Archaeological Site of Aigai
The Archaeological Site of Aigai (modern name Vergina) became famous in 1977, when the tomb of Alexander the Great's father, King Philip of Macedon, was discovered there. This proved undoubtedly that Vergina was ancient Macedonia's first capital, Aegae.
Aegae was inhabited from the early Iron Age (1000-700 BC) onwards. It was the capital of the Macedonian state until King Archelaus transferred his seat to Pella. However, also then it remained customary for Macedonia's kings to be buried in the original capital.
Aegae flourished chiefly in the second half of the 4th century B.C. To this period belong the Palace, Theatre and the Tombs. In 168 B.C. the city was seized by the Romans and burnt down.
Visit November 2003
Vergina is situated near Veroia, some 75 kilometers east of Thessaloniki. The easiest way to get there is by car. Not for the first time in my world heritage hunting-life, I had some trouble to find the site. It actually is very easy: the tumulus is like a small hill in the center of the town, with lots of souvenirshops nearby. The palace and the theatre are about 2 kilometers uphill.
The burial mound doesn't look inspiring from the outside, but when you go down inside you enter a magic scene. The place has a diameter of 110 meters, and is 12 meters high. Currently there is a fascinating combination to be seen of on site remains (tombs, columns) and museumpieces taken from the site. A lot of sublime silverware was found (enough to equip a huge kitchen), but the golden crowns made of leaves are my favourite items.
The palace is just outside town, and more like a classic Greek sight. Unfortunately the supposedly great mosaics were under cover during my visit. However, this area and the theatre below are worth strolling around.
Reviews
Kathy Kerrick (USA):
We visited this site in 2007. It was the most memorable museum I have ever enjoyed. The fact that it was built on the site and in the same design of the original discovery is amazing. The quality of the restoration of the artifacts was incredible. I especially remember the crown made of delicate gold foil and decorated with what looked like 3D acorns, flowers and leaves. I also appreciated the two burial temples inside the tumulus. If you are anywhere near, be sure to visit. |
| Date posted: January 2009 |
Cheri Brooks (USA):
I was a tour leader to Greece a couple of years ago. Visiting this museum in Vergina was absolutely one of the highlights of the trip for all of us. All artifacts were beautifully displayed, labeled in English, with explanations given to verify their authenticity. I was totally amazed at the craftsmanship and condition of the various items! I believe it is one of those places that most people have never heard of and I'm sure a huge percentage of the visitors to Greece miss it. |
| Date posted: April 2008 |
Karolina (Australia):
As mentioned in another review the outside of the tomb/museum at Vergina is quite unprepossessing. Inside, though, you are truly in a magical realm. I remember the gloom and then seeing golden objects which appeared to be suspended in place. If you don't go to another museum in Greece, please go to this one.
PS Then visit National Museum of Athens and the Museum at Iraklion, Crete, Museum at Delphi. There is no doubt about it the Greeks know how to display their ancient splendour. |
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C.Anagnostou (Greece):
It was one of the most exciting museums i have been to.I dont think that there are many museums like this one in the world.i will remember that place for my hole life!I recomend that place to all the people and it is not even far away!It is only 500 km from athens! |
| Date posted: January 2006 |
Minas Antypas (Greece):
I have been to Vergina in 1997. For years I wanted to visit the tomb of Philippus II, father of Alexander the Great. When I arrived here and I saw the archaelogical remains, I got surprised. I knew lot of things about the region but i didn't expect the place to be so beautiful. The Philippos tomb was fatastic and all the foundings were some of the most beautiful and valuable thingw that ever made man. I think that i will be back in Vergina as soon as possible. It is only 500 km from Athens! |
| Date posted: July 2005 |
Klaus Freisinger (Austria):
There are few accessible sites associated with Alexander the Great, his father Philip II, and ancient Macedonia in general, but Vergina is one of them and a very interesting one to boot. The focus of the site is the great museum that is cut into Philipīs tumulus. Itīs one of the most interesting museums Iīve ever been to, and I wish I had had more time in Vergina to explore the area in closer detail. The roads in the vicinity of Vergina are scattered with tumuli, and there are probably lots of undiscovered treasures there. I also visited nearby Pella, which has some interesting mosaics and a nice museum, but doesnīt have anything like Vergina. |
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dk (australia):
firstly,the first capital of macedonia was not vergina but was actually vydessa (originally phrygian). The burial mound tomb architecture exhibits a perculiar style with one or two chambers having double marble doors & vaulted semi barrel light stone roof that isnt found in other parts of greece.All the big tombs are covered by huge protective soil mounds,a practice similar of neo-phrygian tombs in turkey as the king midas tomb in gordian.go to (www.geocities.com/stojangr/macedonian_orphrygian.htm) & see for yourself |
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S. Palaskas (USA):
This is one of the most rewarding archaeological sites to visit in Macedonia. The museum, located within the great royal tumulus itself, offers a detailed display of both the architecture of the monumental tombs and the grave goods found within. All displays are well labeled, and the museum offers a video screening that explains the history and excavation of the site.
The palace further uphill from the great tumulus is also well worth a visit (although it is not an easily walkable distance). It too offers the visitors plaques explaining the site, and gives visitors the opportunity to see the residence of the very occupants of the magnificent tombs. |
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