Sights
“Discover Kavala, the city of a thousand colors”
Kavala Fortress
The Kavala Fortress is an impressive historical monument located on the promontory of Kavala, offering breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the Greek Gulf. Built in the 15th century by the Ottomans, it was a crucial strategic point for controlling the region and trade in the Aegean. Its architecture reflects a blend of Eastern and Western influences, evident in its towers and historic walls. Today, it is a popular attraction drawing visitors from around the world, providing a journey through the history and culture of the area. Visitors can explore the interior of the fortress and uncover the secrets of its past.
Kamares - Old Aqueduct
The aqueduct of Kavala, constructed in the early 16th century, was an impressive architectural feat for its time. It ensured the city’s water supply, drawing water from a source located at an altitude of 400 meters (known as the “mother of water” or “Soumpasi” or “three Karagatsia”) in Kamares, through a 6.5-kilometer-long above-ground conduit. This hydraulic structure, accompanied by the impressive arches of the Kamares, played a crucial role in transforming Kavala from a simple settlement into a significant city, enhancing its sustainability and the economic prosperity of its inhabitants.
Old Town “Panagia”
The Old Town of Kavala, also known as “Panagia,” exudes the charm of a rich history and cultural heritage. Its narrow streets, with old stone houses and colorful courtyards, transport visitors to bygone eras. Traditional tavernas and cafes create an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality, while the breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea from the higher points of the town is simply stunning. Panagia preserves its enchantment, offering visitors an unforgettable experience that uniquely combines history, culture, and natural beauty. Every corner of Panagia tells tales of old myths and stories, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the past and an eagerness to uncover the next surprise.
Archaeological Site of Philippi
The archaeological site of Philippi is located near the city of Kavala. It was founded in 356 BC by King Philip II of Macedon and became an important center during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The site features significant monuments such as the ancient theater, the marketplace, and the early Christian basilicas. In 2016, Philippi was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.
Dikili Tash
Dikili Tash is a significant prehistoric settlement near Philippi, Kavala. Excavations in the area have revealed evidence of habitation from the Neolithic Period, around 6400 BCE. The settlement is known for its architectural finds, which include clay-built houses and public buildings. Additionally, everyday items have been discovered that attest to the development of agriculture and animal husbandry in the region.
Archaeological Site of Anaktoropolis
Anaktoropolis, located in the ancient settlement of Oisyme in Nea Peramos, is first mentioned in the 9th century AD and is now considered one of the most significant archaeological and historical sites in the Kavala region. During the Byzantine period, the harbor of Eleutheres was one of the key ports of the northern Aegean. In the course of the Ottoman Empire’s expansion in the 14th and 15th centuries, Anaktoropolis was conquered and destroyed.
Akontisma
The Traditional Village of Akontisma, located in the New Karvali region, serves as a significant cultural hub. Perched on a hill, it features archaeological treasures from the Macedonian and Roman eras and stands as a focal point of the ancient Egnatia Road. The village has been recreated with traditional architecture, blending memories of the past with the reality of the present. It offers luxurious accommodations, a restaurant with local cuisine, a café bar, a theater, and a museum, all while preserving the authenticity of Greek countryside and Cappadocia.
The Mud Baths of Krinides
The Mud Baths of Krinides in Kavala is one of the leading destinations for therapeutic mud and mineral water treatments, renowned for their healing properties and widely used for relief from musculoskeletal issues and skin conditions. The area’s climate and natural beauty provide additional relaxation and well-being for visitors. The Mud Baths of Krinides also offers wellness programs and therapeutic exercise for comprehensive health care.
Vranokastro of Paliochori
In Paliochori, there was an ancient Macedonian fortress known for centuries as Alexander’s Castle. This was built by the Macedonians to protect the gold mines in the region, which supported Alexander the Great’s campaign in the East. After the mines were exhausted, the fortress was abandoned. In the early 18th century, the village of Paliochori took the name “Alexander’s Village” from the castle. In 1185, the Byzantine general Alexios Vranas rebuilt and garrisoned the castle, renaming it Vranokastro, to control the passage between Mount Pangaion and Lake Prasias. The fortress stood for two centuries until it was captured by the Ottomans in 1383.
