Vergina – Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai, “Following the path of Alexander the Great”

Just a 75km drive from Thessaloniki in Northern Greece, you will find the museum of Vergina. A true masterpiece of Greece’s ancient architecture and a worldwide historical significance monument, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996, solidifying its place in the European civilization’s legacy. Thanks to the work of British historian N. G. L. Hammond and Professor Manolis Andronikos in 1977, the excavations identified and led to the discovery of the “Great Tumba”.

Visitors can journey back in time to the Ancient Kingdom of Macedonia and explore the Royal Macedonian tombs of Philip II and Alexander IV. Adjacent to the tombs, a museum exhibits all the archaeological discoveries. It is enveloped in soil, emulating the appearance of an ancient burial mound.

Among the discoveries in the tomb of Philip II were silver chalices, an ivory shield, and a gold shield. A golden larnax, adorned with the “Sun of Vergina” motif and containing the king’s bones, was also found, serving as a significant testament to the rich history of the ancient Kingdom of Macedon.

Here’s a list of must-visit places if you’re planning a trip to Greece in 2024.

Photo Credit: fotofritz16