Are you in Macedonia and want to gather more information about the Macedonian kingdom of Alexander the Great? Then you should definitely visit Ancient Pella, the city where Alexander the Great was born in 356 BC and Vergina, where the royal tombs are located.
Ancient Pella was founded around 400 BC. from Archelaus I or Amyntas III to become the capital of the Macedonian State in place of Aigai (Vergina). The choice of position was made for political and economic reasons. Pella had fertile lands, was close to the new lands annexed to the Macedonian kingdom and most importantly, was coastal, providing easy access in all directions, which served both the development of trade and the expansionist policy of the Macedonians.
Pella was organized during the years of Philip II (360-336 BC) and Cassander and developed into the most important political, economic and cultural center of all Greece. The effort of Philip II, however, was not limited to internal development, but focused mainly on the expansion of the political power of Macedonia. Alexander the Great, son of Philip II, expanded the Macedonian kingdom with his conquests (336-323 BC) and made Pella famous throughout the world. The fall of the Macedonian kingdom occurred after the defeat of the Macedonians by the Romans (168 BC). Pella was looted by the Romans while at the beginning of the 1st century BC. the city was destroyed by an earthquake.
What can I see today in Pella ?
The Archaeological Site of Pella includes, private houses, the sanctuary of Aphrodite, the Therapeutic Center and the Agora complex, a total area of 70 thousand square meters. At a relative distance from the ancient city, perched on a hill overlooking the area, was the palace of Pella, which occupied together with its surrounding area more than 60 thousand square meters. All the buildings that have been unearthed at the Archaeological Site belong mainly to the Hellenistic period.
The Archaeological Museum of Pella includes findings from
1.the ancient Agora
2.private residences
3.the sanctuaries
4.the cemeteries
5.prehistoric settlements of the wider area
The exhibition covers a period from the Neolithic to Roman times and the most important exhibits are the famous mosaic floors of the rich houses of Pella and the marble head of Alexander the Great.
The Archaeological Site of Pella includes, private houses, the sanctuary of Aphrodite, the Therapeutic Center and the Agora complex, a total area of 70 thousand square meters. At a relative distance from the ancient city, perched on a hill overlooking the area, was the palace of Pella, which occupied together with its surrounding area more than 60 thousand square meters. All the buildings that have been unearthed at the Archaeological Site belong mainly to the Hellenistic period.
The Archaeological Museum of Pella includes findings from
1.the ancient Agora
2.private residences
3.the sanctuaries
4.the cemeteries
5.prehistoric settlements of the wider area
The exhibition covers a period from the Neolithic to Roman times and the most important exhibits are the famous mosaic floors of the rich houses of Pella and the marble head of Alexander the Great.
Vergina is located on the site of the ancient Aigai, the first capital of ancient Macedonia. The kingdom of Macedonia and the ancient city of Aigai were founded in 650 BC. from Argeades, led by Perdiccas I. The city developed and while it was the capital, the kingdom of Macedonia expanded to today’s central Macedonia. Even after the transfer of the capital to Pella, the Aigai continued to flourish and constitute a great ritual center.
The modern town of Vergina was founded in 1922 and became world famous in 1977, when Emmanuel Andronikos and his associates discovered the tombs of the Macedonian kings there. The richness of the findings is incalculable and of rare archaeological and historical importance, with the result that in 1996 the Archaeological Site of Vergina was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
What you can see at the Archaeological Site of Vergina ?
which is built underground and covered with soil on the outside, creates the impression of an ancient tomb. Keeping the temperature and humidity conditions constant, the basement building protects ancient monuments such as the frescoes of Persephone's abduction and the royal hunt. In a dark place, the brightly lit ancient objects dominate and awe the visitor.
father of Alexander the Great
son of Alexander the Great and Roxane
which housed the bones of King Philip II
the most important wreath in ancient Greece
one of the most important buildings of antiquity
depicted on the golden shrine
Elite Transfer Services
Elite Transfer provides you with your transfer to Ancient Pella, to Vergina and your return to Thessaloniki. Our spacious, air-conditioned and state-of-the-art vehicles offer you a comfortable and relaxing transfer. Our carefully selected staff is always ready to serve you and provide you with a pleasant and safe trip. All you have to do is relax in the comfortable seats of our vehicles!
Useful information
- Ancient Pella is located 45 minutes away from Thessaloniki
- Vergina is 50 minutes away from both Ancient Pella and Thessaloniki
- A guide will give you more information about Macedonian history
- If you wish you can also visit Edessa
- If you want you can dine in the restaurants of Vergina and try the traditional sweet revani