Tower of Apollonia
The Tower of Apollonia is located near the Eleftheres Thermal Baths, in the Municipality of Paggaio. It is a significant historical monument associated with the ancient city of Apollonia, which was known for its therapeutic springs. The tower dates back to either the Byzantine or Ottoman period and was part of the region’s defensive system, likely serving as an observation post or fortress. Today, it is an important tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the historical and cultural heritage of the area. Its preservation contributes to the study of local history and the architecture of the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
Ancient Via Egnatia
The Ancient Via Egnatia in Kavala is a significant historical landmark that demonstrates the importance of the area during antiquity. The path of the road preserves architectural remnants and archaeological findings that depict the evolution of road networks in the region. Set in an impressive landscape, the Ancient Via Egnatia offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of the area. It is one of the main archaeological destinations that attract visitors from all over the world, providing an educational and cultural experience.
Trail from Kavala to Palia Kavala: "The Water Road"
The trail from Kavala to Palia Kavala is divided into two sections. The first section, 5 km long, starts from the city and reaches the area known as the “Three Karagatsis,” where the “Mother of Water” is located. This spot was crucial for supplying water to the city during the Ottoman era. The path passes over five stone bridges and meanders along the old covered canal, which once channeled water to the “Kamares,” the impressive aqueduct of Kavala. The second section, 5.5 km in length, continues from there to the village of Palia Kavala.
Environmental Trail of Palia Kavala
One of the most beautiful hiking trails worth exploring is the Environmental Trail of Palia Kavala. It runs along the village’s stream and covers a distance of approximately 3 kilometers, parallel to the Zygos – Palia Kavala road. The location is rich in natural beauty, featuring ancient plane trees that provide natural shade, crystal-clear springs for refreshment, and an impressive plane tree grove that resembles a small jungle. Along the trail, you’ll encounter a restored water mill, steep rocks, small caves, and a striking waterfall. The sound of water cascading from the 10-meter high, two-tiered waterfall announces its presence, and the crystal-clear waters created by it are inviting for a swim during the summer months.
The Suburban Forest of Kavala
Suburban forests provide city residents with not only aesthetic and environmental benefits but also easy access to spaces for exercise and relaxation. In Kavala, such a forest stretches across the northern side of the city, allowing visitors to explore a pine forest with various trails. The most well-known trail, located in the central part of the forest, connects the ring road with the chapel of Saint Panteleimon and ends at a spot called “Stavros” at an altitude of 328 meters.
Eleftheres Thermal Baths
The Eleftheres Thermal Baths in Kavala are located 42 km from Kavala, along the national road to Thessaloniki. They are situated in a picturesque valley rich with vegetation, through which the Marmaras River flows, and are only 1.5 kilometers from the sea. The area features four thermal springs with temperatures ranging from 37-41.5°C, offering treatment for rheumatism, arthritis, and gynecological issues, while also providing relaxation for the muscular and nervous systems. This natural retreat combines the therapeutic power of nature with the tranquility of its stunning landscape.
Keramoti Lagoon
The lagoon of Keramoti, located 40 kilometers from the city of Kavala, is a unique natural landscape, formed east of the Gulf of Kavala and west of the Nestos River. It extends both to the west and east of the settlement of Keramoti, offering a refuge for rare species of flora and fauna. As part of the Natura 2000 network, this area is protected for its significant ecological value. It is characterized by the high productivity of its waters, while their physicochemical parameters exhibit significant variations, promoting biodiversity and creating ideal conditions for the development of fish and birds. The lagoon of Keramoti is an ideal destination for nature lovers and wildlife observation enthusiasts.
Koca Orman
The famous virgin forest of Koca Orman is located in the eastern part of the Kavala region, where the Nestos River flows into. The waters of the Nestos once sustained one of the most significant riparian wetlands forests in Europe, Koca Orman, which means “Great Forest” in Turkish. This forest once covered 130,000 acres. Herodotus mentions that the forest was home to lions, which attacked and devoured Xerxes’ army when he tried to cross it. Aristotle also made references to the dense vegetation of this riparian forest.
Delta of Nestos River
The Delta of the Nestos River is located at the southern boundaries of the Kavala and Xanthi prefectures in northern Greece. It begins at the village of Toxotes, where the river emerges from the mountains and spreads southward, covering approximately 550,000 acres. The delta’s shape has been shaped by the river’s action and the sea’s waves, creating a rich variety of habitats that support diverse wildlife. This wetland is one of the most significant in Greece and Europe due to its extensive area and habitat diversity. It is listed in the Ramsar Convention’s List of Wetlands of International Importance, is part of the Natura 2000 network, and falls under the European Union’s Special Protection Areas for Birds. The delta is also a component of the National Park of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, which stretches from the Nestos Delta to the lakes of Vistonida and Ismarida.
