Stageira

About the museum

The ancient city of Stageira lies in eastern Chalkidiki and extends across the small mountainous peninsula of Liotopi, which is surrounded by crystal-clear water on three sides. It was founded in the 7th century BC by Ionian settlers from Andros. After the Persian Wars it joined the First Athenian League, but it rebelled during the Peloponnesian War in 424 BC. In 421 BC, thanks to the Peace of Nicias, it regained its autonomy, although it was obliged to pay tribute to Athens, and shortly afterwards it joined the Chalcidian League.

Aristotle was born in Stageira in 384 BC. He left at a young age for Asia Minor and at the age of 18 arrived in Athens to study at Plato’s Academy. In 349 BC King Philip II of Macedon destroyed the city and abolished its autonomy, only to rebuild it later at the intervention of Aristotle, who was then tutoring his son Alexander. The city, however, soon declined and was left in ruins.

About a thousand years later a small castle was built in the area, whose name originally referred to Olympias, the mother of Alexander, although it was later altered. According to tradition, Olympias had been exiled there by King Cassander.

Highlights

• Birthplace of Aristotle
• Ancient city on the Liotopi peninsula
• Medieval castle in the area
• View over the Aegean

Operated by

Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Χαλκιδικής και Αγίου Όρους

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

The site is about 16 minutes on foot from the village of Olympiada and 8 minutes by car. From Thessaloniki it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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