Via Egnatia, a road of faith. At the peak of Roman Empire, no fewer than 29 great military highways radiated from the capital city of Rome. Three hundred and seventy two great roads interconnected Roman Empire’s 113 provinces in Europe, and Mediterranean region. The whole comprised more than 400,000 kilometers (250,000miles) of roads, of which over 80,500 kilometers (50,000 miles) were stone-paved. In France alone, no less than 21,000 kilometers (13,000 miles) of roadways are said to have been improved, and in Britain at least 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles). The courses (and sometimes the surfaces) of many Roman roads survived for millennia as many are overlaid by modern roads.

In one of Rome’s ancient roads the Via Ostia, Saint Paul encountered his martyr’s death, a testament to the Roman Empire’s persecution of Christians. The exact location of Saint Paul’s martyrdom and burial remains a subject of debate among historians and archaeologists. However, the traditional site on Via Ostia near the Basilica of Saint Paul outside the Walls is a revered pilgrimage destination for Christians worldwide.

Via Egnatia: Saint Paul’s missionary journeys

The Via Egnatia was a crucial Roman road that spanned from the Adriatic Sea to the Black Sea, connecting Rome to the eastern reaches of its empire. It was a vital artery for trade, military movement, and cultural exchange. Romans constructed the road during 2^nd century B.C under the order of Gnaeus Egnatius, proconsul of the Macedonian province, hence its name. It covered a total distance of about 1,120 km (696 miles/746 Roman miles).

Like other major Roman roads, it was about six meters (19.6 ft.) wide, paved with large polygonal stone slabs or covered with a hard layer of sand. Itpassed through modern-day Albania, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey while it was a continuation of Via Appia, connecting Rome with Constantinople. Via Egnatia served as a catalyst for the spread of Christianity.

Its strategic location, efficient infrastructure, and vibrant cultural exchange made it an ideal pathway for the Christian message to reach new audiences. This ancient highway facilitated the movement of people, ideas, and goods, making it a crucial conduit for the Christian message. Saint Paul, a key figure in early Christianity, used the Via Egnatia on his missionary journeys. He traveled from Philippi to Thessalonica, sharing the Gospel and establishing Christian communities along the way.

The Via Egnatia also became a pilgrimage route for Christians. Devout believers traveled to significant Christian sites, such as Rome and Jerusalem, using this well-established road. These pilgrimages further spread the Christian faith and strengthened the bonds between local communities.

Via Egnatia: Philippi pilgrimage tours

Our exploration begins in Thessaloniki, with the ancient city of Philippi as our final destination. We follow the historic Via Egnatia for a significant portion of our journey. As we progress on our journey, we traverse a picturesque landscape characterized by traditional villages, fertile plains, meandering rivers, and dense forests. Our route introduces us to tranquil lakes, cultivated fields, ancient marble quarries, and serene monasteries. By following the historic Via Egnatia, my guests can personally experience the journey undertaken by Saint Paul and his companions as they traveled from Philippi to Thessalonica.

Within Philippi’s Roman agora, pilgrims may witness and walk upon the very same road that once Saint Paul and his companions walked. Today there is a modern highway in Northern Greece called Egnatia Odos, “Via Egnatia” in Greek, alluding to its ancient counterpart. It crosses all Northern Greece from the west (Ionian Sea and Adriatic Sea) to the East (Greek – Turkish borders).

Thessaloniki biblical tours

Our biblical private day trips can accommodate your small group in one of our minivans (max 6 guests), or Mercedes Sprinter minibus (max 12 guests). We may start your private tour from any location, including all Thessaloniki hotels or from Kavala and Thessaloniki Port for our guests arriving via cruise ship. We also pick up from the SKG Thessaloniki International Airport or Airbnb vacation rental for a small fee.

Flexible itinerary with plenty of stops along the way. For our Philippi tour, we may start your tour from any location, including all Thessaloniki or Kavala hotels or from Kavala and Thessaloniki Port for our American guests arriving via cruise ship.

Your chauffeur and local guide

Michael E. Nalbantis is both your private driver and local guide for all your Thessaloniki day trips. Thessaloniki born and grown, English speaking and a Google maps local guide level seven. Also available, licensed tour guides for archaeological sites and museums upon request at an extra cost.

Availability & rates

For more info (availability – rates) on our Philippi biblical day trips, please click here or simply contact Michael at +306976888113 WhatsApp & Viber available

In addition, SKG Thessaloniki Airport pickups available upon request, at extra cost.