The Astikos Pylon and Diamesou Pyli (Urban Gates) are considered among the oldest examples of fortifications in the Attica region.
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The Astikos Pylon or Pili tou Asteos (both meaning “City Gate”) was one of the Urban Gates of ancient Piraeus. The archaeological site is often abandoned and is often filled with garbage and debris, making it a case of severe cultural neglect.
The Gate was supported by towers and featured an interior courtyard. It was the starting point of a road which led to Athens. The road passed outside the Long Walls, which connected Athens with Piraeus, but ran parallel to them. It is considered one of the oldest examples of fortifications in the Attica region. It was demolished by the Athenians, by order of the Spartans, after the defeat in the Peloponnesian wars in 404 BC, but was later rebuilt by Conon (394 BC). Although recent proposals have recommended the enhancement of the architectural monument and its surrounding area, engaging scientists from different disciplines, the Greek State has not acted on them. A little further east, is the Diamesou Pyli (Medium Gate), which was created within the Long Walls and connected the asty (city) with the port.
Ganiatsas V., (2007), Αρχαιολογικό Πάρκο στις Αστικές Πύλες του Πειραιά, [ Archaeological Park and Urban Gates of Piraeus], Monumenta,
http://www.monumenta.org/article.php?IssueID=2&lang=gr&CategoryID=3&ArticleID=45
Last visit 11/10/2013
Travlos I., (1993), Η πολεοδομική εξέλιξις των Αθηνών, από των προϊστορικών χρόνων μέχρι των αρχών του 19ου αιώνος, [The urban evolution of Athens, from prehistoric era until the beginning of the 19th century], Athens, 2nd ed.
Foka Ι., Valavanis P., (1994), Περίπατοι στην Αθήνα και την Αττική, τόποι, θεοί, μνημεία [Strolls in Athens and Attica, places, gods, monuments], Kedros
460 BC Built.
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