Located near the River Strymon, about an hour’s drive east of Thessaloniki, Amphipolis is one of the most extensive archaeological sites in northern Greece and is one of the best attractions in the area for exploring the region’s ancient history.
Founded within the 5th century BCE, ancient Amphipolis played an essential role in the province’s political and commercial enterprises throughout much of the area’s Macedonian, Roman, Early Christian, and Byzantine periods, and boasts an eclectic set of ruins that portray the site’s historical influences of each of these cultures.
Whether staying at a beach resort along the Strymonian Gulf or road-tripping across northern Greece, this is everything you need to know before visiting the Archaeological Site of Amphipolis, from the best nearby hotels to the best sets of ruins found within the park.
Visit Amphipolis, Greece: A Brief Guide
Amphipolis Opening Hours
Winter Hours (Nov. 1 to Mar. 31): 08:30 – 15:30; Closed Tuesdays
Summer Hours (Apr. 1 to Oct. 31): 08:00 – 20:00
Amphipolis Ticket Prices: €6 per ticket; €3 reduced rate
Amphipolis Address: Amphipolis 620 52, Greece
Nearby Hotels: Syrtaki Hotel | Kasta Beach Hotel | Doukas Aparthotel
Tours: Private Tour: Full Day Amphipolis-Filippi-Kavala
Top Sights: Ancient City Ruins | Wooden Bridge of Amphipolis | Tomb of Amphipolis | Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis
Amphipolis Map
Amphipolis: A Brief History
The Founding of Amphipolis
Founded in 437 BCE, Amphipolis got its start as an Athenian colony strategically placed along the Strymon River near Mt Pangaion in northern Macedonia in an attempt to consolidate power in Thrace.
An impressive 7.5 km wall was promptly constructed to fortify the colony, and the Amphipolis quickly grew into one of the most prominent cities in northern Greece.
Unfortunately, as the Athenian center of administration in the Halkidiki region, Amphipolis became a natural target during the Peloponnesian War, with the Spartan General Brasidas conquering the city in 424 BCE.
However, the city continued to play an important role throughout the war, with its most famous role being the Battle of Amphipolis two years later, which saw the deaths of Kleon and Brasidas in a failed Athenian attempt to reclaim the city.
Following his death, the cremated remains of Brasidas were buried under the agora, where they waited to be uncovered over two millennia later.
A History of Conquest
After the Peloponnesian War, Amphipolis remained a free city and became a commercial and political center of the region until it was finally conquered by King Philip II of Macedon in the mid-4th century BCE.
Amphipolis was eventually incorporated into the Macedonian kingdom and became a critical naval port under the reign of Alexander the Great and a site at which the legendary conqueror would prepare for his campaigns.
The city remained a keystone within the ancient Macedonian kingdom up until its ultimate fall to Rome following the Battle of Pydna in 168 BCE. Now under Roman rule, Amphipolis became the capital of one of the four merides (mini-republics) that were formed out of the old Macedonian kingdom.
Amphipolis continued to prosper until the Thracian revolt against Roman rule in the first century BCE, which saw detrimental destruction to the once proud city. Amphipolis experienced a brief moment of revitalization in the 6th century CE, but the city experienced yet another wave during the Slavic Invasions and centuries later and never returned to its former glory.
Things to See and Do in Amphipolis
1. Ancient City Ruins
Making up the brunt of the archaeological site, the ruins of the ancient city of Amphipolis consist of several buildings dating back to the early Christian period and Byzantine era, although it is believed the city was founded much earlier, with earlier buildings being built upon the remains of the ancient Greek and Roman towns.
Some of the most prominent ruins of the archaeological site are attributed to the city wall, various churches and basilicas, Roman and Byzantine houses, various tombs, a gymnasium, and a monumental lion sculpture originally uncovered during WWI while digging trenches in the area.
Further ruins of palaces, towers, and infrastructure can also be found scattered throughout the mountainous landscape of the area surrounding the archaeological site.
2. Wooden Bridge of Amphipolis
One of the most prominent and unique sets of ruins found within the Archaeological Site of Amphipolis is the ancient ruined bridge that once crossed the river Strymon, connecting the mainland kingdom of Macedonia to the Chalkidike region of eastern Thrace.
Originally mentioned in the history books by Thuscydides, hundreds of wooden piles were uncovered at the site in 1977 and have been carbon-dated to between 760 BCE and 1800 CE. The Wooden Bridge of Amphipolis is by far one of the most iconic landmarks of the ancient world that can be visited at the site today.
3. Tomb of Amphipolis
Uncovered from the depths of Kasta Hill in 2012, the Tomb of Amphipolis (also known as the Kasta Tomb) is the largest burial mound in Greece and even dwarfs the famous Tomb of Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great, in Ancient Aigai.
While speculation that the tomb may have served as the resting place of Alexander the Great himself has been dismissed, the sheer size of the site does suggest it is dedicated to notable figures within the ancient Macedonian kingdom, with proposed occupants being Alexander’s wife Roxana, their son Alexander IV, or even Alexander’s mother, Olympias.
Regardless of who was ultimately laid to rest within the burial mound, the Tomb of Amphipolis is by far one of the best sites visitors can explore within the Archaeological Site of Amphipolis.
4. Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis
While not as exciting as exploring the authentic Greek ruins of the site, the Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis is the best place to go to explore the ancient relics uncovered during the excavations of the city.
Retelling the story of human occupation in the area, this two-story museum contains numerous exhibits that include the region’s prehistoric heritage along with the city’s evolution of culture and society.
How to Get to Amphipolis, Greece?
The nearest airports to Amphipolis are found in Thessaloniki and Kavala. However, there are no direct bus lines connecting the site to these tourist areas, and visitors must instead rely on private transportation or group tours.
Below you can find directions to the archaeological site of Amphipolis from Thessaloniki, Kavala, and other major tourist hubs from around Greece.
Where to Stay Near Amphipolis, Greece?
While there are accommodation options in the area immediately surrounding Amphipolis, there are several fantastic beach hotels and resorts lining the Strymonian Gulf just to its south. These are just some of the best hotels within a short drive of the archaeological site.
FAQS About Amphipolis, Greece
Where is Amphipolis, Greece?
The Archaeological Site of Ancient Amphipolis is located in the Serres regional unit within the Macedonia geographic region of northern Greece. It is about an hour’s drive from Thessaloniki.
How Much is Admission at Amphipolis, Greece?
Tickets to the Archaeological Site of Amphipolis cost €6 for general admission to both the site and museum. Tickets are half-priced during the off-season, and further discounts are applicable for seniors, students, and others.
How Long Do I Need to Explore Amphipolis, Greece?
Between the archaeological ruins and the associated museum, visitors should plan to spend at least two hours exploring the site. However, the surrounding landscapes promise plenty of fantastic hiking excursions to further ruins that can provide for a fantastic full or half-day excursion.
What Are Some Other Archaeological Sites Near Amphipolis, Greece?
Enjoyed learning about the Archaeological Site of Ancient Amphipolis? Don’t forget to check out these other historical sites located nearby.
- Archaeological Site of Stagira (48 km)
- Archaeological Site of Kali Vrysi (53 km)
- Archaeological Site of Philippi (57 km)
- Archaeological Site of Olynthus (100 km)
