MUNICIPALITY OF KAVALA

MUNICIPALITY OF KAVALA
Contents
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR .............................................................................. 2
OUR CITY....................................................................................................................... 3
Geographical location ............................................................................................... 3
City History ................................................................................................................. 4
The city today.............................................................................................................. 4
Sister cities................................................................................................................... 4
WORTH SEEING IN KAVALA ................................................................................. 6
Sightseeing .................................................................................................................. 6
Museums and the Archaeological site of Philippi ............................................ 10
Photo Album ............................................................................................................. 14
Beaches of the area ................................................................................................... 14
USEFULL INFORMATION ..................................................................................... 14
Tourist Information Center .................................................................................... 14
Hotels / Rooms to let - Camping ........................................................................... 15
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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
We welcome you to beautiful Kavala, a city which is rich in history
and tradition, and wish you a pleasant stay. We are a modern, dynamic
and human city. We are pleased to welcome you to our website and
take the opportunity to inform you about the multiple services our city
has to offer. We want to put technology in the service of our citizens
and our city in the forefront of on-line services.
Konstantinos Simitsis
Mayor of Kavala
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OUR CITY
Geographical location
The prefecture of Kavala is situated between the
rivers Nestos and Strymonas, which are also its
natural borders. Its geographical location on the
shore of the Aegean Sea and over the ancient
route (Via Egnatia) that linked East to West
makes it an ideal point of communication
between people and cultures. It occupies 2,109
square km of land and it borders on the
prefectures of Xanthi (east), Drama (north) and
Serres (west). The prefecture includes four
municipalities (Kavala,
Nestos, Pangaio,
Thassos), with Kavala‟s Perfecture occupies a
total area of 112, 1.480,16 acres.The city, which
is the capital of the prefecture, is located on the
Egnatia motorway and is a two-hour drive to
Thessaloniki (160 km west ). As you enter
Kavala, you will admire the panoramic view of
the town that is nestled between the slopes
of the surrounding hills and the northern coast of
the Aegean Sea.
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City History
The historic settlement of Kavala was established and developed on the peninsula of Panagia where
the earliest evidence of human presence dates back to 1050-700 BC. The city's history begins in the
second half of the 7th century BC when Parian settlers, who in the meantime had colonized the island
of Thassos, passed on the opposite mainland coast and founded a new colony called Neapolis. Around
the same time, another walled settlement was created in the area of Kipoupoli, named Antisara
During Macedonian rule Kavala, as a harbor serving Filippi, gained great prosperity, after Philip II father of Alexander the Great -annexed it.
During the Roman Empire the city upgraded into a major port in the region and a travel station, as in
front of its walls was passing through Via Egnatia (the main thoroughfare of the Roman Empire
connecting Durres to Istanbul).
In 45A.D. the Apostle Paul visited Kavala on his way to Philippi, where he founded the first Christian
community in Europe. In the eighth century the city was known as Christoupolis. After intense
adventures and struggles, during the times of the Crusades was conquered and completely destroyed
by the Turks (about 1391). After almost a century of desolation, and in the second half of the 15th
century the city appears again under the current name and quickly developed into a major port. Not
until 1864 did the Greek people get permission from the Turkish state and created the first
neighborhood outside the walls in the area of St. John.
The 20th century was the golden age of Kavala. From 1903 until 1909, the Greek inhabitants, with a
high national morale, took part in the struggle for Macedonia. The booming of the tobacco industry
and the population growth resulted in an economically prosperous middle class and a broad working
class organized into powerful trade unions vigorously asserting its claims.
The city today
Nowadays Kavala is one of the largest cities (about 80,000 citizens) in Northern Greece. It is a city
that many people rank among the most beautiful and picturesque of our country. The reason is its
unique character, its privileged location and its warm and friendly atmosphere. Wherever you are
Kavala is definitely nearby since it‟s easily accessed from all parts of Greece by daily land, air and
sea connections and is also linked to the rest of Europe by frequent charter flights.
Sister cities
The City twining is a very useful institution. It‟s about deepening the relations among peoples. For
Kavala the onset of twinning was in 1975 with Gabrovo, Bulgaria. In 1994 with Grantiska Serbia and
in 1999 with Nuremberg. The Cities of Agadir Redestos (Tekirntak) Martouni and Gotse Delchev
followed and a Protocol of Cooperation was initially signed between the cities. Residents of the
participant cities have the opportunity to experience the culture and the ethos of sister cities, which
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contribute to a better understanding among peoples and to their peaceful coexistence.
