Philippi Fílippi

Approaching Via Egnatia from Kavála, we see on the hillside on the right the Theater (fourth century B.C.), which was altered by the Romans in the A.D. third century to make it suitable for wild beast shows. It is now used for dramatic performances in summer. Following the line of the old town walls (well preserved for most of their length) up the hill, we come to the site of the acropolis, on which there are remains dating from Macedonian, Roman and Byzantine times.

From the theater at Philippi there is a view of the extensive plain below, with the excavations carried out by French and Greek archaeologists on both sides of the modern road, which here follows the line of the Via Egnatia. On the near side of the road, to the right, is Basilica A (century A.D. 500), a three-aisled building with a flight of steps leading up to the atrium and a synthronon in the apse. To the west of Basilica A another three-aisled basilica of the same period has recently been excavated.Higher up the hill is the sanctuary of the Egyptian Gods.

Above the road at Philippi is a new Museum displaying finds from the area.

Most of the excavated area at Philippi lies to the south of the road. Immediately flanking the road is the large rectangular Roman Forum (70m/230ft by 148m/485ft), dating from the time of Marcus Aurelius (A.D. 161-180), which had colonnades round three sides and a temple at each end. A Roman cistern between the western temple and Basilica A is identified by local tradition as the prison in which the Apostle Paul was confined. At the southwest corner of the forum is a marble table marked with standard measures.

Immediately south of the forum is the largest church in Philippi, Basilica B, also known by its Turkish name of Direkler ("Pillars") from the massive masonry piers which are a prominent landmark. Built about 560 by an architect from Constantinople over an ancient palaistra (remains of which can be seen to the west), it was designed as a domed basilica on the model of St Sophia in Constantinople, but the dome collapsed and the church was never completed. In addition to the massive piers there are extensive remains of the building, including some fine Early Byzantine capitals.Southwest of Basilica B are well preserved latrines. To the east of the basilica, approached by a colonnaded road, is the oldest church in Philippi, an octagonal structure built about 400.Northwest of the excavated area, beyond a rest-house on the left of the road, stands a new church dedicated to St Paul and Lydia. Nearby, in the river, is a place of baptism.

The annual Philippi festival is held between July and September. Ancient drama performances are given at the ancient theater.