Significant archaeological findings came to light during the development of the natural gas distribution network in Drama, uniting the energy of the future with the city’s rich historical legacy
Important archaeological discoveries, unearthed in the context of the natural gas distribution network development project in Drama, which shed light on aspects of the city’s long-standing history, were presented during an event co-organized by Hellenic Gas Distribution Company Enaon EDA a subsidiary of Enaon and the Archaeological Museum of Drama, on Monday, July 7, 2025.
The event, showcasing the exhibits of “Underground Drama,” took place in the atrium of the Archaeological Museum of Drama, in the presence of the CEO of Enaon EDA, Ms. Francesca Zanninotti, the Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Mr. Christodoulos Topsidis, the Vice-Regional Governor of Drama, Mr. Michalis Mourvetidis, the Mayor of Drama, Mr. Giorgos Papadopoulos, the Mayor of Kato Nevrokopi, Mr. Lefteris Tabouridis, the Head of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Drama, Ms. Vasiliki Poulioudi and a large number of attendees.
The archaeological treasures, which include buildings, tombs, cobblestones and pipelines from prehistoric to modern times, highlight aspects of the region’s rich history and culture. Their discovery resulted from close cooperation between Enaon EDA, archaeological services, and local authorities, aiming to ensure their protection alongside the development of energy infrastructure.
“The archaeological findings identified during the works for the development of the gas distribution network in Drama, bring to light the cultural wealth of the region and create new prospects for its enhancement and exploitation. At the same time, they prove that history can come alive through modern infrastructure projects. This collaboration between modern technology and culture demonstrates how development and heritage protection can go hand in hand.The city’s transition to a new energy era through innovative infrastructure is an investment for future generations, while the simultaneous enhancement of its historical heritage reminds us that the future is built on the past.,” emphasized the CEO of Enaon EDA, Ms. Francesca Zanninotti, during her speech, adding: “The discovery and protection of these archaeological treasures would not have been possible without our close cooperation with the archaeological services, the Region, the local authorities. We shared a common goal: to proceed with the project for the energy upgrade of Drama with respect for its history”.
The Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Mr. Christodoulos Topsidis, stated: “It is an honor and a pleasure to be in the welcoming city of Drama, at an event that brings together two seemingly opposite worlds: innovation and culture, energy and history. On the one hand, Enaon EDA is moving decisively forward with the development of the natural gas distribution network in our Region. This is an ambitious, yet absolutely necessary infrastructure project that transforms our energy footprint and creates new opportunities for growth. This project is profoundly social and economic. It is our response to citizens’ needs for more affordable and cleaner energy. And of course, it is the result of coordinated cooperation a genuine partnership between the public and private sectors, with tangible results. At the same time, in this wonderful space of the Archaeological Museum of Drama, we have the opportunity to travel back in time through the exhibits of the ‘Underground Drama’ which were identified during the works on the development of the natural gas network in the city. Energy gives us power for the future, but history gives us identity. It is important that Enaon EDA supports such cultural initiatives. It shows that a modern energy company operates with respect for the past and vision for the future”.
The Mayor of Drama, Mr. Giorgos Papadopoulos, underlined: “Drama has long been at the center of a highly significant project: the development of the natural gas distribution network by Enaon EDA. A project that has the potential to transform both the present and the future of our region in terms of energy and development. In a city where every inch of land conceals a page of history, it was only expected that the implementation of this project would bring to light treasures from our past. A living testament to Drama’s deep historical continuity through the centuries. These archaeological findings became an opportunity to remind us how valuable the synthesis of old and new, of yesterday and tomorrow, truly is.Ιn this context, the excellent cooperation between Enaon EDA, the Ephorate of Antiquities, and the Municipality of Drama served as a model of coordination, with a shared vision of protecting our cultural heritage in harmony with development. I would like to sincerely thank Enaon EDA for the collaboration, all the involved bodies, and the personnel working daily on the ground to ensure the project proceeds with quality, safety, and respect for our region”.
The Head of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Drama, Ms. Vassiliki Poulioudi, highlighted: “A region’s cultural heritage is also its identity. Therefore, the protection and the enhancement of cultural heritage is a sacred mission for all of us. Enaon EDA, in cooperation with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Drama, succeeded in uncovering new sites within the settlement of Drama that were previously unknown. These sites span various historical periods, from prehistoric to modern times. Thus, the role of this project is significant, as it contributes both to the discovery and the enhancement of antiquities. I would especially like to thank the Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Mr. Topsidis, and the CEO of Enaon EDA, Ms. Zanninotti, for their valuable support in our mission”.
The archaeological findings, which were discovered in various parts of the city, reveal valuable elements such as buildings, tombs, pits, paved streets, and pipelines. In 2025, five new sites were idenified including prehistoric and hellenistic pottery, kilns and ovens, that shed light on the life and daily routine of the people who lived here thousands of years ago.
Works on the development of the natural gas distribution network in Drama continue in full compliance with the procedures for the protection and preservation of archaeological findings, with respect for the environment and the local community.
As part of the project, 57 km of low-pressure network and 2 km of medium-pressure network have been constructed to date in Drama, while more than 1,000 residential and commercial meters have been installed. Additionally, key industries in the city have also been supplied.
Drama, along with Xanthi, Kavala, Komotini, Orestiada, and Alexandroupoli, is one of the six cities in the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace where Enaon EDA is implementing natural gas distribution network development projects. These projects include the construction of a total of 496 km of low and medium-pressure network and more than 11,400 connections for residential, commercial, and industrial consumers. Upon their completion, the Company will maintain its construction activity in the Region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace, with the aim of meeting citizens’ demand.
The projects in the Region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace have a total budget of €49 million and are co-financed by the Company’s own funds and resources from the Operational Programme of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. With the co-financing of Greece and the European Union, the projects initially began with funding from the NSRF 2014–2020 and will be completed through the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Programme 2021–2027.
It is noted that, within the framework of the co-financed projects, there is a 100% discount on connection fees for all residential and commercial consumers.
