Since you’ve gone that far, take a look at the Paleontological Findings Exhibit.
When you think of what can be found in 30 minutes driving distance from Syntagma Square, in Athens, your mind goes to the northern suburbs, to the south or to Piraeus. Or, if you go a little further, to Piraiki peninsula (near the port of Piraeus). It’s hard for someone to think that a viable destination would be a… Watermill!
Yes, you heard it right, for those of you who didn’t know. An those who have visited it may remember it know. Half an hour from the centre of the capital, there is an 1876 watermill. It is located in East Attica, in Pikermi and was built in order to help the inhabitants of the region deal with viticulture. It is known as the “Mill of N.D.”
Paleontological findings
If you decide to get to Pikermi, it’s worth devoting some time to the Paleontological Findings Exhibit. The exhibition is hosted in the old community of Pikermi. It is the result of years of collaboration. A collaboration between professor and Director of the Museum of Paleontology and Geology of the University of Athens, together with the community of Pikermi, the Prefecture of Athens and the Municipality of Rafina-Pikermi.
The visitor can see texts, maps and photos of the excavations. Mostly, however, representations of animals in natural size. Giant deinotherium, sabre tooths and other felines. Pikermi’s hyenas, ponies, gazelles, antelopes. Rhinos, pigs, deer, giraffes. Giant and small turtles. Pheasants and ostriches. It’s the so-called “Pikermi’s fauna.” It’s the animals found in the land of this region.
The educational nature of the exhibition contributes to the understanding of the paleoenvironment, but also to the need to protect our natural heritage. Admission is free.
Oh, and for the 30 minutes driving distance, we mentioned at the beginning, it is the time needed to get there on a weekend. On weekdays, of course, it takes longer.
Have a nice time visiting East Attica…
Where the watermill of 1876 is
Frequently Asked Questions
The historic watermill, known as the 'Mill of N.D.', is located in Pikermi, East Attica, approximately 30 minutes driving distance from Syntagma Square in Athens. Built in 1876, it was constructed to help local inhabitants with viticulture in the region.
The Pikermi watermill is about 30 minutes driving distance from Syntagma Square in central Athens. However, this time may be longer on weekdays due to traffic conditions. It's a viable day trip destination for visitors exploring East Attica.
The Paleontological Findings Exhibit is hosted in the old community of Pikermi and features natural-size representations of extinct animals known as 'Pikermi's fauna'. The exhibition includes displays of deinotherium, sabre-toothed cats, hyenas, rhinos, giraffes, and other prehistoric species discovered in the region. Admission is free.
The watermill was built in 1876 to assist the inhabitants of Pikermi with viticulture. It utilized water from the Valanaris stream and the Pikermi reservoir, which were created to provide irrigation and water for the agricultural land in the region, particularly for the flourishing wine-growing settlement of Kropia.
Visitors can view texts, maps, and photos of paleontological excavations, along with natural-size representations of prehistoric animals including giant deinotherium, sabre-toothed felines, hyenas, ponies, gazelles, antelopes, rhinos, pigs, deer, giraffes, turtles, pheasants, and ostriches. The exhibition helps visitors understand the paleoenvironment and the importance of protecting natural heritage.
