# Ancient Stagira > ## Ancient Stagira: the birthplace of Aristotle The **Ancient Stagira** is located on a small, green peninsula next to **Olympiada**, in northeastern Halkidiki, about **95 kilometers from Thessaloniki**. It is the place where **Aristotle** was born in **384 BC**, the philosopher who shaped Western t ## Quick facts | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Location | Ολυμπιάδα, Χαλκιδική | | Area | mainland | | Category | historical | | Price range | Free | | Duration | 1-2h | | Rating | — | | Coordinates | 40.5931, 23.7856 | ## Tags - history - aristotle - archaeology - free - sea-view ## Description ## Ancient Stagira: the birthplace of Aristotle The **Ancient Stagira** is located on a small, green peninsula next to **Olympiada**, in northeastern Halkidiki, about **95 kilometers from Thessaloniki**. It is the place where **Aristotle** was born in **384 BC**, the philosopher who shaped Western thought — and one of the few archaeological sites in Greece with such a direct connection to a global personality. ### The history of the city The city was founded in **655 BC** by Ionian colonists from **Andros**. It was destroyed by **Philip II of Macedon** in **349 BC**, but he rebuilt it in honor of Aristotle, who was the teacher of his son, Alexander the Great. Systematic excavations began in **1990** and continue, constantly bringing new findings to light. ### What you will see - The impressive **classical walls** of the city, built by the sea - The **Agora**, the commercial and political center of the ancient city - Well-preserved **foundations of Hellenistic houses** - A **crescent-shaped building** near the Agora, which archaeologists believe is a possible tomb where Aristotle's ashes were transferred after his death in Chalkida - Panoramic views of the Aegean from the hills of the site ### The Aristotle Park Note: the **Aristotle Park** is a separate area from the archaeological site. It is located in the modern village of **Stagira**, about 8 kilometers higher up the mountain, and is an interactive theme park with instruments that represent natural phenomena studied by the philosopher. ### Practical information - Entrance to the archaeological site is **free** - Wear comfortable shoes — the path ascends through dense vegetation - Combine your visit with a swim in **Olympiada** and the village of Stagira. --- Source: Type: TouristAttraction · Halkidiki, Greece