Visiting the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai from Thessaloniki

Author: Janice Vazquez | Last updated: November 25, 2023

A large white tomb that shows two columns, white door, and cracks at the museum of the royal tombs of agai — *The Facade of Phillip II*‘*s Tomb, 336 BC*

The Museum of Royal Tombs of Aigai showcases the tombs of the kings of Macedon, including Phillip II, the father of Alexander the Great. Among the remarkable items on display are four tombs, a golden larnax of Phillip II, gold funeral wreath of Queen Meda (Phillip II’s sixth wife), and a detailed tomb fresco depicting Hades abducting Persephone. This museum is a must-visit destination for those who are interested in learning about Phillip II.

What is the best way to get to the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai from Thessaloniki?

I highly recommend driving a car to reach the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai from Thessaloniki because you can go at your own pace. Also, because the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai is unreachable by bus from Thessaloniki.

Renting a Car

I rented a car from Hertz and the process to pick up the car was simple. I showed the sales associate my driver’s license, passport, and credit card to pay for the car. From start to finish, the whole process took 20 minutes (5 minutes to check-in, 15 minutes for the associate to get the car).

After I picked up the car, I was a bit hungry and I stopped by a fast food restaurant called PETMEZAS, which offers burgers, club sandwiches, gyros, spaghetti, and variety of beverages including wine, beer and juices. Although the menu was in Greek, we received assistance from a kind man behind the counter who helped us place our order. We bought 2 gyros – one pork and one chicken – as well as 3 skewers – one chicken, one pork and one pork filled with cheese. The total cost of our meal was only 13,40 euros.

Then, I drove for approximately 1 hour to Aigai (Vergina) to see the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai. We passed by 1 toll booth, which charged 1,20 euros.

My experience visiting Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai

When I reached Aigai, I was surprised to find the town to be completely empty. There were many signs, but none that said “Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai”. I wasn’t sure where to go, so I parked the car and continued my search on foot. I walked down a stone pathway, and shortly after passed by a museum shop, which reassured me that I was on the right path. Then, I came across a ticket booth and paid the admission fee of 8 euros per person. Afterwards, I made my way through a tunnel that led me to “The Great Tumulus”, a hill constructed from earth and stones for the purpose of the burial.

Gated entrance thats wide open to a bare field, which allows people to go into the Museum of Royal Tombs of Aigai — *Museum of Royal Tombs of Aigai entrance*

Upon entering, I saw a map of the Museum of Royal Tombs of Aigai. Then, I proceeded into the museum, which was very dark.

A diagram highlighting the entrance and exit to the Museum of Royal Tombs of Aigai Map — *Museum of Royal Tombs of Aigai Map*

There were a few lights shining on the recreation of Phillip II’s Tomb (Tomb IV). Then, I saw the wall paintings. Afterwards, I saw the reconstruction of Tomb I.

Layers of stone depicting Tomb I at the Museum of Royal Tombs of Aigai — *Tomb I*

Four columns and stone floor, which resembles a recreation of Phillip II Tombs from the Museum of Royal Tombs of Aigai — *Tomb IV* *is a recreation of Phillip II Tomb’s*

In the second half of the museum, we viewed Phillip II’s Tomb (Tomb II) and The Prince’s Tomb (Tomb III).

A woman's silhouette can be seen in front of a Large white stone wall depicting the Facade of Phillip II's Tomb — *Janice standing in front of the Facade of Phillip II’s Tomb*

White marble tomb with a white door at the museum of the royal tombs of aigai — *Facade of Tomb III – Prince’s Tomb*

Afterwards, I viewed the magnificent collection of ancient artifacts found in Phillip II Tomb (Alexander the Great’s father). There was an intricate golden crown, an ivory and gold shield, a gold oak wreath on a silver vessel, and Phillip II’s weapons.

A golden wreath on top and golden box with a star on top beneath the wreath at the museum of the royal tombs of agai — *Gold funeral wreath and Golden larnax of Philip II of Macedon with Star of Vergina*

Gold oak wreath and two-handled silver vessel from the main chamber of Tomb II at the museum of royal tombs at Aigai — Gold oak wreath and two-handled silver vessel from the main chamber of Tomb II

A large circular shield that has engravings of circular patterns and two people in the center — *Phillip II ivory and gold shield – made of wood, leather, and cloth*

Spears hung on a white wall and turquoise colored shin protectors on top of a white shelf — *The weapons of Phillip II*

At the end of the museum, I saw a 5 minute film about the excavation to find the Phillip II tomb. At the very end of the exhibit, I learned about the archaeologist, Vergina, who discovered the Phillip II of Macedonia’s tomb.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience to view the beautiful artifacts and historic tombs.

Tip: Photography is allowed, but you cannot use flash or pose with the artifacts or tombs.

Driving back to Thessaloniki

Following my visit to the Museum of Royal Tombs, we embarked on a 1.5 hour drive back to Thessaloniki, which was quite challenging due to heavy traffic during rush hour. The intense traffic was exacerbated by cars parked in the middle of the street, inconsistent traffic light timings, and a high volume of cars. Upon returning the rental car, I made a pit stop at the gas station to fill up our tank, which cost 16,08 euros for the 120 km journey.

Returning the car

Since Hertz closed at 5pm, I had to park across the street from the store front in the parking lot. Luckily the parking lot attendant didn’t ask any questions and took my rental car keys.

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