In a historic moment for Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki, a groundbreaking driverless metro system opened its doors on Saturday, heralded as “unique in the world.” Spanning 9.6km (six miles) and costing a staggering €3 billion (£2.5 billion), this ambitious project is far more than a modern transit system—it’s a journey through time. During its nearly two-decade-long construction, workers uncovered over 300,000 archaeological treasures, transforming the metro’s 13 stations into vibrant underground museums showcasing relics from the Byzantine and Roman eras.
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A driverless metro system hailed as ‘unique in the world’ opened on Saturday in Greece’s second city, Thessaloniki. In the course of construction over 300,000 treasures were unearthed, many of which are now on display in the subway’s 13 stations. Above is Venizelou station
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The trains were built by Hitachi Rail, which said the new metro would cut 77,000 tonnes of CO2 annually
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Workers discovered a Byzantine-era market, a Roman cemetery and the remains of Thessaloniki’s busiest street in the 6th century. Above – Venizelou station
Thessaloniki’s metro project, which broke ground with exploratory funding as early as 1976, unearthed a wealth of historical gems. Among the discoveries are a bustling Byzantine-era market, a Roman cemetery, and the remains of what was once Thessaloniki’s busiest thoroughfare in the 6th century—a lively street lined with shops, as archaeologists describe. These artifacts, meticulously preserved, are now proudly displayed across the metro stations, with Venizelou and Agia Sofia stations serving as standout showcases of this ancient heritage.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, joined by President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Transport Minister Christos Staikouras, officially launched the metro by pressing a symbolic blue button on Saturday. Reflecting on the project’s significance, Mitsotakis remarked, “This is not just a public works project, which is incredibly important for the city. It is also a museum.” He added, “It’s probably unique in the world. We will go through an underground museum to reach the train.”
The path to this remarkable metro system was not without obstacles. Over nearly 20 years, the project faced court battles, canceled contracts, real estate disputes, and debates over station placements near significant archaeological finds. To protect these priceless discoveries, builders dug deeper than planned, reaching depths of up to 31 meters (102 feet) to ensure the metro tunnels passed safely beneath the relics. This careful approach preserved Thessaloniki’s underground heritage, allowing commuters to experience history firsthand as they travel.
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Builders had to dig deeper than originally planned – up to 31 metres (102 feet) – to make sure the tunnels ran below the archaeological findings
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Officials said the operation of the line would mean 57,000 fewer cars per day in the traffic-choked city
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This photograph partially shows the museum of metro station Venizelou
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Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said: ‘This is not just a public works project. It is also a museum. It’s probably unique in the world.’ Above – museum at Venizelou station
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Travellers look at some of the objects from the Byzantine and Roman periods found during the construction at the Agia Sofia metro station
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An eastward extension of the line with five additional stations is scheduled to open in 2025
However, not all reactions have been universally positive. Archaeologist Melina Paisidou, who contributed to uncovering some of Thessaloniki’s treasures, expressed concerns about moving artifacts for display rather than leaving them in their original locations. Despite this, she sees immense potential for the city, stating, “It is an opportunity for Thessaloniki to become a second Rome, in terms of antiquities.”
Beyond its cultural significance, the metro promises to transform daily life in Thessaloniki, a city of 300,000 residents (over a million including its suburbs) plagued by traffic congestion. Officials estimate the new line will reduce daily car usage by 57,000 vehicles, with an expected 254,000 passengers riding the metro each day. Built by Hitachi Rail, the system is also set to cut 77,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, marking a significant step toward a greener future.
The metro’s current 9.6km line is just the beginning. An eastward extension with five additional stations is slated to open in 2025, while a westward expansion is planned to eventually connect the city to the busy Macedonia Airport, though this may take several more years.
Thessaloniki’s driverless metro is a testament to human ingenuity, blending cutting-edge technology with a deep respect for history. As commuters travel through stations adorned with ancient mosaics, pottery, and remnants of a bygone era, they’re reminded that this metro is more than a mode of transport—it’s a portal to the past. With its unique fusion of modern engineering and archaeological wonder, Thessaloniki’s metro invites the world to experience a city where history and progress ride the same tracks.