Amphipolis unfolds at the southernmost part of Serres, at the foot of Pangaion Mount, near the mouth of Strymonas River. The ancient city was founded in 437 BC by the Athenians and was "bone of contention" for the great powers of the time, due to its key strategic position. Today, the magnificent natural beauty, combined with the invaluable historical and archaeological sites, create a place with a mysterious aura, which inevitably captures visitors...

This historic city is famous for its important archaeological site. At the center of attention, are the findings of the great archaeological excavation on Kastas hill, where a huge tomb was found. The Sphinxes at the entrance gate, the Caryatids and the mosaic floor with Hermes and Persephone are only the beginning of what is about to be revealed of this great funerary monument. Currently, visitors cannot enter the tomb as excavations are still going on. You can, however, get close enough to admire the exquisite, perimeter revetment.

Major attractions in this famous archaeological site, are the Ancient Gymnasium (Palestra), the Ancient Bridge Strumonas, the necropolis of the Hellenistic and Classical periods and the tomb of the General Brasidas, located in the basement of the Archaeological Museum. Your attention will be also attracted by the famous Lion of Amphipolis; one of the most emblematic monuments of the whole Macedonia Prefecture. The monument is now on the west bank of Strumonas river and looks as it overlooks the ancient city of Amphipolis.

In the archaeological site of Amphipolis, there are monuments from periods later than those of the Roman and Byzantine times. For instance, from the early Christian to post-Byzantine times, four basilicas, a centrally planned church and the Tower of Marmarion stand out.

Do not forget to visit the Archaeological Museum, which exposes the enormous archaeological wealth of ancient Amphipolis as well as this of the wider region. The exhibits are rare finds of the city’s historical path over time, such as vases, figurines, jewelry, sculptures and miniatures.

While staying at Amphipolis, it is worth walking around the traditional settlements of the Municipality of Amphipolis and admiring the mansions built according to the local architecture. Small, rugged streets, stately mansions, traditional stone houses and stone buildings which once used to be tobacco houses will take you back in time! Major attractions are the paintings on the slopes of Pangaion Mountain at the top of Mikro Souli village. In Rodolivos, the buildings of the Town Branch and the houses of Kyparissis and Giannakis families are of great interest. In village of Proti you will see the ancestral home of Constantine Karamanlis; Prime Minister and a towering figure of Greek politics; the Old Primary School, the building of the Philharmonic as well as Ladias and Zarkinos’ tobacco houses. Near the village of Proti, the beautiful bridges of Canaras, Prophet Elijah and Sioulnaroud also lie.

Within walking distance from Amphipolis, Ancient Argilos; an ancient commercial center which includes, inter alia, bakery, pharmacy and olive oil store unfolds. Excavations are still in progress, but the most part of Ancient Argilos can be visited.

Do not miss visiting the Villa Rustic; a Roman rural villa nestled in the village of Angista, north of the Amphipolis.

Nearby, west of Amphipolis, there are New Kerdyllia; the village where during the Second World War the Holocaust took place. At the point of the execution, a monument, reminding the visitor the martyr event stands. Exquisite Byzantine churches can also be found in the area. Besides its historical importance, the settlement of New Kerdyllia, offers stunning views of the sea.

Apart from its historical and archaeological importance, the area is famous for its incomparable natural beauty. If you are nature lovers you will adore the area, as Amphipolis’ Municipality holds a considerable network of hiking trails, as the path Amphipolis-Rodolivos, the Avli (Courtyard) Path and Trail of Panagia Eikosifoinisa.

A great natural attraction of the area is the beautiful Aggitis canyon (known as the Straits of Petra or Dioryga), which unfolds between Paggaio and Menoikio Mountains. Willows, laurels, wild poplars and the rich avifauna compose an earthly paradise! Along the river, there are caves which were inhabited by ancient people, as evidenced by the paintings in various parts of the canyon, representing deer, camels and riders. Extremely impressive is the cave of Orpheus. The area offers a variety of activities such as canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking. However, if you are not that adventurous and you don’t like walking there is the option of the train, which follows a picturesque route, moving alongside the canyon.

Within walking distance of Aggitis canyon, in Petroto place, there is an important monument, the Cave of Alistrati. The cave is famous for its rare decoration, which includes, besides stalactites and stalagmites, a wide variety of rare formations.

In the Municipality of Amphipolis, every year important cultural events aimed at preserving the folk traditions are organized. Among them the Festival of Amphipolis, Mathitiada and Curetós stand out. If you visit the area in mid-August, when the moon is full, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful cultural evening, which takes place at Villa Rustica.

Amphipolis, this historic city, the existence of which is lost in the mists of time, is a land of majestic magnificence which seduces the senses and inspires awe even to the most traveled visitor!