After 16 years of restoration work and an investment exceeding €20 million, the ancient Palace of Aigai in northern Greece has reopened its doors to the public, showcasing its majestic architecture and historic significance.
This 2,300-year-old landmark, formerly the Royal Metropolis of the Macedonians and the site where Alexander the Great ascended to the Macedonian throne, stands as a testament to the grandeur of classical Greece.
Built primarily by Phillip II of Macedonia in the fourth century, this monumental structure represents a crucial part of Greece’s cultural heritage.
The extensive restoration, backed by the Greek government and the European Union, involved the meticulous preservation of over 1,400 meters of marble flooring, columns, and intricate mosaic art.
At the reopening ceremony, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis underscored the global significance of such monuments, emphasising their role as not only local treasures but also part of humanity’s heritage. Mitsotakis highlighted the responsibility to protect, promote, and cherish this invaluable cultural heritage.
With three times the size of the Parthenon, the palace symbolises urban planning advancement and has influenced subsequent Hellenistic period palaces. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the nearby tombs of Philip and other Macedonian rulers, the Palace of Aigai stands as a beacon of historical richness and architectural brilliance, inviting visitors to explore the captivating legacy of ancient Macedonia.
