Aigai Palace, the grand structure where Alexander the Great was proclaimed king, finally reopened its doors during an inauguration ceremony on Friday, the Associated Press reported.
After a comprehensive 16-year renovation costing approximately $22 million, this historic site in northern Greece, which dates back more than 2,300 years, stands as a testament to the glory of classical Greece and the heritage of the Macedonian kingdom. according to To the Associated Press. Built during the reign of Alexander's father Philip II, Aigai Palace served as the center of Macedonian power. The major renovation was supported by the European Union, the newspaper reported. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who attended the reopening inauguration ceremony, reportedly emphasized the importance of the restoration of a site so important to ancient Greek history.
“After many years of painstaking work, we can open the palace to the public… What we are doing today is an event of global significance,” Mitsotakis said, according to the Associated Press. reported.
The palace spans over 15,000 square meters and is said to have been the political and spiritual center of Macedonia. The site was decorated with marble columns and mosaics, the paper said. The entire site, including the nearby Royal Tombs, is a United Nations World Heritage Site.
According to the Associated Press, the palace is located near the modern village of Vergina. According to the outlet, the restoration involved piecing together pieces of the original stone and replica pieces, resembling a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. (Related: Albany's gorgeous historic church listed for just $100,000)
🏛️Newly restored palace #Dialogue – Where Alexander the Great was crowned king #Macedonia It was inaugurated more than 2,300 years ago today. @PrimeministerGR K. Mitsotakis will reopen to the public on Sunday.
Learn more @AP➡️ https://t.co/AOAvmSCxm2
📷@cultureGR pic.twitter.com/cItDLpbX0f
— Greece in the UK (@GreeceinUK) January 5, 2024
The importance of Aigai was first brought to light in the late 1970s thanks to the groundbreaking research of now-defunct Greek archaeologist Manolis Andronikos, the Associated Press reported. His excavations unearthed royal tombs and valuable artifacts, including what many believe to be the remains of King Felipe II. According to the Associated Press, Andronikos' activities have brought increased attention to Macedonia, which until then had been in the shadow of Athens.
Angeliki Kottaridi, who reportedly started working at Aigai as an archeology student and then spearheaded the restoration of the Aigai palace and the new museum, retired on December 31st. Kottaridi, who was recognized at the ceremony, was recognized for his dedication to the project, the Associated Press reported.
“What we found were stones scattered in the ground and pieces of mosaics here and there,” Kotaridi told state television, according to the Associated Press.
“Then you have to put things together, and that's the real fun of being a researcher. So if you ask me what makes me happy, I say it's not the moment when something becomes clear. Taking knowledge one step further “That was the moment I realized I could move forward,” she added.
The general public will also have access to Aiga Sunday, according to the Associated Press.
