Located 70 km from Thessaloniki and 17 km from Polygyros, Ancient Olynthos lies east of the modern village of the same name. Built on a double hill at the head of the Toroneos Gulf, this site reveals layers of history, from Neolithic settlements to a thriving city of the Classical and Late Classical periods.
The southern hill, the earliest inhabited area, features remnants of a Late Neolithic settlement (3000–2500 BC). By the mid-7th century BC, an archaic city emerged, only to be destroyed by the Persians in 479 BC. This area later became part of a network of Chalcidian cities.
The northern hill became the heart of the classical city, planned according to the Hippodamian system, featuring 64 insulae (building blocks) and wide streets, some of which were as broad as 7 meters. At its peak, Olynthos was a prominent member of the Delian League and later the "Common of the Chalcidians," an alliance of 32 coastal cities.
Despite periods of prosperity, Olynthos faced conflict with Macedonian kings, Spartans, and Athenians before ultimately falling to Philip II of Macedon in 348 BC. Archaeological excavations have since revealed remarkable insights into urban planning and daily life in Classical Greece.
The archaeological site includes both hills and the area at their base, where visitor facilities are located. Highlights include:
The southern hill. The remnants of a Neolithic settlement, a 12th-century AD tower, and the ruins of the city’s agora and prytaneion (the city’s administrative center). Excavations on the southern hill also revealed two main avenues running along the city’s eastern and western edges, with shops, houses, and storage pits found along the eastern avenue.
The northern hill. The Classical city on the northern hill showcases two-story houses with paved courtyards, as well as formal spaces like the andron (used for symposia), decorated with exquisite mosaics depicting plant and human motifs.. Other structures include a stoa, a public fountain, and possibly a theater, which may have existed at the southern end of the hill. Notably, aristocratic mansions, such as those of Agathe Tyche and the Actor, were found outside the walled part of the city.
Visitor center offers air-conditioned facilities, toilets, and a chilled drinking fountain. Interactive exhibits include 3D models of buildings and artifacts, touchscreens with detailed information, and an engaging 20-minute animated presentation in Greek and English.
Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Wednesday to Monday (closed on Tuesdays).
Admission: tickets are available at the entrance (€4), and cards are accepted. Free admission is offered on specific days:
Parking is available at the base of the hill, with shaded spots for convenience. Be prepared for a steep, rocky climb of about 1 km to reach the site. The terrain is not wheelchair-friendly and may be challenging for those with mobility issues.