Archaeological Site of Philippi
Αρχαιολογικός Χώρος Φιλίππων
An ancient city founded by Philip II of Macedon, famous for the decisive battle of the Roman civil war and for the first church the Apostle Paul established in Europe; a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016.
Philippi was founded by Philip II of Macedon in 356 BC. In 42 BC, Antony and Octavian defeated Brutus and Cassius, who had assassinated Caesar, here, and the city subsequently became a Roman colony. In 49–50 CE, the Apostle Paul preached here, and the site is considered the location of the first Christian church in Europe. The ruins lie on both sides of the road. On one side are an ancient theatre, the hillside of the acropolis and the prison where Paul is said to have been held. On the other side are the Roman forum, the large 'Basilica B' and the remains of an octagonal church. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016. It lies about 15 km northwest of Kavala. Intercity buses to Drama stop beside the site, and driving takes about 20 minutes. Admission is a few euros. Allow about 2 hours for the visit and bring a hat and water.
Opening hours
Summer approx. 08:00–20:00, winter approx. 08:00–15:30; check official announcements
Nearby sights
- Baptistery of St. Lydia
- Kalamitsa Beach
- Batis Beach
- Archaeological Museum of Kavala
- Tobacco Museum of Kavala
- St. Nicholas Church, Kavala
- Kamares Aqueduct
- Imaret of Kavala