Palace of Philip II of Macedonia, which had been undergoing restoration for 16 years, opened in Greece. Photos
The Palace of Aegi, one of the most important monuments of classical antiquity where Alexander the Great was crowned, has been reopened in Greece after 16 years of restoration.
The palace, located near the northern port city of Thessaloniki, was built over 2300 years ago. It was later destroyed by the Romans, and its ruins were discovered during excavations that began in the XIX century, the BBC reports.
The partial reconstruction of the palace, which was carried out with the assistance of the EU, cost more than 20 million euros.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who attended the opening ceremony, called it a monument of world significance.
Among the restored parts of the palace are impressive massive colonnades. The palace was built by Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great, who ruled the powerful kingdom of Macedonia.
Ancient Aegi, located near the modern city of Vergina, is considered the first capital of ancient Macedonia.
The palace was the largest building in Greece of the classical period: its area was 15 thousand square metres. It had large banquet halls, places for worshiping the gods, and courtyards.