Ancient Philippi and Lydia

Philippi built around 360BC. The New Testament records a visit to the city by the apostle Paul during his second missionary journey (likely in AD 49 or 50). On the basis of the Acts of the Apostles and the letter to the Philippians, early Christians concluded that Paul had founded their community. Accompanied by Silas, by Timothy and possibly by Luke (the author of the Acts of the Apostles), Paul is believed to have preached for the first time on European soil in Philippi.[8] According to the New Testament, Paul visited the city on two other occasions, in 56 and 57. The Epistle to the Philippians dates from around 61–62 and is believed to show the immediate effects of Paul's instruction. There is the toom where St Paul was said to have been held.

Lydia 1.5km away a modern Greek Orthodox outdoor chapel on what is said to be the site where Lydia was baptized. Lydia is considered the first 'European' Christian convert.