Philippi, Kavala Travel Guide

Explore Philippi: Where ancient Macedonia meets Roman grandeur and early Christianity, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Greece.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Philippi, a city founded by Philip II of Macedon, which later became a significant Roman colony and an early center of Christianity in Europe. Discover its Hellenistic theater, Roman Forum, basilicas, and the prison of St. Paul, all set amidst the rolling hills of Eastern Macedonia.

A brief summary to Philippi

Philippi, GR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Philippi.

Wear comfortable shoes as the archaeological site involves a good amount of walking.
Visit in the morning or late afternoon during summer to avoid the midday heat.
Bring water and sunscreen, especially during the hotter months, as shade is limited.
Consider visiting the nearby Baptistery of Lydia, about 1 km north of Philippi, to see where the first European Christian convert was baptized.

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Explore Philippi on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Philippi, mapped for you.

Getting There

Bus

From Kavala, take the local KTEL bus to Filippoi. The bus departs from Kavala Central Bus Station and arrives at Filippoi, with services running three times a day. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, and tickets cost between €1 and €3.
Taxi

From Kavala, a taxi ride to Philippi takes around 20 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 15 km. Expect to pay between €20 and €25 for the trip.
Driving

If driving from Kavala, follow the provincial road towards Drama. The journey to Philippi is about 15 km and takes approximately 21 minutes. Parking is available near the archaeological site.

Discover more about Philippi

The archaeological site of Philippi, located in Eastern Macedonia, Greece, offers a captivating journey through time, revealing layers of Hellenistic, Roman, and early Christian history. Originally named Krinides by Thassian colonists in 360/359 BC, the city was later fortified and renamed Philippi by Philip II of Macedon in 356 BC. Its strategic location along the Via Egnatia, a major Roman road connecting Europe and Asia, contributed to its growth as a vital commercial and military center.Under Roman rule, Philippi flourished, especially after the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, when it became a Roman colony. The city's transformation included the construction of a Roman Forum, temples, and other public buildings. The impressive Hellenistic theater, initially built by Philip II, was redesigned by the Romans for various performances and events. Today, it hosts the Philippi Festival each summer.Philippi holds immense significance in Christian history as the first European city to embrace Christianity. The Apostle Paul visited in 49-50 AD, establishing the first Christian church in Europe and baptizing Lydia, a merchant woman, who became the first European Christian convert. The ruins of several early Christian basilicas, including Basilica A, Basilica B, and the Octagonal Church, stand as testaments to the city's importance in the spread of Christianity. Despite its prosperity, Philippi was gradually abandoned due to earthquakes and Slavic raids, especially in the 7th century AD, and after the Turkish conquest in the late 14th century, it was completely abandoned. Today, ongoing archaeological research continues to reveal more about this historically rich city.