The Municipality of Kavala is twinned or has signed Memoranda* with the following cities:
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WORTH SEEING IN KAVALA
Sightseeing
KAMARES (The Old Aqueduct)
The Old Aqueduct, the Medieval Aqueduct, is work of the Byzantine
period, which held extensive repairs during the Ottoman rule,
particularly during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent and
Legislator (1530 AD approx.) This double arch structure was designed
to bridge the peninsula of Panagia with the foot of the mountain of
Lekani. It was used to carry water from mountain sources (six
kilometers north from the 'Mother of Water "or" Soumpasi "or" The
Three Elms") in today's" Old Town "- Panagia, with the main water
source situated at an altitude of 400 m and other complementary lower
sources of supply. This grand monument has a length of 280 m
consists of 60 arches of four different sizes and has a maximum height
of 25 meters. The restoration works began in September 1997 with a
mild technical assistance.
Source: «Medieval Aqueduct of Kavala – Arcs», Publication of 12th Service of
Byzantine and Ancient Antiquities, Kavala, 2008
THE CASTLE OF KAVALA
The Castle of Kavala dominates the top of the peninsula, where the old
city is built. During the Byzantine period and later, repeated reconstruction
works and fortification repairs were made by the Byzantines, Venetians and
Turks. Substantially, all the phases of the Modern History affect the castle and
left their traces on its walls. The castle (Citadel) in its current form was built
in the first quarter of the 15th century, relying on foundation from the
Byzantine period. At the outdoor theatre are organized cultural events
You can see more about the Castle at: http://www.castle-kavala.gr/
IMARET
The Imaret, a big edifice of the last Ottoman period, a classic example
of Islamic architecture located on the west side of the peninsula of
Panagia (old town). It is one of the last built in this particular period
and the only one survived almost intact. Its largest part was built,
between 1817-1821 by the founder of the last Egyptian dynasty,
Mehmet Ali. For sentimental reasons, the Wali of Egypt wanted to
benefit his hometown with this religious, educational and charitable
institution. It operated as a Muslim seminary - internship and
"workhouse" for all the poor of the city regardless of religion.
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Since 1922, the Imaret spaces were used to house refugees. In 1931, in
order for the adjacent street to be widened, a part of Imaret was
demolished. In 1967 the residents (refugees mostly) of Imaret were
ordered to leave and the monument was sealed.
Until the regulation of the ownership, Imaret remained completely
deserted. After the settlement of property issues a part of it operated as
bar and restaurant while other parts were used as warehouses. In 2001
it was leased for 50 years to an entrepreneur from Kavala, it was
restored and converted into a luxurious and elegant hotel, which
maintains something of the ambience of its era.
Source: «Neapolis - Christoupolis - Kavala, Travelogue through space and time of
the Old City», Publication of Kavala’s Municipalityς, Kavala, 2009
Imaret‟s web site as a place of leisure and hospitality
THE HOUSE OF MEHMET ALI
In the Old Town Square you can find the house that Mehmet
Ali, founder of the last Egyptian dynasty, was born. This beautiful
building, based on Macedonian architecture, is considered to be the
property of Egypt . The "konaki" of Mehmet Ali consists of two parts,
the ground floor and first floor. A bronze equestrian statue was built in
the center of the square in 1934 in honour of the Sultan of Egypt, a
work of Greek sculptor Mr Dimitriadis.
THE TOWN HALL
The building, a Hungarian miniature tower, was built around 1895
by the Hungarian tobacco trader Pierre Herzog. After his death, the
building passed into the possession of the "Limited Liability Company
of Tobacco and Overseas". In 1937, under the administration of Mayor
Athanasios Balanos, it was purchased by the Municipality of Kavala
and has since housed the town hall.
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ADOLF WIX BUILDING
The building was built in 1899 by the German Baron Adolf Wix to
serve as the center of commercial activity and as a house.
Architecturally speaking, it is very similar to the adjacent building of
the current town hall. Today, after several changes in ownership, it
belongs to the municipality of Kavala.
THE LASARISTS (VINCENTIANS) CONVENT
The convent of Lazarists is situated in Kipros Str. and was built between
1888-1892. The building has architectural elements mixed with neoclassical
influence and was used as a French Embassy. Today it houses the only
Catholic church in the city.
THE GREAT GREEK COMMUNITY CLUB
The
building
of
«Megali
Leschi»
of
the Great Greek
Community Club of Kavala was built in 1909 by the Ladies
Philoptochos (Friends of the poor) Sisterhood. It is a typical example of
eclectic architectural style with a lot of embedded neoclassical motifs,
e.g. Columns, Pediments etc. Located next to the town hall, it is used
for secular organization and other social events. While in neoclassical
form it has elements of ancient tradition. Today, its partially used by
the Municipality for cultural events due to the restoration works that
have already started.
