Philippi gets a facelift, restoration effort

Founded in  356 B.C. by Phillip II, Philippi is set to undergo restoration on a 2.3 million euro project provided for by a regional program. The program will improve access to the ancient, once pagan, turned Christian, site as well as promotion and the restoration efforts of Kavala – Thasos Ephorate of Antiquities.
Greek City Times reports:

Greece’s Region of Eastern Macedonia-Thrace has allocated 2.3 million euros for restoration and upgrade works at the archaeological site of Philippi in Northern Greece.
The UNESCO World Heritage Listed site includes the bishop’s quarter, an octagonal church, large private residences, a basilica near the museum and two more churches in the necropolis to the east of the city.
The Eastern Macedonian city was founded in 356 BC by Macedonian King Philip II, evolving into a “small Rome” and later becoming a centre of the Christian faith following the visit of the Apostle Paul in 49-50 CE.
The works, to be funded by the region’s program will include promoting the site, improving accessibility, and unifying the finds.
The project will be carried out by the Kavala – Thasos Ephorate of Antiquities, which also manages the ancient Philippi Theatre and the Roman Forum, among others.

Philippi was the first experience of St. Paul’s evangelization by Europe, and remained Christian under the Byzantine Empire until the Turks overran Constantinople and other territories belonging to the Empire.