Immerse yourself in the rich history of Philippi on a full-day private tour of the Archaeological Museum. Explore ancient Greek ruins, Roman colonies, and the birthplace of Early Christianity.
- The Archaeological Museum of Philippi - Pick-up time from Thessaloniki: 09:00\nArrival at the Archaeological Museum of Philippoi at 11:00\nThe Archaeological Museum of Philippi contains two exhibition units in which the finds from the excavations in the ancient city are on permanent display:\n\nUnit A: This unit takes up the whole of the ground floor and has a surface area of 380 sq. m. It contains the archaeological (inscriptions, sculptures, vases, coins, jewellery), historical and visual material of the city of Philippi and its region from the prehistoric period until the end of Roman antiquity.\n\nUnit B: This unit occupies the first floor of the building, with a surface area of 205 sq. m. In here there is a presentation of the Christian city (inscriptions, architectural members, mosaics, vases, coins) from the Early Christian period of its rise until its decline in the seventh century AD, and its complete abandonment after the Turkish conquest of the late 14th century.\n- Archaeological Site of Philippi - The most important archaeological site of eastern Macedonia, with characteristic monuments of the Hellenistic, Roman and Early Christian periods.\n The history of the site of Philippi begins in 360/359 B.C. when the colonists from Thasos founded the first city, called Krenides. In 356 B.C. the city is endangered by the Thacians and it turns to king Philip II for support. Philip had already foreseen the economic and strategic importance of the city, so he conquered it, he fortified it and he renamed it after himself (Philippi). After the battle of Philippi, in 42 B.C., the city became a Roman colony and its importance was stressed by the fact that it was located on the Via Egnatia.\n A landmark in the history of Philippi was the year A.D 49 or 50, when Apostole Paul visited the city and established there the first Christian Church of Europe. This made Philippi a metropolis of Christianity.\n- Holy Baptistery of Saint Lydia of Philippi - Arrival at the Archaeological Museum of Philippoi at 11:00\nNext to the ancient, archaeological site of Philippi located the place where the Apostle Paul baptized the first Christian woman in Europe - Lydia, and it was here that the first baptismal ceremony was held in Europe. Today here is the Baptistery where the christenings are held today.\nIn the town of Krynides in the Kavala region, next to the ancient city of Philippi there is a unique, monumental church of the Equal-to-the-Apostles Saint Lydia of the Philippisias. This is a modern architectural monument, the reason for the construction of which served as the stay of the Apostle Paul in this region.\nAccording to the narrative of Evangelist Luke, the Apostle Paul arrived in Philippi, the most important city in the region in the winter of the 49 - 50 AD during his first trip to Greece. \nLydia was the first Greek and first European woman, baptized by the Apostle Paul.\n- Kavala - Lunch Time\nDuration: 2 hours
- Pickup and drop-off service from your hotel in Thessaloniki
- Transportation in an air-conditioned V.I.P. vehicle
- Professional English-speaking chauffeur
- Certified English-speaking guide
- On-board WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Email with photos and video of your trip post-tour
- Gratuities
- Guide who speaks your language
- Lunch
- Snacks
Philippi’s archaeological site, located near Kavala, is known for its significant history among ancient Greek remains, dealing with crucial stages in Macedonian, Roman, and Early Christian epochs.
As you delve into the archaeological site, you’ll observe the city’s evolution from a Hellenistic colony to a Roman settlement, reflected in the enlargement of the theatre, the establishment of the Forum (Roman market), and the flourish of buildings crucial to ordinary ancient existence, such as baths, reservoirs, and lavatories equipped with flowing water.
In 49 or 50 AD, the third phase of Philippi’s history unfolded when the Apostle Paul articulated the teachings of the then nascent religion within its boundaries. Though he faced a short imprisonment, it didn’t prevent Philippi from transitioning to a hub for Early Christianity. As you explore, you will figuratively tread the initial paths of Christianity in Europe.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
