Historical
Ancient Olynthos
0.0(0)
€4-8
1-2h
Ancient Olynthos: the first planned city
The **Ancient Olynthos** is one of the most important archaeological sites in Halkidiki and globally known to historians and architects: it preserves one of the **best-preserved examples of the Hippodamian system**, the first systematic urban planning in history.
A city in a grid
On the **North Hill** of the site, visitors can clearly see the layout: wide avenues intersected perpendicularly by narrower streets, dividing the city into **perfectly rectangular city blocks**. More than **100 ancient houses** have been excavated, providing a rare, detailed picture of daily life in classical Greece — from kitchens and baths to men's quarters.
The oldest mosaic pavements
Olynthos hosts some of the **oldest known mosaic pavements** of Greek art. The mythological representations featuring **Bellerophon and the Chimera** and **Dionysus on a chariot** stand out, made with natural pebbles in white and dark colors.
History
Since **432 BC**, when the inhabitants of many coastal cities settled there, Olynthos became the capital of the **Chalcidian League** and a key economic and military center of the region. It was completely destroyed by **Philip II** in **348 BC** — and it is precisely this abrupt abandonment that preserved the city so well for archaeologists.
Practical information
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An **Archaeological Museum** operates on-site with findings from the excavations
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The site is extensive and without shade — prefer **morning or afternoon** and bring water and a hat
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It is located near **Nea Moudania** and Gerakini, easily accessible from all of Halkidiki
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Location
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ancient Olynthos activity takes place in Όλυνθος, Χαλκιδική, Mainland Halkidiki, Halkidiki.
The price for Ancient Olynthos is €4-8.
The Ancient Olynthos activity lasts 1-2h.
