Greek City

PHILIPPI is an ancient walled city that lies in north-eastern Greece and at the foot of an acropolis. Located between the Strymon and Nestos rivers, it has been a part of different civilisations down the ages, including the Greek civilisation, the Roman empire and the Byzantine empire.

It has been inscribed a cultural world heritage site.

Founded by Philip II, the Macedonian king in 356 B.C., the city was historically important as it lay on Via Egnatia, a trade route that linked Europe and Asia in ancient times.

Ruins of various civilisations can be seen in Philippi, which prospered during the Roman era and continued to flourish in the Byzantine era.

After St. Paul, the Apostle, visited the city in 49-50 CE, it became a centre of early Christianity. The first Christian church in Europe was built here, on top of a tomb of an ancient Greek hero. It has a mosaic floor with an inscription saying that it is dedicated to St. Paul. The church was replaced by a larger octagonal church in the same area, around 400 CE.

Notable among Philippi's historical structures are four basilicas which figure among the earliest Christian monuments. A theatre, built by Philip II in the 4th century BCE, was excavated and partially reconstructed. It is one of the largest theatres in Greece. Also, built around the central square, is a forum. A square tower, built during the reign of Justinian I (527-565 CE) in the Byzantine era, stands in the city.