Municipal Conservatory
The building of the Municipal Conservatory of Kavala is a significant example of neoclassical architecture in the city. It was constructed before 1884 as the residence of a wealthy tobacco merchant and was converted into a bank after World War I, acquiring its current form. Today, it operates as the Municipal Conservatory and hosts various music schools, offering lessons in many musical instruments and organizing international music festivals and seminars. The old conservatory next to it is an impressive example of French Rococo architecture in the area, which, unfortunately, is now completely abandoned.
Imaret
In the early 19th century, Muhammad Ali founded the Imaret in Kavala, his birthplace. This institution had religious, educational, and charitable functions and operated as an Islamic seminary until 1902, integrating Muslim education with religion. Its facilities included two madrasas, two domed prayer halls, a primary school for boys, and a kitchen-poorhouse that served everyone, regardless of their religion. From 1922, the Imaret housed refugees, and later it was converted into a museum, café, and restaurant. In 2001, the Imaret was handed over by the Egyptian government to a private individual who fully restored it and transformed it into a luxury hotel while preserving its historical significance.
Mehmet Ali's House
Mehmet Ali’s House in Kavala is a historical building that was constructed in the late 18th century. Located in the old town of Kavala, it is a characteristic example of Ottoman architecture. Today, the house operates as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and times of Mehmet Ali, a significant figure in the history of Egypt and the Ottoman Empire. It is one of the most important landmarks in the area, attracting many tourists each year.
Lighthouse of Kavala
The Lighthouse of Kavala, built in the 1880s, is a historic landmark in the city of Kavala, offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea. It is located in the old town, also known as Panagia, and is a popular tourist destination. Although the lighthouse ceased operation in 1956, it remains an important monument in the region’s history, and visiting it provides a unique opportunity to appreciate both the history and beauty of the city.
Halil Bey Mosque (Old Music)
The history of Halil Bey Mosque, also known as Old Music, in Kavala reflects the successive cultural influences that have shaped the area. Initially a Byzantine church dedicated to Saint Paraskevi and later converted into a mosque, this building continues to be a significant part of the local history and architecture. With the restoration of the mosque and its madrasa, the area revives the spirits of the past and provides a valuable connection to the multicultural heritage of the region.
Monument of Apostle Paul
The Monument of Apostle Paul in Kavala is a significant cultural and religious historical site in the city. It was built to honor the presence of Apostle Paul in the area and serves as a monument of faith and hope for the faithful. The monument is known for its architectural beauty and the impressive view of the sea. Visitors from all over the world come to visit it and feel its spiritual aura.
Monastery of Lazarists
The Monastery of Lazarists in Kavala, also known as the Catholic Monastery of Saint Paul, was built from 1888 to 1892 to serve the needs of the local Catholic community. Its architecture combines Ottoman and Neoclassical elements and served both as an educational center and a religious space. Today, it remains a religious center for the region’s Catholics and hosts significant architectural features and historical memorabilia.
Kavala City Hall
The impressive building that houses the Municipal Office of Kavala was constructed in the late 1890s and originally belonged to the Hungarian tobacco merchant Baron Pierre Herzog. Its architecture is distinguished by visible influences from medieval towers, with Gothic arches and vaults, and features exceptionally romantic elements. Previously used for grand social events, it has served as the seat of the Municipality of Kavala since 1937, when it was purchased from a forced auction by Mayor Athanasios Balanos.
WIX Mansion
The Wix Mansion was built around 1906 by the German baron Adolph de Zolnay Wix as a miniature Hungarian castle, serving both as a business headquarters and a residence. The building exhibits architectural similarities to the current Town Hall and features distinct Gothic elements, such as the pointed facade, decorative console at the base, drip moldings above the windows, and the protruding window. In 1925, it was purchased by an American tobacco company, later succeeded by the “Glen Tobacco Company” and the heirs of tobacco merchant Nikos Petridis. Today, it is owned by the Municipality of Kavala.
