Thessaloniki and Central Macedonia Sights

Shopping Nightlife Performing Arts

1. Pella Archaeological Site

The ancient village ruins and its museum—both best known for their intricate, artful, and beautifully preserved floor mosaics, mainly of mythological scenes—are on either side of the main road toward Edessa (where waterfalls invite a possible further trip). It's best to first get an overview at the Archaeological Museum, which contains a model of the 4th-century BC dwelling that stood across the road, as well as fascinating artifacts of Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Age settlers, some as old as the 7th century BC. Note also the unique statuette of a horned Athena (apparently influenced by Minoan Crete), the statue of Alexander sprouting the horns of Pan, and the adorable sleeping Eros (Cupid), reproductions of which can be bought at the gift shop. Descriptions are sparse, but the attendants, pointedly not experts, are happy to share what they know. In 1914, two years after the Turks' departure, the people who lived on the land were moved to a village north of here, and excavations of the archaeological site began. These include portions of the walls; the sanctuaries of Aphrodite, Demeter, and Cybele; the marketplace; a cemetery; and several houses. In 1987, on a small rise to the north, the remains of the palace came to light; at present there is a restoration program at the site.