The archaeological site “Kastri of Doliche” is located approximately 4 kilometers west of Doliche. Excavations began in 2002 and brought to light three three-aisled basilicas as well as part of the enclosure wall of the Acropolis. The settlement was inhabited until the 7th century AD and constitutes a noteworthy and well-organized archaeological site, as it combines different types of structures of secular, religious, and defensive character.
Based on the finds from two churches, Basilica A and Basilica B, it was hypothesized that the site corresponded to the ancient city of Doliche, which continued to exist until the 6th century AD. The inscriptions found in Basilica A date to the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC; the first mentions the name PHILA, daughter of Eubiotus, and the second the name DEMOPHIL[OS]. From another inscription found at the Pythion, Phila, daughter of Eubiotus, is referred to as a woman of Doliche, and Demophilos as a hero, the deceased husband of Phila.
The third Early Christian basilica uncovered within the Acropolis incorporated older building material in its construction. Embedded in its southern wall was the base of a statue bearing two inscriptions. The first inscription includes the text: “[The] city of the Dolicheans … [honors] Polin, daughter of Phoxinos, its benefactress,” from which it is inferred that the city of the Dolicheans honored its benefactress, the wife of Phoxinos.
In 2006, the 7th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities (7th EBA) published the latest results of its research, identifying the archaeological site of “Kastri of Doliche” with the ancient city of Doliche, which is believed to have extended over the area beneath the acropolis of the Early Christian period. Furthermore, other inscriptions found at the site also support the existence of a temple dedicated to Heracles.
This information is provided to highlight the significance of the finds in the history of the wider region.
Organized visits to the archaeological site are not conducted.
DOLICHE 