ИСТИНА

Pilgrimage places mostly are at same time cultural heritage objects. These ensembles build multicultural spaces that structure the pilgrimage and its dynamics (Stoddard, & Morinis 1997; Kamenidou & Vourou 2015; Kilipiris and Dermetzopoulos 2016). An example of such an ensemble is the UNESCO world heritage site of Philippi - an antique center while the Roman Empire nearby the todays city of Kavala (Northern Greece). Philippi also is a place of early Christian history mentioned in the epistle of Paul to the people of Philippi, the Philippians (Acts 16:14-15). St. Paul baptised the female purple merchant Lydia as the first women mentioned in the bible. Ourdays nearby to the UNESCO heritage site of Philippi a scarified place, the baptistery of St. Lydia at the small river Zygakti was installed by the Greek Orthodox Church for celebrating baptism ceremonies but also to offer it to Christians from other confessions. This place is located near to the historic via Egnatia, which was used by St. Paul while his second missionary tour. The triple of historic elements set up by the antique city of Philippi, the via Egantia and the place of baptism of St. Lydia offers a unique setting for the development of a pilgrimage tourism (Archeological 2015; Sakellariadi 2010; Stylidis & Terzidou 2013). This paper analysis the geography of attractions of outstanding value and their connectivity for tourism experience creation. Based on expert interviews as well as group discussions with local stakeholders development options for pilgrimage tourism are derived considering specific needs. The analysis showed a significant lack of thematic linkage and guidance between the most outstanding attractions. Furthermore the need for the development of cooperation structures between the state, municipality level as well as the Greek Orthodox Church as elementary basis for integrated tourism offers became visible.