The Hidden Map of Tragedy on Greece’s Roads

Greek roads are not safe and the reminders are all around: at countless turns, along national highways, on streets, at the countryside and within neighbourhoods.

'Ekklisakia' ('little churches' in Greek) are the small roadside shrines raised in memory of those who lost their lives in fatal crashes. They are undocumented, unofficial but ever-present memorials that silently record tragedies. Tragedies so familiar that shrines are no longer noticed.

Driven by the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, the Road Safety Institute 'Panos Milonas' launched ekklisakiaioas.gr: the first initiative to document all the ekklisakia on Greek roads, and build an interactive map powered by every citizen’s contribution.

The map not only visualises the data behind tragedies; they also revealing the most complete picture yet of road safety in Greece. The maps shine a light on a tradition so deeply woven into the Greek landscape that it has become almost invisible.

The campaign was carried out through OOH, social media, and print ads.

The campaign will continue to live on through the website, where everyday new little churches are being mapped out.