Dion

Macedonia and Thrace

A short drive from Litohoro, the base for visiting Mount Olympus, and an hour's drive from Thessaloniki, is the village of Dion, whose name derives from the word ‘dios’, or ‘of Zeus’.

Ancient Site, Sacred City

In the centre of the village there is an excellent small Archaeological Museum that displays finds from the site of Ancient Dion, which is found on the edge of the village. Visiting the Museum first will help in understanding the site, and explanatory videos are available in several languages showing the site’s excavation and explaining its significance.

Some of the best finds are statues that have been beautifully preserved when the ancient city was covered in mud after an earthquake. It was a considerable city, too, home to about 15,000 people in the 4th century BC when it was regarded as a sacred city by the Macedonians. The remains that can be seen today, however, are mostly from the later Roman era and include a fine example of a Roman bath house. There are also the remains of a theatre and a stadium, and the site is well laid-out and signposted. Elsewhere there are the remnants of houses both humble and grand, including a splendid mosaic remaining in what was once a banqueting hall.

Sanctuary to Isis

Be sure not to miss the part of the site that is across the road from the main area. Here is a Sanctuary to the Egyptian Goddess, Isis, and copies of original statues from the site stand white against the lush greenery around a small pond. It is a lovely and peaceful spot, with its magical setting between mountains and sea. Greece has many wonderful archaeological sites but there is undeniably something special and unusual about Dion.

Dion Archaeological Museum

More Information
Dion Archaeological Site
Dion Archaeological Museum


Driving from Thessaloniki to Dion



View Larger Map


You might like these

  • The Royal Tombs and Archaeological Site of Vergina in Macedonia

    The archaeological site of Vergina in Macedonia is famous for the royal tombs which were the burial place of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great.

  • Thessaloniki

    The capital of Macedonia and Greece’s second city, Thessaloníki has a lovely situation by the water, a wealth of history, many good museums, and good food.

  • The Prespa Lakes in Northern Greece

    The Prespa Lakes in northwest Greece is one of the most beautiful parts of Greece with abundant wildlife and also many ancient churches.

  • Scenic Drives in Northern Greece

    Scenic Drives in Northern Greece, Ioannina, Meteora, Kastoria, Prespa Lakes

  • Philippi

    Philippi is an ancient archaeological site near Kavala in East Macedonia and Thrace and is famous for being the place where the apostle St Paul was imprisoned.

  • The Site of Ancient Pella in Macedonia, Greece

    Pella in Macedonia is famous for its mosaics and was also the birthplace of both King Philip II and his son, Alexander the Great.

  • Northern Greece Guide

    The Bradt Guide to Northern Greece is a detailed guide to Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Macedonia, Thrace, The Pelion, The Sporades and the rest of Northern Greece.

  • Museums of Thessaloniki

    The Greek city of Thessaloniki in Macedonia has an array of wonderful museums and art galleries, and here's twelve of the best.

  • Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece

    Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and is in the Mount Olympus National Park in Macedonia, with Litochoro being the best base.

Latest Posts

RSS

  1. Attica Stays in Strict Lockdown for Another Week

    Strict lockdown measures will continue in Athens and the surrounding Attica region for one more week, following the recommendations of Greece’s committee of health experts, Civil Protection Deputy Min…

    Read More

  2. Greece Updates Covid-19 Aviation Directive for Domestic Air Travel

    The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) on Sunday issued an aviation directive (NOTAM) that extends travel restrictions for domestic flights (travel between prefectures) in Greece until 6am on Ma…

    Read More

  3. The Telegraph Highlights 15 ‘Perfect’ Greek Islands for post-Covid Travel

    UK daily newspaper The Telegraph recently highlighted 15 Greek islands as the “perfect” destinations for post-Covid-19 travel. Titled “Which is the perfect Greek island? Here are 15 of our favorites…

    Read More

  4. Surge in Covid-19 Cases May Force Greece to Remain in Lockdown

    Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called off plans to ease Covid-19 lockdown measures early next month after the health authorities announced a surge in cases on Tuesday. “The sharp increase in…

    Read More

  5. Coronavirus Puts Athens’ Hospitality Market on Hold

    The ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the travel restrictions imposed worldwide and low demand have put Athens’ hospitality market on hold. “There are no bookings [for Athens] at the moment. No…

    Read More

  6. Covid-19: Arcadia in Strict Lockdown, Nafplio Goes ‘Red’

    Greek authorities have tightened lockdown restrictions in the regional unit of Arcadia in the central Peloponnese in an effort to stop the further spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19). The General Sec…

    Read More

  7. Tourism Minister Invites Digital Nomads to Work from Greece

    Greece stands to gain approximately 1.6 billion euros in a year if it manages to attract digital nomads to the country with its new technologies and lax tax policy, said Greek Tourism Minister Harry T…

    Read More

  8. PM: Greece Prepares to Welcome Tourists Safely for Summer

    “We want people to be able to travel in safety,” Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said during the Nueva Economia Forum organized by Spain, referring to the importance of promptly reaching an a…

    Read More

  9. Covid-19: Greece Considers Re-opening Some Activities in March

    Greek authorities are looking into ways to allow certain activities next month, including retail and schools, but not (non-essential) domestic travel after the chairman of the Greek Medical Associatio…

    Read More

  10. Elefsina’s Old Oil Mill to Become an Archaeological Museum

    Elefsina, located in Attica near Athens, will get a new archaeological museum, to be created on the premises of the city’s old Oil Mill. A landmark site of the area, the old oil mill every summer turn…

    Read More