Pella Palace

In the late 5th century BC, Archelaus of Macedonia relocated the capital of the kingdom from Aigai (Vergina) to Pella. The new location was strategically positioned, with access to the sea and good transportation links. Additionally, the land was fertile for cultivation. He founded his royal palace on the center of the three hills north of the city, allowing him to oversee the entire region and be aware of life in the city, as well as potential enemy attacks.

The palace complex was massive, covering an area of 60 acres with five building units. Even after the city was abandoned following its occupation by the Romans, the palace continued to thrive. Successive kings made additions, improvements, and interventions to the palace. Archelaus commissioned the renowned painter Zeuxis of Heraclea to decorate the palace. In the courtyard of the palace, the tragedies "Archelaus" and "Bacchae" by Euripides were performed.

Alexander the Great was born in the palace of Pella. The site is located 46 kilometers away from Thessaloniki, and as maintenance work is being carried out at the archaeological site, visitors can contact efapel@culture.gr before their trip to ancient Pella.