Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina)
Vergina, Greece
A museum built inside the great tumulus of Vergina, showing the royal Macedonian tombs including that of Philip II. A UNESCO site; the palace and theatre are a short drive up the hill.
The Royal Tombs of Aigai lie by the village of Vergina in Central Macedonia, Greece, about 75 km west of Thessaloniki. The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. The museum was built from 1993 underground inside the Great Tumulus and opened in 1997. The archaeologist Manolis Andronikos discovered four tombs here in 1977, two of which had never been looted. Recent research attributes Tomb II to Philip II and his wife Meda; a 2015 study argued for Tomb I, but the Greek Ministry of Culture rejected this.
The finds include the gold larnax with the sixteen-rayed Sun of Vergina on its lid, a gold burial wreath and a gold wreath of Queen Meda. Above the entrance of Philip's tomb, a 5.6 m wall painting probably shows a hunting scene. The theatre and the neighbouring palace of Aigai form one complex from the second half of the 4th century BC; Philip II was assassinated in the theatre in 336 BC. Check current opening times before you travel.
- Nearest town
- Vergina, Greece
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 40.4860, 22.3190
- Editor's pick
- ★
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–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Greece: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Κατασκήνωση ΕλαφίναςCampsite8 km from Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina)
All campsites in Greece · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina)?
Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina) is in Vergina, Greece, at GPS 40.4860, 22.3190. It is about 42 km from Edessa.
Can you camp near Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina)?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Κατασκήνωση Ελαφίνας, about 8 km away; within 25 km there are 1 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina)?
Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina) is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Greek Macedonia: Vergina, Edessa and the Prespa lakes.
What is there to see near Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina)?
Places worth a stop nearby: Veria Old Town (Barbouta, Kyrillos) (11 km), Pella (35 km), Dion Archaeological Park (38 km) and Edessa Waterfalls (42 km).
When is the best time to visit Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina)?
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)