The Palace of Alexander the Great Reopens in Greece

In January 2024, after 16 years of restoration, the Palace of Aigai in Vergina in northern Greece reopened to visitors. It was built in the 4th century BC under King Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. The palace covers about 15,000 square metres and, together with the Parthenon, is considered one of the largest buildings of classical Greece.

In the 2nd century BC the palace was destroyed by the Romans. The restoration renewed the mosaics and marble floors and part of the colonnade around the great inner courtyard, while preserving the appearance of the ruins. The palace once held banqueting halls, courtyards and shrines.

It was at Aigai in 336 BC, after Philip II was assassinated in the theatre next to the palace, that Alexander was proclaimed king of Macedon. Soon afterwards he set out on the campaign that made him one of the most famous commanders in history.

How to visit Aigai

Vergina is about 80 km from Thessaloniki. The archaeological site of Aigai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and near the palace is the Museum of the Royal Tombs, where you can see the tomb of Philip II and its gold burial treasures. The trip is easy to combine with a beach holiday in Halkidiki or on the Olympic Riviera.