The first Macedonian capital, Ancient Aigai, was one of the most celebrated cities of ancient Greece and one of the most important archaeological sites in the country today.
Located within the modern city of Vergina, Aigai is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site and welcomes visitors to explore Macedonian history through the remains of a lavish palace constructed by Phillip II, a cemetery of over 500 burial mounds, and two museums with artifacts dating from the Neolithic to the Roman periods.
Whether planning a quick stop at the most alluring Greek ruins in the historical city or looking for nearby accommodation for an extended exploration, this is everything you need to know for an informative and historic visit to the Archaeological Site of Ancient Aigai, Greece.
Visit Ancient Aigai: A Brief Guide
Ancient Aigai Opening Hours: Ancient Aigai is divided into five museums and sites. Click here for a full list of each of the site’s operating hours.
Ancient Aigai Ticket Prices: €15 for a combined ticket to all of the site’s attractions. €8 for the same ticket in the off-season.
Ancient Aigai Address: Vergina 590 31, Greece
Nearby Hotels: Hotel Archontiko Dimitra | Pension Vergina | Olympia Guesthouse
Tours: Aigai Archaeological Site & Museum Skip the Line Ticket | Aigai Royal Tombs Admission & Audio Guide
Top Sights: Palace of Aigai | Royal Tombs | Sacred Agora | Aigai Theatre
Ancient Aigai Map
Ancient Aigai: A Brief History
Archaeological evidence suggests that the area around the site of ancient Aigai first became inhabited during the 3rd millennium BCE and, by the start of the 11th century BCE, was home to a variety of goat herders and densely populated villages from which the ancient city derived its name (Aigai meaning the “land of many goats”).
According to ancient Greek mythology, Perdiccas I fled Argos in the 7th century BCE, settling in northern Greece and establishing the kingdom of Macedonia with the city of Aigai as its capital in about 650 BCE.
Giving rise to the Argead dynasty, the Macedonian kingdom underwent significant development and expanded from Aigai to absorb several surrounding villages and towns. Still, Aigai remained the most important city within the Hellenistic world up until the 4th century BCE, at which point the capital city and seat of the Macedonian kings was moved to Pella.
Still, even after the administrative headquarters of the kingdom was moved, Aigai retained its political and religious importance as a sacred city and burial spot for Macedonian kings.
In fact, Aigai is famous as the spot for the murder of Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great, who had travelled to the city for the ceremony of his daughter’s wedding to King Alexander Epirus. The Tomb of King Philip II can still be visited in Aigai today.
Ancient Aigai retained its sanctity as an important city within the kingdom until the death of Alexander the Great. During the 3rd century BCE, Aigai began to decline until it was ultimately destroyed in 168 BCE by the Romans.
A small population remained in the area until the 1st century CE, at which point it was wholly abandoned to history until its rediscovery during the site’s first excavations in the mid-19th century. The Archaeological Site of Aigai made the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996.
Things to See and Do in Ancient Aigai
1. The Royal Palace of Aigai
Constructed around 340 BCE, the Palace of Aigai was the largest and one of the most important monuments of classical Greece. The construction of the palace is believed to have occurred during the reign of Philip II, although he would have already had a residence in the then-capital city of Pella.
Still, the monumental palace is the most awe-inspiring ruins in Aigai and is believed to have been a two or three-story complex decorated with mosaic floors, relief tiles, and plastered wall paintings. Today, the palace consists of several gradeuse ruins, 5,000 square feet of mosaics, 30 reconstructed large columns, and a reconstructed frieze.
2. The Royal Macedonian Tombs and Necropolis
The extensive necropolis of Aigai was a sacred burial site of the ancient Macedonian kingdom and houses the resting place of many of the civilization’s most important figures.
Dating between the 11th and 2nd centuries BCE, the royal necropolis of Aigai houses over 500 tumuli-style burial mounds, three royal burial clusters, and twelve massive temple-shaped tombs, which house various individuals, including Euridice, the mother of Philip II.
Of the tombs, only two remained unlooted until their rediscovery in 1977/1978. These belonged to Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, and Alexander IV, his grandson.
3. The Sacred/Political Agora
The center of social, political, and religious life in ancient Aigai, the agora houses many of the ancient city’s most important buildings, including the sanctuaries of Eukleia and the Mother of the Gods
Among the ruins of the agora, visitors can explore the remnants of several well-preserved temples, altars, and a stoa that was once used as a protective shelter for the walkway to avoid bad weather.
Other sites to be explored within the ancient agora include the Temple of Eukleia, public buildings, and the city walls that once fortified the historic city.
4, The Theatre of Aigai
Built towards the end of the fourth century BCE, the theatre of Aigai was the center of entertainment in the ancient city and was considered one of the largest theatres in Macedonia, although not nearly as large as those in Epidaurus or Megalopolis.
Seating about 5,000 people, the city’s theatre was only used until halfway through the 2nd century BCE before being abandoned. The theatre of Aigai is most famously known as being the site of Phillip II’s assassination in 336 BCE.
5. The Archaeological Museums of Aigai
There are two museums in Aigai that visitors absolutely should not miss.
The first is the Polycentric Musaeum of Aigai. Opened in December 2022, this museum features artifacts that tell the life stories of the region’s ancient inhabitants and include artifacts such as pottery, coins, jewelry, model reconstruction of buildings, and more.
The second museum is the Museum of Royal Tombs of Aigai. Here, visitors can explore precious artifacts taken from the burial mounds while receiving the opportunity to tour the tombs and burial mounds. The highlight of this museum is, by far, the impressive tomb of King Philip II.
How to Get to Ancient Aigai?
There are several buses connecting modern Vergina to the main tourist hubs of Athens and Thessaloniki. However, driving is the most convenient way to access the ancient site. See below for directions to ancient Aigai from various tourist hubs.
Driving to Ancient Aigai from Thessaloniki
Driving to Ancient Aigai from Athens
Driving to Ancient Aigai from Delphi
Driving to Ancient Aigai from Katerini
Where to Stay Near Ancient Aigai?
There are dozens of fantastic accommodation options in the modern city of Vergina near ancient Agai. The following are just some of the most comfortable hotels within walking distance of the archaeological site.
FAQS About Ancient Aigai, Greece
Where is Ancient Aigai?
Now home to the modern city of Vergina, ancient Aigai is located in the regional unit of Imathia in Central Macedonia, Northern Greece. It is about an hour’s drive from Thessaloniki and about five and a half hours from Athens.
How Much is Admission at Ancient Aigai?
It costs €15 for a combined ticket, promising general admission to all of ancient Aigai’s archaeological sites and museums throughout the peak summer months. However, each site does offer individual tickets for a lower cost, and all tickets receive reduced rates throughout the winter. You can check the ticket prices for your travel dates here.
How Long Do I Need to Explore Ancient Aigai?
With so much to see and do, you should plan to spend at least 3 hours exploring the archaeological sites of ancient Aigai. However, even this isn’t enough to fully explore the region. You should plan on spending at least 4 hours to a full day exploring the site to give it the justice it deserves.
What Are Some Other Archaeological Sites Near Ancient Aigai?
Still not satisfied with the ancient ruins of ancient Aigai? Be sure to check out these other archaeological sites located nearby.
- Neolithic Settlement of Nea Nicomedia I (21.1 km)
- Ancient Edessa – Archaeological Site of Longos (54.5 km)
- Archaeological Site of Pella (55.2 km)
- Archaeological Site of Dion (71.2 km)
