Ancient City of Stagira Northern Chalkidiki

Stagira is the ancient city that gave birth to the philosopher Aristotle in 384 BC multifaceted teacher and scholar of great subjects ranging from mathematics to philosophy, literature, science, politics, history, and considered together with Plato his teacher and Socrates one of the founders of Western philosophical thought.

It was founded in 656 BC by settlers from the island of Andros and in 480 BC occupied by Xerxes I during the Persian invasion. After the Persian dominion, it allies itself with Athens and then with Sparta to be occupied again by Philip II of Macedon in 349 BC who, after having razed it to the ground, rebuilt it as long as Aristotle became the guardian of his son  Alexander the Great.

The archaeological site on top of two gentle hills embraced by the majestic Aegean Sea where the view leaves you speechless. It comes to light in 1960 by the hand of the Greek archaeologist Kostas Sismanidis and is of immense importance as it preserves the tomb of the great philosopher. On the summit there is a large wall of the classical age which marks the western boundaries of the old city. A massive fortification with towers and bastions with square and circular shapes connected to each other by heavy disks superimposed on motifs of scales.

At the top of the hills is the agora, the political and commercial center of the city near warehouses and shops with a majestic rectangular shaped stoa with covered passages, columned arcades open on one side and stairs where the inhabitants used to meet for public debates that make it clear how it was originally.

The Citadel was also discovered with sanctuaries, public and private houses that represent the urban fabric of the city of Stagira. Going down and then going up there is a cistern where it is assumed that water was stored, a cellar, the defensive wall of the Byzantine era and the monumental tomb of Aristotle.

The mausoleum has a ten-meter arch shape that surrounds the square Byzantine tower with a marble floor with an altar in the center called Aristotleion where according to historical documents the ashes of Aristotle were buried immediately after his death in 322 BC in the Chalcis in a bronze hydria. The view from the tomb is 360 degrees and research shows it had a ceramic tile roof, works of expert potters with a paved road that led to the entrance where pilgrims went to bring gifts and offerings in memory to the philosopher. A work of gratitude by the Stageriti to honor the precious fellow citizen who did so much for his city. In addition, to celebrate Aristotle, an annual festival called Aristotle was also established.

For the youngest the Aristotle Park 500 meters above sea level with a fantastic view of the Gulf of Ierissos which offers an interactive path where it is possible to experiment with instruments such as solar lenses some phenomena of Mother Nature or with powerful telescopes to discover the monasteries of the Holy Mountain.

The site is completely free and despite everything it is always very well maintained and preserved and we recommend that you help keep it that way.

Nothing could be easier, with the car you arrive near the site where you can leave your vehicle in the parking lot before the gate, then continue on foot for two hundred meters from a dirt road where one of the wonders that the past has awaited you. allowed to admire. There is a marked path to follow and since at times you immerse yourself in a forest we recommend comfortable shoes.

One of the most important sites in Greece where a visit is a must and therefore to be noted in the things to see in Chalkidiki.