Museum of Royal Tombs Aigai, Vergina of Ancient Greece
One of the main reasons why we extended our trip to Thessaloniki, which in the north of Greece, is to visit Vergina. Why visit Vergina? I wanted to walk into Philip’s world!
Philip II is father of Alexander the Great who had marched into India in 326 BC. I am not sure if I will be able to visit Alexander the Great’s resting place in Alexandria in Egypt, why give up the chance to visit his father’s?
Alexander’s son, who died young in his teens; his grave too is in this complex.
Mound of Great Timulus: The tombs and treasure inside is unimaginable.
Ancient Greece – History Beckons
During my school days when I read about Alexander the Great galloping all the way from Greece to India conquering all on his way I developed a deep admiration for him. When I read he lost to King Porus of Punjab in India I was relieved.
Even though I kind of hero worshiped him, his might and his dreams then, I often dreaded how different the history of India would have been if he had lived long and conquered the whole of India!
Tomb of Philip II, Vergina Greece
Philip II, his father is reported to have come up with the maxim ‘divide and conquer’. Had Alexander applied this theory to India then I don’t know how many parts this country would have had!
Tombs in Mound of Great Timulus
Greece looked so distant to me then. I always had this misconception that Alexander’s resting place too would be in Greece. Only when I did the research of Vergina and Alexander on internet recently I realized that his grave is in Alexandria, Egypt.
Nevertheless I didn’t want to give Vergina a miss. I preferred to visit these crumbling heritage sites than the beautiful islands of Greece. And the visit was worth all the effort, money and time.
For a long time these graves were undiscovered and lay unknown under a mound known as the Great Tumulus, where local shepherd and goat herds would have spent many ignorant and blissful days!
The frescoes on the tomb
Sensational Discovery in Vergina
This series of 4 tombs of Macedonian kings was an accidental discovery in 1977. Even today these graves lay under a mound, preserved well in its original looks.
The other two places in the heritage list of this site are: the Palace at Vergina and the Theatre where Philip was assassinated ( Philip II was murdered at the wedding of his daughter Cleopatra to King Alexander of Epirus).
Both are closed to public and tourists (as on December 2014). It is likely to remain so for some more years.
This is picture of the photograph of the utensils inside the tomb just the way they were discovered.
Museum of Royal Tombs Aigai, Vergina Greece
This museum is built over the tomb site. I found it all dark as I walked into the complex. Probably they wish to protect these relics from harsh light to prevent further damage I concluded. But what an amazing display of wealth from 330BC!
It is gold, gold, gold everywhere! So much gold! They did have a fascination for this yellow metal! Everything showcased so well, one of the best archeological sites I have ever seen!
Ancient gold ornaments found in royal tombs
Of the 4 found the most important tomb is that of Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. The facade has the form of a Doric temple, with a marble door. Just above the door frame there are stylized triglyphs and metopes.
Above the Doric frieze there is an Ionic frieze which has faint remains of painting of a hunting scene. Three horsemen and seven men on foot pursue a lion, deer, and boar.
The audio guide mentions – one of the men is mature and bearded, and experts think this is Philip himself. Another of the men is thought to be Alexander the Great.
The silver utensils for funeral feast, cleaned, neatly labeled and displayed.
Display in Museum Royal Tombs Aigai Vergina Greece
Golden wreath representing leaves and flowers of myrtle.
Tickets to Museum of Royal Tombs Aigai
The tickets cost 8 euros for adults and 4 euros for students.
Location and How to Reach Museum of Royal Tombs
Vergina is 8 km southeast of the city of Veroia and is well connected with frequent public transport. Veroia is directly connected to Thessaloniki and Athens by road and rail.
Greek history, as well as Greek mythology, has always fascinated me. Of course, Alexander is a towering figure of World history and has a special significance for India. These royal tombs of the Macedonian Kings are real treasures. Great to see the utensils and other artifacts intact and untouched by the ravage of time. This is definitely a good option compared to some of the lovely Greek Islands.
I love the ancient history of Greece and Macedonia, particularly that of Alexander the Great. Vergina is a fascinating place, and those Royal Tombs look like they’re a must visit – all that gold! And I’m so glad that the frescoes are still visible for the public to appreciate.
Such an interesting post! I really love reading about historical happenings in a place I visit like this one in Vergina, Greece. I really love all of the photos, such an interesting place to visit.
