The Akropolis Challenge is first and foremost a signal. A testament to the potential of collective action when channelled towards a positive, edifying purpose. A reminder that all great human endeavours are born out of a common vision that is accompanied by clear goals and a specific techne. 

The challenge is set in a landscape dotted with the remains of monumental works that have led to myths about cyclopes and is limited to the work that a coordinated group of people can achieve between sunrise and sunset. It is an ephemeral intervention which reminds us that solid, memorable futures are built through innumerable actions that happen in the present and are soon forgotten. 

The Sentiero della Costa is a path that climbs the steep slopes of Monte Ginestro, connecting the ancient city of Praeneste with its sacred acropolis and its hinterland: Monti Prenestini. It is flanked by pre-roman cyclopean walls that fortified the area and the forgotten quarries where the Praeneste drew the stone from. Neglected for decades, today the path represents a gateway between the valley-bottom settlements that edge the city of Rome, and the depopulating mountainous communities of Monti Prenestini. This path presents a vital opportunity for valley-bottom dwellers to reconnect with their territory. However, in order to achieve this, we must first make it legible; we need to make the traces of human settlement that have shaped the landscape ours once more. 

The Akropolis Challenge invites participants local and foreign to a day of familiarization with Monte Ginestro. To collectively perform simple, tactical actions upon ancient traces on the landscape. To make these traces vivid, even if just for a while, with the hope that this creative act of care can catalyse longer term social rituals in between those that live the valley, and those that live the mountain.