The name Apollonia or Apolonia is a Greek feminine name meaning belonging to Apollo or dedicated to Apollo, referencing the Greek god of light, music, healing, and arts.
Throughout history, numerous settlements bearing this name have been established across a wide geography ranging from Albania and Bulgaria to Turkey and Greece.
Located in Illyria, the Apollonia of Albania was a former bishopric and is now known as Pojani or Polina.
In Bulgaria, the Thracian Apollonia corresponds to the modern-day town of Sozopol.
Within the borders of Turkey, several ancient settlements carried this name, including Apollonia in Bithynia by Lake Uluabat (today Aboulioun), Apollonia in Lycia near Kekova, Mysia, Apollonia Ad Rhyndacum, Assos, and Pisidya which was later called Sozopolis.
Within Greece, multiple ancient cities named Apollonia existed in regions such as Acte, Aetolia, Argolis, Athos, Chalcidice, Echinades, Kavala, Mygdonia, Sifnos, and across Crete.
Additionally, various other localities, townships, and geographic features bearing the name Apollonia can be found in Italy, Asia, and other parts of the world.
Wikimedia research dossier · Last checked: 2026-08-31 15:12:20
