PHILIPPI

The first city was founded by colonists from Thasos in 360 BC and was called Krenides, In 356 BC the city asked the help of Philip II to protect it from the Thacians. Philip conquered the city, fortified it and named it after himself (Philippi). It was captured by the Romans in 42 BC who converted it into a Roman Colony. The importance of the city came from its location on the Via Egnatia. In the year 49 or 50 CE, the city was visited by Apostle Paul who established in it the first Christian Church of Europe. This made Philippi a metropolis of Christianity. Between 962-969 CE, the walls of the city were reconstructed together with the towers. Excavations began in 1914 and revealed the following important monuments of Philippi:

The Walls and the Acropolis: they have two phases: the first built by Philip II and the second by Justinian I between 527- 565 CE.

The Theatre: built in the middle of the 4th century BC probably by Philip II. During the Roman period in the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, a large scale of rearrangements and additions were made.

The Agora (Forum): it is a complex of public buildings arranged around a central open square. The Agora was the administrative center of Philippi during the Roman period

The Palaestra: it is a peristyle central court with rooms and a small amphitheatre. The best preserved parts of the building are the called "Vespasianae".

The Prison of Apostle Paul: it is actually a Roman water cistern where Christian tradition indicates the imprisonment of Apostle Paul. The site was converted into a cult place.

The Basilicas "A", "B" and "C": the three are built between the 5th and 6th centuries CE. All of them are three aisled basilicas with luxurious pavements and impressive frescos.

The Octagonal Church: seen from outside it is square plan but octagonal in the interior. The center of the structure is the vaulted tomb-heroon of the late Hellenistic period. The church was built in 400 CE replacing the fist small church dedicated to Apostle Paul.

Between Via Egnatia and Cult Buildings of the Octagon: in this area is located one of the baths of Philippi. The two-floor Bishop's House occupied the architectural block to the east of the Octagon. The complex also includes the phiale, a baptistery and a monumental gateway towards the Via Egnatia.