The Ministry of Culture has confirmed that the archeological site at Philippi is amongst the candidates that will be included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
The archeological site in the Municipality of Kavala is not only associated with the city founded by the Macedon king Philip, it also hosted an infamous battle that determined the future of the Roman Empire. Apostle Paul was also thought to have first set foot in Europe at Philippi and allegedly baptized the first Christian woman, Saint Lydia, in the nearby Zygaktis River.
The local mayors Kostis Simitsis was pleased with this development and told the Athens-Macedonia News Agency that his goal was to reveal the rich history and significance of the area and stressed that the Municipality of Kavala will increase its efforts.
The Ministry of Culture will submit the relevant application to UNESCO’s central offices in Paris by September, which will then be reviewed by February 2015.
