Traveler's Guide

East Macedonia & Thrace

Route in Kavala – Philippi archaeological site - Baptistery of Lydia – Dikili Tas prehistoric settlement – Mud baths of Krinides

Take the Kavala-Drama National Highway and, following thesigns for “Philippi Archaeological site”, you will find the site’s carpark (with a capacity of 1000 cars) after 16km.History: In the 4thcenturyBC, colonists from Thasos foundedKrinides in the south-eastern part of the Drama valley on theoutskirts of the marsh. As they were under pressure from theThracian tribes, they sought help from Philippos II, who took overthe town and gave it his name.In the 2nd c entury B C, R omans b uilt t he E gnatia R oad p assingthrough Philippi. From then on the town grew rapidly. Importantstages in its history: a) the famous Battle of Philippi (42BC), inthe bogs near the present mudbaths, between Octavianus andMarcus Antonius and the democrats Brutus and Cassius. Octavianus’svictory was crucial to the future of the Roman Empireand turned the town into an important financial, administrativeand artistic centre. B) the founding of the first Christian Churchin Europe in 49/50AD by Paul the Apostle, along with the transferof the capital of the Roman Empire to Constantinople in 330AD,marked the second period of prosperity. In the 7th century AD,earthquakes and invasions drove the town to decline, and theOttoman Conquest (14th century) meant the end of this glorioushistory.See: The walls of the 4th century AD and 6th century BC with a perimeterof 3.5km; The theatre, with evident Roman additions andalterations; The Roman Forum; North of the Forum, the largestone-paved road which has been identified as the ancient EgnatiaRoad; The 5th century AD triple-aisle Basilica and the tripleaisleBasilica B’ of 550 AD featuring sculptured decoration; The“Oktagono” complex. On the same site, visit the ArchaeologicalMuseum, built in the 1960s to plans drawn up by the architectsI.D. Triantafyllidis and D. Fatouros. Inscriptions, sculptures, urns,coins, jewellery, architectural elements, wonderful mosaics, aswell as historical and audiovisual material, take the visitor ona journey in the town’s history. Examine the Clock of Philippi, aunique example of navigation technology of the 4th century AD.Telephone: +30 25105 16251Ticket price: Combined (Archaeological Site and Museum): 4 eurosIf your stay in the area coincides with a performance at the PhilippiFestival, do not miss the opportunity. It is a magical experience.After Philippi, continue for another 2km, following the signs “towardsKrinides Baptistery”. It was here, in the Zygakti river, thatPaul the Apostle baptized the first Christian in Europe, Lydia.Apart from the church-baptistery, there is an outdoor baptisteryon the river bank. Every year at the celebration of the Agia Lydiaof Philippi (20 May), Christian baptisms are carried out.Information: +30 25105 16251.Celebrations: in Zygo (12.5km, 15 minutes from Krinides), thetraditional representation of a Pontus wedding is held on Sundayof Thomas, symbolizing the beginning of life and of Spring.Gastronomy: try “Keskek” (mixture of lean chicken and groundwheat).After Krinides, head towards the Kavala – Drama National Highwayand after 3km turn left towards the Krinides Municipal claytherapy centre (Mud baths). The mud has been known for itshealing properties since Homeric times. It is highly recommendedfor rheumatic, post traumatic, gynecological, cardiovascular,dermatological and neurological ailments and is also used as acosmetic.Open: 1 June – 15 OctoberInformation: +30 25105 16162 and +30 2510 518088

Archaeological site of Philippi

Located 15 km from Kavala in Krinides and is one of the most important historical sites in the area. Founded by the father of the Great Alexander and took his name. Includes, the ancient theater of Philippi (where every summer is organised the homonymous Festival), the Forum and the commercial market, the palaestra, the islands with private houses and early Christian churches. It was founded by Thassian settlersin 360 BC. Very soon, in 356 BC, Thassians, as to face the local Thracian tribes sought the help of Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. Philip B. recognizing the prime location of the city, gave it his name.The passing of the Egnatia Via through the Philippi area in the 1st century. BC gave the greater weight to the city, and turned it into a benchmark of the region. In 42 BC the Battle of Philippi in the two low hills outside the western city walls caused changes in local and global level. The win of Octavian and Antony, continuing of the policy of Julius Caesar marked the end of democracy , openind the Octavian way for the empire. The site of philippi became a Roman colony (Colonia Augusta Julia Philippensis) who flourished in the second century in 20 sentury AD.The 49/50 AD Apostole Paul visited the Philippi and founded the first Christian community in Europe. The memory of the visit and his imprisonment remained deeply in the memory and gave an ecumenical Christian pilgrimage character. The city is shrinking in the early of 7th century because of large earthquakes and Slavic raids. Survives in Byzantine times as a fortified castle, keeping its importance due to its location on the main East-West artery land. The complete abandonment occurred with the Turkish conquest in the late of 14th century.Visiting hours: daily 8:00 to 20:00 during the summer months (in winter closes with the sunset).Operating hoursDaily: 8:00 to 15:00 (the archaeological site)Tuesday to Sunday: 8:00 to 15:00 (the museum)summer HoursMonday to Friday: 8:00 to 20:00 (the archaeological site)Saturdays and Sunday 8:00 to 15:00 (the archaeological site)Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 to 16:00 (the museum)winter HoursTuesday to Sunday: 8:30 to 15:00Tickets: General: 4,00 € General entrance: 3,00 € for the archaeological site | 2,00 € for the museum Over 65 years: 2,00 € for the archaeological site | 1,00 € for the museum Students (non E.U. students): 2,00 € Pupils and Students: Free entrance | people with disabilities: Free entranceAccess: Roadly by car (large parking area 1,000 seats) and by KTEL of Kavala -Drama.Info: +302510516090Service Unit: 18th Ephoreia of Prehistoric and Classical AntiquitiesTel.: +302510224717Source: http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/gh351.jsp?obj_id=23...
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