THE STATUE OF NIKE (of victory)
The bronze statue of victory is in the public garden in the area in front
of the town hall. The relief image was created by sculptor Dionysios
Gerolymatos and refers to the struggle of Greeks from the ancient times
up until 1940-41. The bronze statue is by sculptor John Parmakelis.
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TOKOS MANSION
Tokou Mansion was built in 1879 by Dimitrios Tokos a tobacco trader
and its architectural style is influenced by romantic eclecticism. During
the first years of the 20th century the Mansion was used as Italian
Subconsulate and in 1911 it was purchased on behalf of the Ladies
Philoptochos Society of Kavala (Friends of the Poor). From 1913
to1937, it housed the town hall and from its terrace in 1929 Eleftherios
Venizelos made his speech. After the Second World War it housed the
Private School Papassideri. Today it houses the Revenue Department of
Byzantine Antiquities.
MUNICIPAL CONSERVATORY
The building of the Municipal Conservatory (along with the adjacent
building once owned by Kleon Krantonellis) is the oldest among the
houses having been built before 1864.It belonged to the N. and E.
Grigoriadis Brothers, two of the first tobacco traders. After the World
War One it served as a Bank and since 1987 (it was inaugurated in its
present form in 1990) it has belonged to the Municipality of Kavala and
houses the Municipal Conservatory. Its strong neoclassical character,
its impressive frontons, the columns and the sculptures indicate the
architect's attempt to emphasize on the power, wealth and the national
pride sourcing from the ancient tradition.
MUNICIPAL TOBBACO WAREHOUSE
The Municipal Tobacco Warehouse was built during the two first
decades of the 20th century as a tobacco warehouse for the Turkish
tobacco trader Kizi Mimin. The building is characterized by
architectural and morphological elements of Ottoman-Turkish and
Neo-Classical architecture.Today it belongs to the Municipality of
Kavala and will host exhibits of the Folk Museum of Kavala, the
Tobacco Museum and series of temporary exhibitions.
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Museums and the Archaeological site of Philippi
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF KAVALA
The Archaeological Museum of Kavala is one of the most
important museums in Greece. Its space houses characteristic
monuments from the broader cultural unity of Eastern Macedonia Thrace, while it functions as museum of the city of Kavala and the
wider region.
Among its displays there are findings from the Neolithic period objects made of stone and clay, and discoveries of the prehistoric
settlement of Philippi (Dikili Tas), from the Bronze Age. In a
special room are exposed the findings from Neapolis and the ancient
Amphipolis. In the museum there are findings from the Necropolis
of Oisymi, Galipsos and Abdera.
The original building of the museum began to be built in 1961 and
opened its doors to the public in December 1964, it was completed
with the construction of the second floor some years later. After 30
years, a new building program drafted by the Revenue Department
of Antiquities and the original designer of the building D. Fatouros,
this led to a reshaping and an extension of the old building. As a
result Kavala now has one of the most important museums in
Greece.
Source: Archaeological Guide - Archaeological Museum of Kavala, Municipal
tourism and business development, Version 2002
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 until 15:00.
On Monday the museum is closed.
Related links:
http://www.arxaiologia.gr/assets/media/PDF/migrated/94_119122.pdf
http://www.kavalagreece.gr/?page_id=229
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TOBBACO MUSEUM
The Tobacco Museum in Kavala is the only one of its kind in the
whole of Europe. It is a modern industrial and experiential museum
with various exhibits and a wealth of archival material (since the
beginning of the 20th century) which calls the visitor to make a trip
in space and time of the „eastern tobacco” trade when Kavala, in
the early 20th century, was the biggest centre of commercial
processing and main exporter of tobacco worldwide.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am until 13.30 pm
at noon. Guided tours are also acceptable outside of opening hours
upon request
For more information: www.tobaccomuseum.gr
MUNICIPAL FOLKLORE MUSEUM
The Municipal Folklore Museum of Kavala was established in 1969
and opened its doors to the public in 1988. From 1988 up until
recently, it was housed in a neoclassical building on Philip 4 Street,
dating to the first decade of the 20th century. Due to renovations the
museum's exhibition space is closed temporarily and is going to be
re housed at the Municipal Tobacco Warehouse where the
administrative offices had already been re housed.
