The city of Stagira is the birthplace of Aristotle. It was built in about 655 BC between two hills right by the sea. In the 5th century BC it was enclosed by a protective wall about 2 km long, complemented by watch towers. On the top of the northern hill was the Acropolis, which was also surrounded by protective constructions. Stagira had its own water supply system through which water flowed directly into the city. And in the center of the city there was a cistern for its storage. Basically, rather spacious houses with cellars for storage were built in the town. Between the houses there were narrow streets lined with stone.
The city took an active part in the most important events of those times: the fight against the Persians, the Athenian War, the Olythian War. During the latter (in 349 BC) Stagira was destroyed by Philip II. It was rebuilt almost immediately after Aristotle gained fame and became the teacher of Philip's son, Alexander the Great. Since then, however, the city's power gradually began to wane.
A thousand years later the Byzantine castle of Lipsazda stood on the same spot, the remains of which can still be seen today on the top of the northern hill.
It is easy to find Stagira: it is located on a small peninsula near the village of Olimpiada. The main entrance is located on the main road, there is also one additional entrance from the side of Olympiada. Admission is free.
