Excursion to the Ancient Philippi
to the largest and majestic antique complex of Northern Greece, founded by King Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great!
15 km from Kavala is the ancient city of Philippi, one of the most important historical sights of Greece. Here you can see the buildings of the ancient city, the ruins of the Roman city, Christian churches and the central Egnatiev road, the fragments of which can now be repeated the way of the Apostle Paul. This road divides the city into two parts.
In the north there is an agora - forum, in modern words an ancient shopping center with benches, galleries, thermae (Greek baths). Right in the center of the city was erected one of the very first basilicas of Philippi, the greatness of which can be judged by the remains of imposing walls covered with stucco molding. Another early Christian church, the Octagon, dedicated to the apostle Paul and dated to the 5th century, lies just to the south.
Nearby you can see the ruins, at the beginning of our era served as the walls of the prison of the apostle Paul. Partially preserved Roman theater, later rebuilt in the arena. The architecture of the acropolis (upper part of the city) is a mixture of Byzantine style, elements of Roman paganism and Christian cemetery basilicas. Here you can see "Bucefal's bowl", the legendary horse of Alexander the Great.
Excavations began in Philippi in 1914 of the French school of archeology, and after the Second World War, the Archaeological Service of Greece, in cooperation with the Athenian archaeological community, conducted systematic excavations here. Today, the Archaeological Service of Greece, in cooperation with the University of Aristotle in Thessaloniki and the French School of Archeology, continues archaeological research. Findings of the excavations are presented in the exposition of the Archaeological Museum in Philippi.
Right next to the Ancient City of Philippi there is a unique and monumental Baptistery of St. Lydia. This modern architectural monument is located exactly at the place where the Apostle Paul baptized the first Christian in Europe - Lydia, and it was performed here the first baptism in Europe. And next to the temple on the bank of the river there is an open baptistery in the shape of a cross like those that were preserved in the early Christian basilicas in Philippi.
Unlike many ancient monuments of Greece from which are preserved only the names and legends, in ancient Philippi there is something to see and the guide will take you to the distant past following you in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. So if you are on holidays in Kavala - you must visit ancient Philippi.
Information about excursion to the Ancient Philippi
• Individual excursion with a guide to the ancient city of Philippi and baptistery of Saint Lydia is carried out by car (1 - 4 people), minivan (up to 8 people), or minibus (up to 20 people).
• The tour start and finish in the Kavala city (center or port) with a transfer to the archaeological site.
• Duration of the tour is 4 hours (include transfer both ways).
• The excursion can be carried out only by prior request which should be submitted at least 1 week before the planned trip date• The price starts from 70€ for 1 person. The minimum cost of the tour is 300€.
• The ticket to the archaeological site and museum (6€) do not include in the price.• You should have a passport as well as a camera and a great mood.
• We recommend that you wear light, casual clothing and comfortable, low-heeled walking shoes or sneakers, to have a hat and sunglasses.
