This location is #11 on our Best Travel Destinations In Greece & Greek Islands Map!
Nestled in the rolling hills of eastern Macedonia, Greece, the Philippi Archaeological Site is a must-visit for first-time tourists seeking a deep dive into history and culture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, located near the modern city of Kavala, offers a stunning blend of ancient ruins, early Christian monuments, and breathtaking scenery. As you wander through the remnants of this once-thriving city, you’ll feel the weight of centuries—from Macedonian kings to Roman battles to the dawn of Christianity in Europe.
The site is relatively compact, making it easy to explore in a few hours, and its well-preserved structures, like the ancient theater and basilicas, are perfect for history buffs and casual travelers alike. Pair your visit with a stop at the nearby Archaeological Museum to see artifacts that bring Philippi’s story to life.
Facts and Historic Information: The Macedonian and Roman ErasFounded in 360 BCE as Krenides by settlers from the island of Thasos, the city was renamed Philippi in 356 BCE by Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. Its strategic location near Mount Pangaion’s gold and silver mines and along the Via Egnatia, a major ancient trade route, made it a powerhouse in the region. Philip II fortified the city with walls stretching over 2 miles, parts of which still stand today. In 42 BCE, Philippi became the stage for a pivotal Roman battle where Mark Antony and Octavian defeated Brutus and Cassius, ending the Roman Republic and ushering in the Roman Empire. The city was transformed into a Roman colony, with a grand forum, baths, and a theater that still hosts performances during the annual summer festival. These ruins, including a 40-square-yard mosaic floor in the forum, showcase the city’s wealth and architectural prowess during its Roman peak.Facts and Historic Information: Early Christianity and Beyond.
Philippi’s historical significance deepened in 49–50 CE when the Apostle Paul visited, founding the first Christian church on European soil. This event marked Philippi as a cornerstone of early Christianity, and the site boasts some of the best-preserved early Christian monuments in the world. The Octagonal Church, dedicated to Paul, and three grand basilicas from the 4th to 6th centuries CE highlight the city’s religious transformation. A small structure known as the “Prison of Apostle Paul” adds intrigue, though its exact connection to Paul is debated. By the 7th century, earthquakes and invasions led to the city’s decline, and it was largely abandoned by the 14th century during Ottoman rule. Today, ongoing excavations reveal layers of history, from Hellenistic walls to Byzantine towers, making Philippi a vivid testament to Greece’s diverse past.
