Palace of Pella
The palace of the Macedonian kings on a hill north of ancient Pella, with a monumental propylon, palaestra and swimming pool.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The palace of ancient Pella dominates a hill north of the archaeological site. Its construction began at the end of the 5th century BC under King Archelaos I (413–399 BC), who moved the capital from Aigai to Pella for strategic and economic reasons. Under Philip II and his successors the complex underwent many interventions until the late Antigonid period (306–168 BC). In 168 BC, after the defeat of the Macedonians by the Romans, the palace was plundered and gradually abandoned.
The complex covered about 70,000 square metres and consisted of seven semi-autonomous, interconnected buildings, built on artificial terraces. The main entrance was a monumental tripartite propylon, with two large Doric stoas on either side. The buildings were linked by a network of covered corridors, stoas and large staircases, which overcame the differences in height of the hill.
Archelaos and Philip II lived in the palace, and Alexander the Great was born and grew up here. Excavations began in the 1950s and continue to this day. A large part of the restoration work, with the monumental propylon, the palaestra and the swimming pool, was completed and inaugurated in 2025, while the visitor reception and information centre opened in 2026.
Highlights
- Monumental tripartite propylon with Doric stoas
- Restored palaestra and swimming pool
- View over the plain and the ancient lagoon
- Visitor reception and information centre
- Operated by
- Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Πέλλας
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
By intercity bus (KTEL) from Thessaloniki and by city bus from Giannitsa.
By car
Parking available
The site is about 15 minutes on foot from the centre of the village of Pella and 3 minutes by car. From Thessaloniki it takes 45–60 minutes and from Giannitsa 10–15 minutes by car.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
