Greece is full of brilliant things to do, from paying a visit to charming little seaside villages, relaxing on one of many beaches or learning all about the country’s fascinating history at some ancient sites. And if you are into your ancient history, we have exciting news.
The grand and symbolic Palace of Aigai, formerly known as the Royal Metropolis of the Macedonians, this week opened to the public after a major regeneration project.
This remarkable historic site has undergone 16 years of meticulous restoration, which included excavation of the site, detailed documentation and conservation of artefacts, plus £17.5 million (€20.3 million, $21.9 million) in EU funding.
Not only is it three times larger than Athens’ Parthenon, spanning around 15,000 square metres, but it’s also where King Phillip II, ruler of ancient Macedonia was murdered – and also where his son, Alexander the Great, was crowned.
Alexander the Great is known for his expansive military campaigns which saw him conquer all the way from modern-day Greece to Egypt, Iran, northern India and central Asia. Clearly this palace is of major historical significance.
‘This small, provincial, militaristic kingdom would be the catalyst for the spread of Greek culture and Aigai the launch pad for Alexander the Great’s adventure in history,’ says historian Michael Wood to the Guardian.
According to Angeliki Kottaridi, the archeologist who oversaw the project, the palace is part of a larger complex that would have included a theatre, sanctuary, library and vast necropolis of more than 500 burial mounds, including that of King Philip.
‘Less than 10 percent [of the city] has been excavated,’ she said, ‘It’s the gift that keeps on giving.’
The Palace of Aigai is around an hour’s drive west from Thessaloniki, and was opened by the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on January 14.
800 monuments in Greece are currently being upgraded thanks to funding from the EU. The palace currently welcomes around 250,000 visitors per year, but there are hopes that this will increase, and that its rejuvenation will encourage economic growth.
But that’s not all the exciting news from ancient Europe this week – Rome just opened a brand new museum and archeological garden, where you have the chance to ‘walk in the ancient city of Rome.’
Travelling to Greece? Take a look at this list of the very best places to visit in Greece as well as the best places to stay.
