This historic city is getting a modern makeover. A major redevelopment project is underway in Megara, aiming to transform the city center into a vibrant and accessible hub for residents and visitors alike.
The €6.2 million project, funded by the "Antonis Tritsis" program, will create a pedestrian-friendly zone, improve green spaces, and link the city center to nearby archaeological sites like the Theagenes Fountain and the Archaeological Museum.
"This is a large project that enhances the entire city center and connects it with the archaeological sites, showcasing the historical and cultural aspects of Megara," Mayor Panagiotis Margitis told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA).
The redesign will prioritize accessibility, with wider sidewalks, tactile paths for the visually impaired, and curb ramps. Eco-friendly cobblestones will be used to pave the roads, encouraging slower vehicle traffic and creating a calmer environment.
The project also includes extensive landscaping, with new trees and shrubs planted throughout the city center.
While the project is expected to bring many benefits, officials acknowledge the challenge of addressing limited parking in the city center.
Negotiations are underway with the Hellenic Railways Organization to utilize unused sections of the train station for public parking.
The redevelopment is expected to take two years to complete. Deputy Mayor for Technical Services, Vasilis Saltas, expressed confidence in the project's potential to transform Megara into a "European-style city" with a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone.
"Above all, we want the city to be friendly to its residents," Saltas said.
"We are committed to making the infrastructure environmentally friendly and the city welcoming to everyone."