Overview:

Philippi is an ancient city in eastern Macedonia, located on the northern Aegean Sea. Known as Krinides during its time as a Macedonian city, it was the site of several major battles, including the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, which established the Roman Empire in Greece. Today, Philippi is an important archaeological site and a major tourist attraction in Greece. It features a number of impressive monuments, including Roman baths, an ancient theater, and ruins of a Roman aqueduct. The city also offers a number of cultural attractions, including an information center, a museum, and a thriving art gallery. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Greece
Prominent Features:

1. Ancient Theater: One of the most prominent features in Philippi is its ancient theater, which was built during the Roman period, around the 4th century BC. It was originally constructed for theatrical plays and gladiator battles, but it also served political meetings and assemblies in times of peace. Today, the theater still stands and is a popular tourist site. 2. Walls of Philippi: The mighty Walls of Philippi are another defining feature of this ancient city. This extensive fortification was built during the 4th century BC and it served the purpose of defending the city from the outside attacks. It is considered one of the finest examples of ancient military architecture in Greece. 3. Akropolis: Another major site found in Philippi is the Akropolis. This majestic hill, which overlooks the city, hosts a few buildings which are still partially well preserved. These include the southeastern gate, the Temple of Apollo, the Episcopal Basilica and the defensive wall. 4. Archaeological Museum: The Archaeological Museum of Philippi is a must visit attraction for anyone interested in the history of this place. This remarkable museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts found in the area, including sculptures, pottery, coins, mosaics and more. 5. St. Paul’s Church: St. Paul’s Church is a must visit for anyone who is interested in the history of Christianity in this part of the world. It was dedicated to St. Paul of Tarsus, who is believed to have evangelized in Philippi. The building, which was constructed in the 12th century, still stands today. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Greece.

History:

Philippi was a city founded by Philip II of Macedon in 356 BC in the area of ancient eastern Macedonia (later Thasos) as a strategic military outpost and border fortification. It was a key city during the Macedonian Wars, and was the site of the Battle of Philippi, in 42 BCE, in which Brutus and Cassius were defeated in the final battle of the Roman civil war. Agrippa played a major role in the city’s development, renaming it Philippopolisis and rebuilding it. In 42 AD the Apostle Paul visited Philippi while on his missionary journeys. He baptized the first Christian convert there, Lydia of Thyatira, and he performed the city’s first miracle. The Church of Philippi was named after him, and it was the first in Europe. The city flourished during the Roman and Byzantine periods, and was the site of an episcopal see since the 4th century. In 342 the bishop was deposed by the Arian Emperor Constantius II, but was restored in 615 by Heraclius. During the 7th century, the city was invaded by the Avars and Slavs. Under the rule of the Bulgarians, it was the site of a major battle in 811. After becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in 1386, the city fell into decline. In 1870 it was incorporated into the Greek state. Today, Philippi is a small town and archaeological site, with a few archaeological remains and some early Christian churches. Visit one of the famous monuments of Greece with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Philippi is the second largest archaeological site in Greece, with a wealth of monuments that span the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. 2. The city of Philippi was founded by Phillip II of Macedon in 356 B.C. and became an important trading post. 3. Philippi, and the nearby city of Kavala, jointly became the first Roman colony in Europe in 42 B.C. when they were colonized by Octavian, who later became known as Augustus Caesar. 4. Philippi was the site of the Battle of Philippi in 42 B.C., the decisive battle that saw the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. 5. The Apostle Paul visited Philippi in 50 A.D. and preached Christianity to the citizens, making Philippi the first European city where Christianity was proclaimed. 6. Paul's visit to Philippi is the starting point of the Apostle Paul's third missionary journey, as recorded in the Bible. One of the historical monuments of Greece, it tells the story of a bygone era