Guide of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace

The fortification walls, built under Philip II (386 – 336 BC) are among the most ancient monuments in the site of Philippi. The fortified complex enclosed the top of the hill of the acropolis extending over its southern slopes and part of the valley. The enceinte is 3.5 km long; it was built with marble plinths according to the Hippodamian system and included three fortified gates flanked by towers.
The three gates revealed during the excavations on the east and south sides of the walls were given the following names: the Gate of Neapolis, the Gate of Krenides and the Gate of the Marshes. Only the Gate of Neapolis, flanked by two rectangular towers, is accessible to visitors. A small niche, probably served for placing the relief representation of a god, maybe Hermes of Propylaion, was found on the wall of the south tower.
The tower remained in use during the Byzantine era (4th – 14th centuries AD), when it was rebuilt with irregular shaped stones joined with plaster and had a width of 5 m. Finally, it was captured by the Ottomans and was deserted in the mid-16th century AD.