Former Girls School of Kavala
The Former Girls School of Kavala is located above the Great Club. A special committee was responsible for its construction, which was funded through donations, loans, lotteries, and contributions from prominent tobacco merchants of the time. Part of the funding also came from donations by tobacco workers, who each contributed a day’s wage towards the building’s construction. The erection of the Girls’ School was a testament to the prosperity that tobacco trade had brought to the city of Kavala. Its architecture is simple and neoclassical, and the ground floor initially housed a kindergarten. Today, it is home to the 10th Primary School of Kavala.
The Great Club
The Great Club, built in 1909 by the Philanthropic Sisterhood of Kavala, is a historic building inaugurated in 1910 to host the Greek Community Club of Kavala. Architecturally, it is a splendid example of Austrian Baroque in Europe and unique in Greece, featuring colors such as honey and imperial red. The building has a neoclassical form with elements from ancient Greek tradition and has hosted various organizations and events throughout its history, including banks, a military club, and a municipal library. Today, it is used for cultural events, housing an exhibition space and the Social Welfare Foundation, as well as the Kavala Chess Club.
Tokou Mansion
The Tokou Mansion in Kavala was built in 1879 by the tobacco merchant Dimitrios Tokos. Initially, it served as Tokos’ residence, and later it hosted the Italian Consulate and briefly the first Semi-Gymnasium of the Greek Orthodox Community. After being sold in 1911, it was used by the Greek Vice-Consulate until 1913. From then until 1937, it functioned as the City Hall, and afterward, it became a private high school, the Papasideris Gymnasium, following World War II. In 1979, it was acquired by the Ministry of Culture for restoration and now houses the Kavala and Thasos Antiquities Department. Architecturally, it is an example of Ottoman Neoclassicism and Baroque, with strong influences from the Romantic and Eclectic movements of the time. A notable feature of its decoration is the curved pediment of the roof.
Old Division
One of Kavala’s most significant buildings, constructed in the early 20th century by the Turkish magnate Haji Sikir Aga, is an outstanding example of Ottoman architecture with German Neoclassical influences. The building combines pseudo-columns with curves and unfluted shafts, and Oriental-style decorative capitals, with straight lines and curved arches in the portico. Additionally, it features a drum with abstract anthemion-like decorative elements, creating a harmonious blend of Neoclassical and Ottoman architectural styles.
Former Boys School – 1st Junior High School
This building is one of the three imposing Turkish structures erected between 1890 and 1910, during a period of significant prosperity in the tobacco trade. It was constructed between 1909 and 1910, shortly after the granting of the Constitution to Turkey, and was initially used as a Turkish school by the Kavala community. During the Balkan Wars and until 1916, it served as a Greek hospital. After the population exchange in 1922, it came into the possession of the Greek state. Today, it houses the 1st Gymnasium of Kavala. The building was designed and constructed by Western European craftsmen, blending neoclassical architectural trends with elements of Ottoman art.
Former Courthouse
The former Courthouse of Kavala is an architectural building constructed in the late 19th century. Designed by the French architect Ludovic Piot, it stands as one of the most significant examples of neoclassical architecture in the city. With its impressive facade, the building served as the courthouse and judicial services for the area until 2008, when a new courthouse was built. Since then, it has been renovated and now hosts cultural events, serving as a landmark for the history and culture of Kavala while preserving its architectural value and historical significance.
Port Authority Building
The Port Authority Building was constructed in 1926, and in 1929, Eleftherios Venizelos inaugurated the city’s new port. On the ground floor of the building, there was a fish market known as the Old Fishmongers, which housed 24 fish shops until 1992. The Port Authority offices were located in the building until 1970, when they moved to a new building. Since 1997, the building has housed small tourist shops and a café-restaurant.
The tobacco warehouses of Kavala are a significant chapter in the history and economic development of the city. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Kavala was one of the major centers for tobacco production and processing in the Balkans. These grand industrial buildings were used for storing, processing, and trading tobacco, providing employment to thousands of people. Today, many of these warehouses have been renovated and are used for cultural and tourist activities, preserving the city’s historical heritage and showcasing the architectural and industrial legacy of Kavala.
Kavala, with its rich history and multicultural character, offers a unique experience in religious tourism. From the beautiful churches in the city center to the distinctive, historic monasteries on Mount Paggaio, visitors have the opportunity to explore various aspects of the region’s religious heritage. The coexistence of old and new religious monuments creates a unique cultural space that captivates the interest of visitors from around the world.
