Pella
Pella, Greece
The capital of ancient Macedon and birthplace of Alexander the Great, with pebble mosaics in houses and a modern museum. It is on the main road west of Thessaloniki.
Pella in Central Macedonia, Greece, was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia from the 4th century BC until the Romans sacked it in 168 BC. Alexander the Great was born here in 356 BC. The archaeological site lies about one kilometre outside the modern town; in antiquity Pella was linked to the Thermaic Gulf by a navigable inlet that later silted up.
The city was laid out on a grid of right-angled streets in the manner of Hippodamus. Its pebble mosaics are famous, for example a lion hunt and Dionysus riding a leopard in the House of Dionysus; the House of Helen is also named after its mosaic. Many finds are displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Pella.
The Palace of Pella opened to visitors in December 2025 (as of October 2026). Before you travel, check which areas and times currently apply.
- Nearest town
- Pella, Greece
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 40.7600, 22.5230
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Greece: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
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Nearby
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FAQs
Where is Pella?
Pella is in Pella, Greece, at GPS 40.7600, 22.5230. It is about 35 km from Vergina.
Which road trips pass Pella?
Pella is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Greek Macedonia: Vergina, Edessa and the Prespa lakes.
What is there to see near Pella?
Places worth a stop nearby: Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina) (35 km), Ano Poli (Upper Town) of Thessaloniki (38 km), Veria Old Town (Barbouta, Kyrillos) (38 km) and White Tower of Thessaloniki (39 km).
When is the best time to visit Pella?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)