The Municipal Museum of Kavala is currently composed of the
following sections:
Department of Historical Archives, including: documents of the
Foreign Ministry, the Foreign Office - the English ViceConsulate in Kavala, the French and Austrian Vice- Consulates,
private collections, collection of documents of the
Labour/Clerical Centre of Kavala, film and theater collection,
collection of documents of the Jewish community, photo
collection, archive articles and audiovisual material.
Department of ethnographic collection, which includes
traditional costumes, needlework, textiles, jewellery, tools,
utilitarian objects and many other products of modern Greek
folk culture, which represent the urban and rural life of Kavala
and the region from the second half of the 18th century up to
the 20th century.
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Department of Visual Arts collection, which includes the Art
Gallery and Greek Artists Sculpture Gallery composed of local
and non-local artists, and the Museum “Polygnotos Vagi” with
paintings, sculptures, tools, personal items and personal files
from the famous Thassian sculptor and painter, Polygnotos
Vagis.
Department of Natural History, which contains a rich collection
of birds from the wetlands of Nestos and Strimonas River.
Department of Library, and
Department of Museum Education
HISTORICAL AND ETHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM
In Nea Karvali (7km east of Kavala) is the Historical and
Ethnological Museum of the Greeks of Cappadocia. There you can
admire precious Kappadocian costumes, carpets of the famous
Kappadocian School, paintings, jewellery, embroidery etc. The
museum received the European Union Award “The best museum in
Europe” for 1997 for that kind of museum.
For more information: www.stegi-karvalis.gr/Greek/mouseio.htm
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF PHILIPPI
Just 17km from Kavala, is the ancient city of Philippi. The first
excavation with the area was in 1861 and it was completed in 1956
by Greek archaeologists. Major findings are the Via Egnatia, the
Roman ruins, the "prison" of St. Paul and the ancient theater which
has a circular orchestra.
The ancient theatre of Philippi
The ancient Theatre of Philippi is a remarkable and important
monument. It is located at the foot of the acropolis and it is
supported on the eastern wall of the city of Philippi. Even though it
has undergone many changes over the centuries and some
interventions it still preserves many of its original elements.
The first phase of the theatre dates back in the reign of Philip II in
356 BC. At that time the orchestra was u-shaped.
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During Roman colonization changes were made to the theater in
order to become suitable for the requirements of the new shows. The
orchestra was floored with marble slabs and a high wall was built to
protect the spectators during beast fights. Eventually in the 3rd
Century A.D. the Theatre becomes an arena for beast fights.
During the Christian times the habits and morals of the people
changed so the theater was abandoned
Nowadays, many parts of the theatre are saved untouched still many
restoration works are done so the annual Philippi Festival can take
place.
The ruins of the ancient city of Philippi
Across the theater are found the ruins of the ancient city of Philippi.
The city was named in 356 BC after the father of Alexander the
Great, Philip II. The enceinte of the walls of the city was starting
from the top of the hill and went on the south side enclosing a part of
the valley. The most ancient phase of the enceinte of the walls dates
back from the reign of Philip II and the most recent during the reign
of Justinian (527-565 AD). The total length of the perimeter of the
walls reaches 3.5 km The wall is reinforced by strong towers. The
three gates that were found during the excavations are also edged by
towers. Only the last gate is accessible to visitors, (The Gate of
Neapolis - its name was given by the street that commences from
that point and terminates at the port of Neapolis/Kavala).
The archaeological site of Philippi can offer to the visitor a
combined tour, since excavations have revealed remains from the
Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and early Christian period. The
Octagon, the Roman market, the Basilicas, parts of the city walls,
are the most famous..
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Photo Album
See more…
Beaches of the area
See more…
USEFULL INFORMATION
Tourist Information Center
In the city centre, in Liberty Square, is the
Visitor Welcome Center and Tourist Information
Center that
provides tourist information to visitors
for the city and the whole region
makes room reservations and sells
souvenirs
responds to text messages (e-mail, fax
and postal letters), providing information
Processes data of tourist traffic and
records them
An «e-corner» functions as well as a
ticket office for cultural events, etc.
Contact Information:
Tel/Fax.: 30 2510 231011
e-mail: touristinfo@danekav.gr
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Hotels / Rooms to let - Camping
In the city of Kavala and the broader area are available accommodations of all types and categories,
from rented rooms to luxury hotels, forest villages, bungalows, and camping, ready to welcome and
indulge the most demanding visitor.
Below we provide some useful links about the hotels of Kavala‟s region
Hotel Association of Kavala’s Prefecture (except Thassos island)
Thassos island Hotel Association
Hellenic Chamber of Hotels
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