a full house. We were honoured by the presence of the ambassador from the Austrian Embassy Athens. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to a successful and enjoysble event.

28/04/2026