Kerameikos is one of the most fascinating and vibrant neighborhoods in Athens, seamlessly blending thousands of years of history with a thriving, alternative modern culture. Located just northwest of the Acropolis, it owes its name to the ancient potters (“keramos”) who settled along the banks of the Eridanos River, establishing the city’s primary ceramic production center. Over time, part of the area evolved into the Kerameikos Ancient Cemetery, the largest and most important necropolis of ancient Athens. Today, visitors can walk through the peaceful Kerameikos Archaeological Site to see monumental tombs, sections of the ancient Themistoclean walls, and the historic Dipylon and Sacred Gates where major ancient processions began.