Nestled in the northern foothills of Mount Olympus, the Archaeological Site of Dion was once the religious epicentre of the ancient Macedonian kingdom, dating back to the 5th century BCE.
Home to a variety of temples, religious complexes, and Hellenistic and Roman public buildings, Ancient Dion is one of the most extensive archaeological parks in Greece and promises hours of adventures immersing in the region’s storied past.
From the best ruins in the site to where to stay near the park, this is everything you need to know for an exciting and informative visit to the Archaeological Site of Ancient Dion, Greece.
Visit Ancient Dion, Greece: A Brief Guide
Ancient Dion Opening Hours
Winter Hours (Nov. 1 to Apr. 15): 08:30 – 15:30, closed on Tuesdays.
Summer Hours (Apr. 16 to Oct. 31): 08:00 – 20:00
Ancient Dion Ticket Prices: €8 general admission / €4 off-season and reduced rate. Includes admission to archaeological sites and the associated museum.
Ancient Dion Address: Dion 601 00, Greece
Nearby Hotels: Malathro Olympus Guest House | Akrotiri Olympus Luxury Suites | Olympus Pantheon
Tours: Mount Olympus + Dion Half-Day Tour | Mount Olympus + Ancient Dion Private Tour
Top Sights: Sanctuary of Demeter | Sanctuary of Isis | Sanctuary of Zeus | Hellenistic Theatre
Ancient Dion Map
Ancient Dion: A Brief History
The first historical record of the ancient city of Dion dates back to 422 BCE as the first city the Spartan general Brasidas reached along his northern march against the Thracian colonies of Athens during the Peloponnesian war.
Not much is known about the city prior to this, but according to the mythology of the ancient Greeks, the site was founded by Magnes and Makednos, two sons of Zeus who constructed an altar honouring their father and the Muses at the foot of Mount Olympus.
While already an important religious site, ancient Dion’s position within the faiths of the ancient world was elevated at the end of the 5th century BCE when Archelaus I instated a 9-night day festival that saw athletic games, gymnastic competitions, and theatrical contests in honour of Zeus and the Muses, attracting the attention of the ancient kings of Macedonia.
The celebrations of this festival established Dion as the religious center for the ancient Macedonians, with it becoming customary for Phillip II and Alexander the Great to celebrate their victories within the city.
In fact, ancient Dion is also celebrated as the site at which Alexander the Great assembled his armies to make sacrifices to the Olympian gods prior to his embarkation to conquer Asia in 334 BCE.
Due to the religious site’s popularity within the ancient world, it wasn’t long before a city was constructed adjacent to the site’s sanctuaries. Of its construction, the city’s walls and public buildings were particularly reputed for their fortifications, which held against attacks until Aetolian invaders destroyed the city in 219 BCE during the Social War.
Dion was promptly rebuilt but struggled to return to its former glory. Still, the city and its sanctuaries did experience brief moments of life as a Roman colony in 32 BC, again in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, and finally, as the seat of a bishopric in the 4th and 5th centuries, before ultimately being abandoned following a series of earthquakes and floods.
Things to See and Do in Ancient Dion
1. The Sanctuaries
As the most sacred city of the ancient Macedonian Kingdom, several religious sanctuaries and temples were constructed in ancient Dion to worship various deities. In total, there are six religious complexes visitors absolutely need to explore when visiting the Archaeological Park of Ancient Dion.
Sanctuary of Demeter: The Demeter Sanctuary was originally constructed in the 6th century BCE. And while two archaic temples were replaced by newer Doric temples in the 4th century BCE, it is still one of the oldest finds on the site.
Sanctuary of Asklepios: Constructed in the 4th century BCE, the Asclepion was the center of healing in ancient Dion and occupied a spot with plenty of water for treating various ailments.
Sanctuary of Zeus Olympios: A large temple built during Hellenistic times, the Sanctuary of Zeus Olympios was a dedicated site to the worship of Olympian Zeus, who ruled the people from the peak of Mount Olympus. It was the most important sanctuary in ancient Dion.
Sanctuary of Zeus Hypsistos: A large important temple located at the end of Dion’s “Most Holy ” road, the Sanctuary of Zeus Hypsistos was dedicated to Zeus Hypsistos, who was said to dominate the sky.
