Greece Inaugurates Palace Birthplace of Alexander the Great

The archaeological site of the Palace of Pella, where Alexander the Great was born, raised and came of age, was officially inaugurated on Tuesday, marking a milestone for cultural heritage in Central Macedonia. At the same time, two rare marble statues from the Hellenistic period were presented to the public for the first time at the Archaeological Museum of Pella.

The sculptures, discovered a decade ago in the Agora of Pella and restored after years of conservation work, now stand in the museum’s halls, offering vivid insight into religious practices and artistic creation of the Hellenistic era. The unveiling took place in the presence of Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni.

Describing the statues as “unique,” Mendoni said they could alone become a major attraction for visitors, while highlighting the vital contribution of archaeologists to Greece’s cultural wealth. She paid special tribute to Giannis Akamatis and Maria Akamati, noting that dedicated archaeological research is, in itself, a project of development for the country.

The two sculptures were unearthed in 2015 during a university excavation in the northern stoa of the Agora of Pella. One depicts a standing male figure, likely Silenus from the Dionysian world, while the second, also of a religious nature, is believed to be a votive offering to a deity.

Archaeologist and Professor of Classical Archaeology Maria Lilibaki-Akamati briefed the minister on the findings, continuing a long excavation project closely linked to her late husband, Professor Ioannis M. Akamatis, who led the dig until his death last March. She explained that the statue of Silenus was found in a building with both administrative and religious functions, featuring a fountain structure and water installations. The figure stood at the entrance, arms raised to support the roof’s lintel, and still preserves traces of colour, making it a rare and significant discovery. The second statue was also found in the same building and is preserved in very good condition.

Earlier, just metres away, the official opening of the Palace of Pella archaeological site took place. The monumental complex, covering around 70 stremmas on a hill north of the ancient city, was built in successive phases from the time of Philip II through the Hellenistic period. It consisted of seven buildings arranged on terraced levels, housing reception halls, banquet rooms, council chambers of the Macedonians, royal apartments, a palaestra for the training of royal youths and sons of noble families, as well as auxiliary structures and stables. After the Roman conquest in 168 BC, the palace was looted and abandoned.

Elisavet Tsigarida, head of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Pella, said excavations began in 1959 but were long and difficult due to the site’s vast scale and extensive stone removal. When she first visited as head in 2014, “almost nothing was visible,” she said, stressing the importance of saving and opening such a significant monument to the public.

The restoration and enhancement of the site were based on a master plan prepared by the Ephorate and funded through EU structural funds, the Recovery Fund and Greece’s National Development Programme. Mendoni announced that from the next tourist season, an electronic ticket system will operate at both the museum and the archaeological site, as part of a broader project to unify more than 300 archaeological sites on a single digital platform with virtual tour capabilities.

Alongside the inauguration, a new visitor reception and service building was opened. It will function as an information centre with analogue and digital exhibits to help visitors understand the extensive site, which is preserved mainly at foundation level. The centre is expected to be fully equipped with digital material by April 1, 2026.

Mendoni also stressed that Central Macedonia hosts at least two Macedonian palaces — at Aigai and Pella — which should be promoted together as the places of Philip and Alexander, under a common strategy.

Regional Governor of Central Macedonia Athena Aidona noted that the region funded not only the inaugurated projects but a wider network of interventions to protect and showcase the palace, underlining that investment in culture brings multiple benefits to the local economy and society.

The mayor of Pella described the day as “historic” for the area, saying the opening of the palace marks the start of a new period of responsibility, while also raising issues concerning other monuments in the region.

In response, Mendoni said the restoration of the Giannitsa Metropolis is expected to be included in the current 2021–2027 ESPA programme, that steps have already been taken to acquire and restore the Iskender Bey Mosque, and that in June 2025 the long-awaited expropriation of the New Pella site was finally advanced to allow excavation and future highlighting of the early Christian basilica.