Eleusis is a town and municipality in West Attica Regional unit in Greece. It is situated about 18 kilometres (11 miles) northwest from the centre of Athens and is part of its metropolitan area. It is located in the Thriasian Plain, at the northernmost end of the Saronic Gulf. North of Eleusis are Mandra and Magoula, while Aspropyrgos is to the northeast.
It is the site of the Eleusinian Mysteries and the birthplace of Aeschylus. Today, Eleusis is a major industrial centre, with the largest oil refinery in Greece as well as the home of the Aeschylia Festival, the longest-lived arts event in the Attica Region.
On 11 November, 2016, Eleusis was named the European Capital of Culture for 2021.
Municipality
The municipality Elefsina was formed at the 2011 local government reform by the merger of the following two former municipalities, that became municipal units:
- Elefsina
- Magoula
The municipality has an area of 36.589 km2, and the municipal unit has an area of 18.455 km2.
Hospitals and medical centres
Eleusis has only one general hospital the Thriassio General Hospital, located 3.9 km north of the city centre.
Aeschylia Festival
Established in 1975, the Aeschylia Festival in Eleusis in Western Attica is the currently the longest standing cultural event organized by an Attica Municipality. It is held annually at Palaio Elaiourgeio, a former soap factory by the seafront that functions as an open theatre. The festival usually is running at the end of August and during all of the September. The event is organized in honor of Aeschylus, who was born in Eleusis, from whom it derives its name. It includes stage productions, art exhibitions and installations, concerts, and dance events.
Sports
Eleusina hosts the multi-sport club Panelefsiniakos with successful sections in football and basketball. Another historical club of Eleusina is Iraklis Eleusis, founded in 1928.