Sanctuary of Isis: The youngest of ancient Dion’s sanctuaries, the Sanctuary of the Egyptian goddess Isis was constructed in the 2nd century CE and consists of various small temples and natural sacred springs, which played an important role in the cult of Isis.
Vaphyras: While not a sanctuary, the nearby river Vaphyras was also considered a sacred place in ancient Dion, with the river itself being a divinity. A few temples and sculptures were constructed along its shores, and the river was featured heavily in the mythology of Orpheus and the Pierian Muses.
2. The Macedonian Tomb
The archaeological park of Dion features five Macedonian tombs uncovered throughout a series of excavations during the 20th century. The tombs date to the 4th century BCE and feature vaulted graves with Doric facades.
While some of these graves were robbed throughout history, many artifacts have been uncovered and are on display at the site’s museum. The tombs themselves are also open to visitors and are not to be missed when visiting the park.
3. The Theatres
There are two theatres in ancient Dion.
The first is the Hellenistic Theatre. Built in the 3rd century BCE, this theatre was constructed on the ancient site of the classical theatre, renowned for hosting the premier of Bacchae of Euripides. Much of this theatre has been restored to show its former glory, and the complex even hosts annual performances during the Olympus Festival.
The second theatre found in the archaeological Site of Dion is the Roman Theatre, constructed in the 2nd Century CE. This theatre features the ruined remains of a semicircular arrangement of 24 rows of seats accompanied by 14 brick walls. Many archaeological finds were found within this theatre and are on display at the museum.
4. The Roman Forum and Ancient City
Making up the brunt of the Archaeological Park of Dion, the Roman forum and ancient city houses some of Dion’s most important public buildings and fortifications. Among its most vital constructions are the city walls, which were critical for the defence of the city, several houses, and the great thermal public baths that were constructed in the 2nd century CE.
Other important ruins found within the ancient city include the 2nd-century Odeon, the historical Roman market, the Praetorium, the Polygonal building, and several churches.
5. The Archaeological Museum of Dion
While it may not be as exciting as the authentic Greek ruins of the archaeological site, the Archaeological Museum of Dion is a must along any visit of the archaeological site and exhibits several artifacts uncovered during excavations of the area.
Among the museum’s top exhibits are several statues dating to the Hellenistic Period and Roman Period, along with several artifacts representing the region’s pottery coins and bronze figurines.
How to Get to Ancient Dion, Greece?
Visitors can reach ancient Dion via public transit by taking the train from either Thessaloniki or Athens to Katerini and, from there, grabbing a 14-minute taxi to the site.
The far more convenient option is to rent a car. Below, you will find directions from all of the main tourist centers around the archaeological park.
Driving to Ancient Dion from Athens
Driving to Ancient Dion from Thessaloniki
Driving to Ancient Dion from Litochoro
Driving to Ancient Dion from Delphi
Where to Stay Near Ancient Dion, Greece?
With the exception of the archaeological site, Dion is not a particular tourist destination. Still, the village of Dion does feature few accommodation options, with Malathro Olympus Guest House promising the most comfort.
Alternatively, visitors can stay in the nearby Limenas Litochorou at either Akrotiri Olympus Luxury Suites or Olympus Pantheon.
FAQS About Ancient Dion, Greece
Where is Ancient Dion, Greece?
Ancient Dion is located in the northern foothills of Mt Olympus in the Greek region of Central Macedonia. It can easily be reached by bus, train, or car.
How Much is Admission at Ancient Dion, Greece?
Tickets to the Archaeological Park of Ancient Dion cost a general admission fee of €8 during the peak summer season. These tickets include access to both the site and the museum and feature off-season discounts throughout the winter at half the price. The site also offers free admission on designated holidays.
How Long Do I Need to Explore Ancient Dion, Greece?
The Archaeological Park of Dion is a massive complex. It requires two hours minimum to explore, and even then, that is if you are rushing. For a thorough exploration of the area, I would plan to spend three to four hours venturing the ruins and associated museum.
What Are Some Other Archaeological Sites Near Ancient Dion, Greece?
Enjoyed learning about the ancient city of Dion? Be sure to check out these other archaeological sites located nearby.
- Archaeological Site of Ancient Pydna (41.8 km)
- Ancient Doliche (52.2 km)
- Archaeological Site of Aigai (54.6 km)
- Archaeological Site of Saint Patapios (95.8 km)
