Famous as the birthplace of Alexander the Great, ancient Pella rose as a dominant port city near the end of the 5th century BCE when it became the capital of the ancient Macedonian kingdom, a role it took over from the nearby Aigai.
Over the following four centuries, Pella served as one of the most important cities in the ancient world, being the site from which Philip II and Alexander the Great launched their conquests of the Greek city-states and into Asia.
Located at the site today is one of the most lavish and extensive castles dating back to the Hellenistic Period, some of the best-preserved floor mosaics and ruins in Greece, and a museum housing historic artifacts collected from excavations of the site.
Whether you are looking for a place to stay nearby or the best ruins you need to check out when visiting the site, this is everything you need to know about planning your visit to the Archaeological Site of Ancient Pella, Greece.
Visit Ancient Pella, Greece: A Brief Guide
Ancient Pella Opening Hours:
Summer (June 1 – Oct. 31): 08:00 – 20:00, 12:00 – 20:00 on Tuesdays
Winter (Nov. 1 – May 31): 09:00 – 16:00
Ancient Pella Ticket Prices: €6 general admission/ €3 reduced rate in the off-season.
Ancient Pella Address: Pella 580 05, Greece
Nearby Hotels: Maison Hotel | Alexandros | Hotel Pella
Tours: Tour of Macedonian Kingdom: Vergina & Pella Day Trip | Aigai & Pella Day Trip
Top Sights: Palace of Philip II | House of the Lion Hunt | Ancient Agora | Archaeological Museum of Pella
Ancient Pella Map
Ancient Pella: A Brief History
Believed to have been founded at the start of the 4th century BCE by Archelaus I, the ancient city of Pella served as the authoritative capital of the Macedonian Kingdom, supplanting the original capital of Aigai to its south.
Prior to its establishment, Pella was already an important commercial port along the Thermaic Gulf, and the city further flourished after the Macedonians converted it into the heart of their burgeoning Empire.
Known as the birthplace of Philip II and his son Alexander the Great, Pella became the stronghold from which the two great kings launched their conquests of the Greek city-states and the ancient world.
Unlike nearby Aigai, Pella continued to prosper after the death of Alexander and is believed to have reached the height of its prosperity around the mid-3rd century, during the reign of Antigonus.
Ancient Pella remained firmly in Macedonian hands until 168 BCE, at which point the city was overtaken during the Macedonian Wars and converted into an administrative division for the Roman province of Macedonia.
Pella was later promoted to Roman colony towards the end of the 1st century BCE, but settlement never really took hold, with the once glorious past of ancient Pella fading into the history books until the commencement of the site’s excavations in 1957.
Things to See and Do in Ancient Pella
1. The Palace of Philip II
Covering an expansive 75,000 m2 area atop a 70 metre-high hill just north of the city, the Palace of Pella was one of the most impressive strongholds of ancient Greece and one of the most extensive remains of a royal complex in the country today.
While the modern remains feature renovations throughout the city’s existence, the oldest ruins found within the palace date back to the reign of Philip II, between 350 and 330 BCE. From impressive views to monumental structures, the Palace of Philip II is the top site to see in ancient Pella.
2. The Mosaics of Pella
Besides the palace, another of Pella’s most significant claims to fame is its variety of beautiful mosaics, many of which are considered some of the best-preserved examples of the historic art form to be found in Greece.
Among its most celebrated mosaics are the scenes of the lion hunt and the portrayal of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, riding a panther.
3. Ancient Agora and Urban Area
The social center of ancient Pella, the agora, was constructed towards the end of the 4th century BCE and is one of the oldest known cities to have a piped water supply. The agora features several stoas that once formed shade colonnades, as well as streets enclosed by houses and fresco walls.
Along with the ruins of the residential areas, the ancient agora also features the remains of various temples dedicated to Aphrodite, Cybele, and Demeter.
4. The Archaeological Museum of Pella
While not as exciting as the authentic ancient ruins, the Archaeological Museum of Pella is a great way to explore the ancient lifestyles of the city’s historical inhabitants.
Opened in 2009, the museum houses several historical artifacts, including exhibits on the ancient city’s funerary rituals, mosaic floors, and sculptures.
How to Get to Ancient Pella, Greece?
By public transport, the easiest way to get to the Archaeological Site of Pella is by taking the KTEL bus to the modern city of Pella, from which you can grab a city bus to the site. Inter-city buses run to the modern city from Thessaloniki, Giannitsa, and Edessa.
Alternatively, the most convenient way to access the site is by private vehicle. See below for directions from various nearby tourist centers.
Where to Stay Near Ancient Pella, Greece?
While there are limited accommodation options within the modern city of Pella, the more convenient areas to stay in nearby are Giannitsa and Chalkidona, with both being just a short drive from the archaeological site. The following are some of the best hotels in the region for touring the ancient ruins.
FAQS About Ancient Pella, Greece
Where is Ancient Pella, Greece?
Ancient Pella is located in the Pella region of Central Macedonia in Northern Greece. It is only a short 40-minute drive from the country’s northern capital of Thessaloniki and about a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Athens in southern Greece.
How Much is Admission at Ancient Pella, Greece?
During the peak summer months, admission into the Archaeological Site of Ancient Pella costs €6 a ticket. However, like many sites in Greece, this cost of admission is halved throughout the slower winter months. The site also offers free admission days for various holidays.
How Long Do I Need to Explore Ancient Pella, Greece?
While there is plenty to see in ancient Pella, the site isn’t all that big and can often be toured within an hour. However, if you are looking for an in-depth exploration of the ruins and museum, you should plan to spend at least two hours in Pella.
What Are Some Other Archaeological Sites Near Ancient Pella, Greece?
If you enjoyed learning and exploring the ruins of ancient Pella, then you will love these archaeological sites located nearby.
Archaeological Site of Aigai (54.3 km)
Archaeological Site of Dion (96.3 km)
Ancient Edessa Archaeological Site of Longos (47 km)
Archaeological Site of Ancient Pydna (64.6 km)
