Location
Overview
Neapolis ("new city") was the seaport of Philippi on the coast of Macedonia. It holds a quiet but momentous place in history as the gateway of the gospel into Europe.
The crossing into Europe
Following the Macedonian vision, Paul's company "loosing from Troas... came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis" (Acts 16:11) — the first European soil the apostle touched.
On to Philippi
From Neapolis they went "to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony" (Acts 16:12), where Lydia would believe and the jailer would be saved.
A gateway remembered
Though named only in passing, Neapolis marks the threshold moment when the gospel crossed from Asia into the continent of Europe.
Events Here
Paul lands at Neapolis — the gospel’s first step into Europe
Scripture References
1 verseActs1 verse
Acts 16:11
Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
Archaeology & History
Neapolis is modern Kavala in northern Greece, the port that served Philippi a few miles inland along the Via Egnatia. As Paul's landing point after the Troas crossing, it is, in effect, where European Christianity began.
Frequently asked about Neapolis
Where is Neapolis today?
Today, Neapolis corresponds to Kavala, Greece.
What does the name Neapolis mean?
The name Neapolis means “New city”.
What happened at Neapolis in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Neapolis include paul lands at neapolis — the gospel’s first step into europe.
Where is Neapolis first mentioned in the Bible?
Neapolis is first mentioned in Acts 16:11.
How often is Neapolis mentioned in the Bible?
Neapolis is mentioned in 1 verse across 1 book: Acts.
Why is Neapolis significant?
It was the harbour where Paul first landed in Europe after the Macedonian vision — the gateway of the gospel from Asia into the European continent.
Where is Neapolis?
On the coast of Macedonia in northern Greece, at modern Kavala — the seaport of ancient Philippi.