The most important historical area of Halkidiki, the ancient Stagira, is located in the zone of Liotopi, just next to the modern area of Olympiada. The tour is a real treat. Especially if you want to see it all, you must know that you have to dispose at least 2 or 3 hours, and you should not miss the coastal path, which is great.
The city was founded in 655 BC by Ionian settlers from the island of Andros, where a little later settlers from Chalkida arrived. After the Persian wars Stagira was also taken part to the Athenian Alliance, contributing to the common fund.
During the Peloponnesian war, and specifically in 424 BC, the city defected from the Athenians and allied with the Spartans. That angered Athenians, who hastened to besiege the city, but without a result.
Later, however, the Stagira proceeded to the Audience of Halkideon, i.e. to the confederation of all of the cities of Halkidiki that had it’s headquarter in Olintho. In the year 349 B.C. the city was besieged and then succumbed to the king of Macedonia Philip II, who destroyed it completely in order to re-establish it, after a few years, in favor of Aristotle.