The closest archaeological site to Thessaloniki is that of Vergina. Vergina stands now on what it was Aigai, the first capital of Ancient Macedonia. It was here in 336BC that King Phillip II was assassinated in the theatre and Alexander the Great was proclaimed King.
During 1976 to 1978 by the excavations led by the Archaeologist Michail Andronikos reveiled the burial site of the Kings of Macedon, including the tomb of Phillip II, father of Alexander the Great, unlike so many tombs, this one had not been disturbed or looted. Vergina is also the site of an extensive royal palace and of many rich ancient tombs
At the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai you’ll have the chance to admire the royal tombs, the wreaths of gold, the shrines bearing engraved the famous sixteen radii star of the ancient Macedonian dynasty, the armours and all the precious discoveries of the tombs of the Macedonian kings that came to light just four decades ago.
The visitor descending into the underground area of the tombs begins his tour with a reconstruction of the Great Mound, the monument that originally marked the site of the Royal Tombs and which no longer exists. Next are grave stelai and finds from tombs of ordinary Macedonian citizens, who after their death became neighbours of the king, and whose presence provides a yardstick of comparison. The ruined 3rd c. BC tomb, the collapsed heroon, cult place of the kings, the fascination and sorrow inspired by Persephone's abduction prepare the visitor as he approaches the dead king.
Philip now takes the stage. His splendid weapons vividly convey the feeling of the ruler's power. The pile remains of the funerary pyre, found scattered all-over the tomb, are reminders of the tragic holocaust and at the same time an allusion to his passing into another dimension. Next comes the gold coffin (larnax) that contained the bones of the heroozed King Philip II, and the oak crown worn by the dead man. The Gold rnax Lait is made of 7,820 gr. of hammered pure gold. Its lid is decorated with a 16 - rayed star symbol and two rosettes, the inner of which is filled with blue enamel. On the sides relief palmettes and lotus buds frame five enamelled rosettes. TThe feet are decorated with rosettes and end in lion-paws. The gold oak crown is the heaviest and most impressive wreath surviving from Greek antiquity. It has 313 leaves and 68 acorns and weighs 714 gr.
The exhibition is dedicated to the memory of Professor Manolis Andronikos, the archaeologist who brought the treasures to light and had the knowledge and perceptiveness to recognise them for what they were.
Northern Greece was part of the Macedonian Kingdom of the Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire. A place with a mixture of civilisations, cultures and history. I do recommend a visit to Vergina where a traveller can get in touch with the Macedonian Kingdom, while enjoying his time in the rural Northern Greece.
We combine the day trip to Vergina with a visit to the Holy Monastery of Saint Prodromos of Veria, where we can enjoy the breathtaking view of the river of Aliakmonas. We then visit the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai, which is situated at the border of the village of Vergina.
Join us on our day trip to vergina!! Send your requests for more info and details regarding both tours to tsakiristravel@hotmail.com or to info@tsakiristravel.gr
Combined ticket: Full fee €14
Combined ticket: Reduced fee €7
During 1976 to 1978 by the excavations led by the Archaeologist Michail Andronikos reveiled the burial site of the Kings of Macedon, including the tomb of Phillip II, father of Alexander the Great, unlike so many tombs, this one had not been disturbed or looted. Vergina is also the site of an extensive royal palace and of many rich ancient tombs
Daily Day Trip to Vergina from Thessaloniki
Every Day low budget Day Trip to Vergina with an English Speaking Escort
Every Thursday Day Trip to Vergina with a professional Guide
Philip now takes the stage. His splendid weapons vividly convey the feeling of the ruler's power. The pile remains of the funerary pyre, found scattered all-over the tomb, are reminders of the tragic holocaust and at the same time an allusion to his passing into another dimension. Next comes the gold coffin (larnax) that contained the bones of the heroozed King Philip II, and the oak crown worn by the dead man. The Gold rnax Lait is made of 7,820 gr. of hammered pure gold. Its lid is decorated with a 16 - rayed star symbol and two rosettes, the inner of which is filled with blue enamel. On the sides relief palmettes and lotus buds frame five enamelled rosettes. TThe feet are decorated with rosettes and end in lion-paws. The gold oak crown is the heaviest and most impressive wreath surviving from Greek antiquity. It has 313 leaves and 68 acorns and weighs 714 gr.
The exhibition is dedicated to the memory of Professor Manolis Andronikos, the archaeologist who brought the treasures to light and had the knowledge and perceptiveness to recognise them for what they were.
Northern Greece was part of the Macedonian Kingdom of the Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire. A place with a mixture of civilisations, cultures and history. I do recommend a visit to Vergina where a traveller can get in touch with the Macedonian Kingdom, while enjoying his time in the rural Northern Greece.
We combine the day trip to Vergina with a visit to the Holy Monastery of Saint Prodromos of Veria, where we can enjoy the breathtaking view of the river of Aliakmonas. We then visit the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai, which is situated at the border of the village of Vergina.
Join us on our day trip to vergina!! Send your requests for more info and details regarding both tours to tsakiristravel@hotmail.com or to info@tsakiristravel.gr
Vergina Day Trip from Thessaloniki
Low Budget Tour Every day
Every Monday with a visit to Monastery of Saint Prodromos of Veria
aprox 250 km / Duration 6 hours
Every Tueday to Friday
aprox 250 km / Duration 5 hours
Particpation starting from 10 € per person
(Low budget rates are subject to availability)
Guided Tour of Pella - Vergina
Every Thursday with bilingual Professional Guide
aprox 250 km / Duration 08:30 - 18:00/ Full day excursion
Participation: 45 € per person / 23 € per child aged 4 to 12 years
children aged 0- 4 years old travel for free
Entrance Fees:
All the citizens of countries – members of the EU over 65 years of age by showing their ID Card or Passport and all students of countries outside the EU by showing their student card are entitled to reduced admission to the Museum of Vergina (6€)
Full fee €12 Reduced fee €6 Combined ticket: Full fee €14
Combined ticket: Reduced fee €7
Book with us at tsakiristravel@hotmail.com / 0030 2310720566
Have you visited Vergina? Let us know your oppinion on the comment section below!
