Vergina

Vergina – Aiges, historical places in Macedonia

Vergina became world news in 1977, when Professor Manolis Andronikos discovered the royal tombs of members of the Macedonean dynasty. Philippos the 2nd, father of Alexander the Great, was buried in one of these tombs. His son, Alexander the 4th, was also buried here and his wife Roxani.

“Vergina (Aigae) is the first capital of the Empire of Alexander the Great”

The village was named “Vergina” only in the 1930s, when Greek refugees from Turkey settled at the area. Vergina was actually the name of a Queen who reigned in the area, before the fall of the Byzantine Empire and the rise of the Ottoman Empire.

In ancient times, this small village mantled the old capital of the ancient Macedonian kingdom, Aegae. Aiges was the first capital of the Empire of one of the greatest Greeks, Alexander the Great.

All kinds of objects have been found in the royal tombs, many of which are made of gold. Very famous is the golden urn with the symbol of the Macedonian dynasty (star with 16 rays on it). Impressive are the golden wreaths of oak leaves and the golden armor. The museum that can be visited here today is very beautiful and atmospheric.

Places to visit

• • Museum of the Royal Tombs at Aigai (Aegae)
  • Royal Burial Cluster of Philip II (Cluster A) at Aegae
  • Palace of Aegae
  • Monastery of the Virgin Mary Kallipetras