Philippi

(Local Name: Fílippi) Although the Apostle Paul first set foot in Europe at Neapolis (Kavála) on his first missionary journey, it was at Philippi, 15km/9mi northwest of Kavála on the road to Dráma, that he established the first Christian community in Europe.

The rich deposits of gold in the Pangaion hills led settlers from the island of Thasos to establish a town here which they called Krenides after the springs (krenai) in the area. The old name is perpetuated in the present-day village of Krínides. In 361 B.C. new settlers established themselves on the site, but only five years later the town was taken by Philip II of Macedon, who renamed it Philippoi. The place is best known for the battle of Philippi