Servia: A Byzantine castle city

The earliest phases of its history remain shrouded in mystery, but in the 10th century the town was captured by the Bulgarian Tsar Samuel and then conquered by the legendary Byzantine emperor Basil II, known as the Bulgar Slayer. From the 11th to the 14th century, the region was passed back and forth between Frankish rulers and Byzantine governors.

The city’s partially collapsed fortifications formed part of a broader defensive system consisting of three successive lines of walls, i.e. multiple layers of defence. On the eastern side of the hill, the acropolis was protected by towers, only three of which survive to this day. The monuments still standing within the walls provide invaluable insight into the history of the town, which still leaves a lot of room for archaeological exploration. The Great Basilica, the 11th century episcopal church of Servia, underwent successive building phases between the 12th and 16th centuries, while Agios Ioannis, Agioi Theodoroi, Agioi Anargyroi and other churches preserve important Late Byzantine wall paintings.

Today, following conservation and restoration works carried out on most of its monuments, Servia is readily awaiting visitors.