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ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF PHILIPPI

Just 17km from Kavala, is the ancient city of Philippi. The first excavation with the area was in 1861 and it was completed in 1956 by Greek archaeologists. Major findings are the Via Egnatia, the Roman ruins, the "prison" of St. Paul and the ancient theater which has a circular orchestra.

The ancient theatre of Philippi

The ancient Theatre of Philippi is a remarkable and important monument. It is located at the foot of the acropolis and it is supported on the eastern wall of the city of Philippi. Even though it has undergone many changes over the centuries and some interventions it still preserves many of its original elements.

The first phase of the theatre dates back in the reign of Philip II in 356 BC. At that time the orchestra was u-shaped.

During Roman colonization changes were made to the theater in order to become suitable for the requirements of the new shows. The orchestra was floored with marble slabs and a high wall was built to protect the spectators during beast fights. Eventually in the 3rd Century A.D. the Theatre becomes an arena for beast fights.

During the Christian times the habits and morals of the people changed so the theater was abandoned

Nowadays, many parts of the theatre are saved untouched still many restoration works are done so the annual Philippi Festival can take place.

The ruins of the ancient city of Philippi

Across the theater are found the ruins of the ancient city of Philippi. The city was named in 356 BC after the father of Alexander the Great, Philip II. The enceinte of the walls of the city was starting from the top of the hill and went on the south side enclosing a part of the valley. The most ancient phase of the enceinte of the walls dates back from the reign of Philip II and the most recent during the reign of Justinian (527-565 AD). The total length of the perimeter of the walls reaches 3.5 km The wall is reinforced by strong towers. The three gates that were found during the excavations are also edged by towers. Only the last gate is accessible to visitors, (The Gate of Neapolis - its name was given by the street that commences from that point and terminates at the port of Neapolis/Kavala).

The archaeological site of Philippi can offer to the visitor a combined tour, since excavations have revealed remains from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and early Christian period. The Octagon, the Roman market, the Basilicas, parts of the city walls, are the most famous

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF KAVALA

The Archaeological Museum of Kavala is one of the most important museums in Greece. Its space houses characteristic monuments from the broader cultural unity of Eastern Macedonia -Thrace, while it functions as museum of the city of Kavala and the wider region.

Among its displays there are findings from the Neolithic period - objects made of stone and clay, and discoveries of the prehistoric settlement of Philippi (Dikili Tas), from the Bronze Age. In a special room are exposed the findings from Neapolis and the ancient Amphipolis. In the museum there are findings from the Necropolis of Oisymi, Galipsos and Abdera.

The original building of the museum began to be built in 1961 and opened its doors to the public in December 1964, it was completed with the construction of the second floor some years later. After 30 years, a new building program drafted by the Revenue Department of Antiquities and the original designer of the building D. Fatouros, this led to a reshaping and an extension of the old building. As a result Kavala now has one of the most important museums in Greece.

Source: Archaeological Guide - Archaeological Museum of Kavala, Municipal tourism and business development, Version 2002

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 until 15:00.

On Monday the museum is closed.

TOBBACO MUSEUM

The Tobacco Museum in Kavala is the only one of its kind in the whole of Europe. It is a modern industrial and experiential museum with various exhibits and a wealth of archival material (since the beginning of the 20th century) which calls the visitor to make a trip in space and time of the ‘eastern tobacco” trade when Kavala, in the early 20th century, was the biggest centre of commercial processing and main exporter of tobacco worldwide.

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am until 13.30 pm at noon. Guided tours are also acceptable outside of opening hours upon request