Wow…330 BC is a long time ago! Being such an avid fan of history, I think a second trip to Greece makes so much sense for me. Our first time was just scratching the surface. Destinations like Vergina are very much my cup of tea.
That must have been amazing for them to accidentally discover these tombs! I can’t believe there’s gold from 330BC that survived and is still around!
I’m very interested in the history of Alexander the Great. I had no idea that the tomb of Philip II was located in the area of Thessaloniki. It also seems like a pretty recent discovery, since the tombs of the Macedonian kings was only discovered in 1977. It would be worthwhile to visit the surrounding of Thessaloniki and visit this wonderful piece of history.
It took us a bit of reading to figure out that you hadn’t spelt it wrong 😛 We were confusing it with virginia for some reason. Though we aren’t big history buffs, this seems exactly like the place we would like to explore!
How brilliant that you had learnt about Alexander the Great at school and that that had stuck in your memory. I don’t know this part of Greece either so you’ve enlightened me! Amazing to think the tombs of the Macedonian kings were discovered by accident too!
I’m not familiar with this part of Greece and how wonderful that you were able to visit Vergina and share this information. Alexander the Great is such a fascinating character in history, but I knew little about his father and the area he was from.
I love ancient history! My boys are just starting to understand the magnitude of “thousands of years ago” and Thessaloniki and Greece in general will be an amazing learning experience for them! Thanks for sharing about Vergina!
So cool. I almost forgot that Alexander made it all the way to India – it was a little hard to sit all the way through the movie with the same name. I see Europe isn’t the only continent that heavily favors students with ticket prices. Half off! Wish my film school counted for that. But I still would like to visit someday.
I found out it was less than an hour from Thessaloniki and we were there in 2015! I should have gone since we were tracing Alexander the Great’s route. What a bummer. Thanks for the info,
Quite interesting to know about the history. Your visit to Vergina was worth. The artifacts and utensils in the museum are great found. I love your history trails.
You made a great decision to visit the father’s resting place.. And Alexandria in Egypt is a great place to go.. I hope you can go to the son’s place soon too.. I had never heard about this location in Greece.. People only head straight to the beaches and often leave such amazing spots unexplored.. Mindblowing!
Indrani, we would love to visit those tombs some day! It’s so fascinating to find history that was hidden for so long and then found and uncovered. It sounds like you enjoyed your time there! Gotta go there any see Alexander the Great too!
Funny, people visit Greece all the time, but you never hear of Vergina! It seems like such a cool place though and I would love to pay a visit, I have never seen tombs in real life before!
Visiting the tombs would be high on my list. Such beautiful artifacts and history.
I absolutely love history, so I’d love visiting these tombs! I can’t believe there was gold from 330BC! That’s incredible it’s stayed intact this whole time.
This is totally my kind of place – Indiana Jones sniffing some treasure trails here. The tombs are quite mysterious and very intriguing to me. Especially after I saw the picture of how those utensils were found. The museum has some amazing artifacts to discover like the Golden Wreath. Nice find and share, Indrani
This part of greece I haven’t heard much about, but I am sure for those who love to explore historical places, this seems like an apt choice. The road trip is definitely might thing and I guess now I would explore this part too when I am in Greece
Yet, another place I haven’t heard of, but is now added to my bucket list. Like you said so eloquently, these historic sites are often overlooked. I, for one, will definitely dive right in and drink all the history up.
I remember studying about Ancient Greece when I was in grade school, but nothing would beat actually being there. I also studied history at University, but I have to admit that further study of Ancient Greece never really appealed to me. I think it’s cool that the museum was built over the tomb site!
I’ve always read about Greek history but do need to experience it the way you do. What an amazing place and to be there where the Greats once walked had to be so inspiring. Especially since you also have the perspective of it from India and how it effected the society there as well.
I know very little about ancient Greek history, so this was a captivating read. It’s also nice to read about somewhere in Greece that isn’t about Mykonos or Santorini for a change. This sounds like a great museum, and a very gold discovery inside too!
I totally understand your admiration and fascination for Alexander, for I shared the same feelings, thanks to our history books in school! Since I am into history a lot and this is something about ancient Greece, I would love to add it to my places to visit! And even I thought that Alexander’s remains are in Greece until today! I am so surprised! And I also would imagine what it would be like if he had conquered the whole of India 🙂
Very interesting that the museum is built over the tomb site. I can barely fathom how old everything in Greece truly is! This is truly a fascinating story and I’d love to see this museum in person.
