Urban Exploration: The Living Legacy of the Hadrianic Aqueduct

Join the UrbanDig Project for a unique excursion into the depths of Athens, where past and present converge along the Hadrianic Aqueduct, a remarkable Roman infrastructure that still carries water nearly 2,000 years after its construction.

Stretching from Mount Parnitha to Kolonaki, this underground aqueduct is Europe’s only monument of its kind in both length and function. Beyond its historical and engineering significance, it has become a living symbol of resilient infrastructure, environmental harmony, and urban heritage.

As part of this guided experience, participants will:

Explore the aqueduct’s underground paths and hidden urban landscapes
Engage in dialogue and creative reflection on water circularity—then and now
Participate in an interactive, performative journey shaped by art, storytelling, and play
Discover how local communities and the Municipality of Chalandri are reimagining the aqueduct as both a water resource and a cultural commons
Led by the UrbanDig team, who have spent years building a vibrant community around the aqueduct through performances, workshops, and public art, this excursion invites you to think differently about water, sustainability, and the stories cities hold beneath their surface.

📍 Walking tour details and meeting point to be announced.
👟 Comfortable footwear recommended.
📆 On the afternoon of Wednesday, September 24th and is free for all delegates. A second visit may be arranged on Thursday the 25th or Friday the 26th if there is high interest.

This is not just a tour – it’s a journey into the soul of Athens, through the lens of water and community.

UrbanDig Project is a cultural initiative that bridges contemporary artistic practices with urban space, community engagement, and local heritage. Launched by the Greek performance group Ohi Paizoume, the project transforms neighborhoods into living stages, engaging residents, artists, and researchers in collaborative storytelling and creative exploration. By blending site-specific performances with participatory research, UrbanDig reveals the hidden narratives, cultural assets, and social dynamics of urban communities.

At its core, UrbanDig fosters dialogue and co-creation between artists and local stakeholders through long-term residencies, mapping exercises, and multimedia performances. The outcomes often include interactive walking tours, performances in unconventional public spaces, and digital archives capturing local histories. Through this process, the project not only highlights the cultural richness of each neighborhood but also empowers communities to reclaim their urban environments and articulate their identities.