After the Filippoi battle in 42 BC, the city becomes a Roman colony and grows especially important due to its location on Via Egnatia. Another significant period was in the years 49 or 50 CE, when Apostle Paul visited Filippoi and founded there the first Christian Church in Europe. This action designated the city as a metropolis of Christianity. During the Byzantine times (963-969 CE), the city’s fortification is reconstructed along with its towers and the wall of the city’s acropolis. Excavation research began in Filippoi in 1914, realized by the French Archaeological School. After the 2nd World War, both the Greek Archaeological Service and the Archaeological Society conducted systematic excavations. Archaeological research is still being conducted to the present, by the Greek Archaeological Service, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the French Archaeological School. The finds from the excavations are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Filippoi.

After leaving Filippoi, we are going to visit the beatiful city of Kavala. We will have the chance to see the Step where Apostle Paul preached, the impressive arches and then head to Panagia and see Imaret, Mohamed Ali square and his house. You can enjoy local cuisine in one of the restaurants in Kavala, before taking our way back to Thessaloniki.