What a great history lesson! I don’t think I realized the family line of Alexander the Great. The tomb and Vergina look fascinating and certainly off-the-beaten-path. Also, how tragic Phillip II was murdered at his daughter’s wedding! I often think like you about what might have been if things happened differently in history. Great read!
Vergina and its royal tombs look absolutely wonderful. I visited multiple ancient sites in Greece when I was there a few years ago, but I missed Vergina. I won’t make that mistake again! I love that they have a nice museum there to show off the sites.
Never heard of this destination in Greece! I am intrigued! Maintaining those ancient graves is very impressive.
Such a refreshing post about Greece unlike those about the islands. It is very interesting to know that the graves still lay there, well preserved. Quite astonishing that King Philip II was murdered at the wedding of his own daughter.
Definitely a must-visit!
This is such a unique place to visit in Greece, I’ve never heard of it. Those silver utensils are fabulous!
I actually didn’t realize Alexander the Great was buried in Alexandria and I had no idea that his father was buried in Vergina. In fact I had never even heard of Vergina and didn’t know who Alex’s father was before reading this article.
Pretty awesome to have learned so much from reading this. Hope I can go check out these tombs one day – It’s crazy that they went undiscovered for so long!
There are so many places we need to visit when we go back to Greece. How many days would you suggest staying? We’re starting to map out a trip.
I did the main land in 12 days concentrating more on world heritage sites. If you include the islands too you may need more days.
I had not even heard of Vergina before this post. It is always fascinating to see the tombs and particularly interesting when relics are discovered in good shape. They give you such a view into how life was lived in that time. Thanks for sharing this little known discovery with us.
Amazing
Much love…
Amazing pictures…
Thanks for sharing!
the landscape is so gorgeous 🙂
Love the golden wreath must ve been an awesome experience
Very nice pictures.
You took very beautiful pictures !
A great share indeed…loved the pics
Very interesting post and shots.
Very nice – you got some excellent shots in the dark conditions.
What a great place to visit, so rich in history! The utensils lying on the tomb floor is amazing.
Enjoyed the article as well as the photos 🙂 You've really treating us with a virtual tour of Greece.
wow great shots 😀
Wow. What fascinating history. I love ruins and historical sites as well. They tell you so much about history and culture.
A good glimpse into some history. Tombs are fascinating. I was able to visit Newgrange while in Ireland.
Wow! You sound awesome about the visit to the site… and its history and treasure-trove. It’s amazing how they maintain the graves still under the earth/mound. Well lighted overall
Wow. Awesome picture. Love them.
Thanks for the share. 🙂
Cheers n tc.
Usha
wow great photos
Thanks for sharing such a nice Article with beautiful Photos… I remember taking my History lessons once again!
Wonderful shots. I especially like the floating wreath of golden leaves.
Indrani I too studied history but it is all a haze now! Kudos to you for searching for the tomb and remembering your history!
Wow. Must have been quite an experience. Planning a visit to Europe this summer. Maybe we'll go here. Thanks for sharing this. It's fascinating.
Hello Indrani!!
What an interesting place!I have never visit it!Wonderful pictures of the tube and the treasures of the roual family of Alexander the grate!Thank you for sharing!
Have a happy March!
Dimi…
It is very interesting to know about Alexander. The pics of utensils of silver and Gold are very attractive. what a royal life and Royal death. knowledgeable post
Just amazing!!!!
Wonderful pics and great info. I'm always fascinated by Alexander, not for his thirst of conquest but for his deep understanding of philosophy. When he was about to die, he told his ministers that his hands should be left hanging outside the coffin for people to see that in spite of all his conquests, he left the world with empty hands.
my cousin and her family live in thessaloniki in greece – it's on my list of places to visit.
Must have been a great experience to visit that childhood dream!
Fantastic experience. I have always wanted to visit this place. Perhaps some day I will have a chance 🙂 Thanks for sharing. x
How wonderful to fulfill a dream. Very interesting story.
Hello Indrani, what an interesting place to visit. So many relics and treasures..Just the tomb is amazing.. Thanks for sharing your tour! Have a happy day and week ahead!
More awesome, fascinating captures from Greece!!! Thank you so much for sharing your Greek trip! I have enjoyed your posts/photos SO much, Indrani!! Hope you have a great new week!!
Wonderful post. Especially fascinating to see Alexander from your Eastern perspective!
ALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
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