Processional Road

The Processional Road is the continuation of the Sacred Road within the Sanctuary and led from the Lesser Propylaea to the main temple of Demeter, the Telesterion, curving along the rocky slope. In Roman times this way was paved with marble slabs, of which only a few are preserved today. On either side of the Processional Road there were pedestals on which stood statues and other dedications. Some of them can still be seen at the site.

Along the course of the Processional Way there is preserved a stepped platform (exedra) cut into the east slope of the rock, which is dated to the 4^th cent. BC. Perhaps from this place the worshippers witnessed some of the «enactments» that were part of the sacred representation during the performance of the Mysteries. On a rectangular terrace south of the exedra there are preserved foundation traces of a building that has been identified with the temple of Hecate. Further to the south of this temple, on the right side of the Processional Road, a large rock with a 0,53m deep cavity at the top, probably served as a kind of «offertory box» for the deposition of monetary offerings by the worshippers.

Peisistratean Fortification and Extensions Temple of Sabina