Culture of Kavala. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Kavala is a city that has a rich history and because of this fact it has many interesting landmarks that are definitely worth visiting. In the past, the city often changed its “owners”, and the architecture of Kavala is a reminder of these periods in the history of the region. For example, Kamares is a Turkish aqueduct that was built in the XVI century. Kavala was under the reign of the Ottoman Empire at that time. The aqueduct is a popular landmark that never ceases to attract numerous travelers with its gorgeous look. It has become something like a “calling card” of the city, so many travelers immediately think of the Turkish aqueduct when someone mentions Kavala.

It is important to mention that the majority of architectural landmarks are located in the district of Panagia. Even a simple mansion is a true masterpiece here, and it is easy to spend hours looking at it. Old and charming streets, a romantic waterfront, rocks that look like they are protecting the city – the view is so gorgeous and mesmerizing that it is impossible to stop admiring this beauty. Some buildings have graffiti drawings. However, these drawings do not damage the old district but only add a special charm.

Kavala Fortress or Kavala Castle is one more ancient landmark that was built yet in 1425. Couples and all travelers in a romantic mood should visit the castle in the evening when the building is skillfully illuminated by numerous lights. It is hard to think of a more romantic place in the city. Massive walls impress all travelers who are lucky to visit this blessed region. Other parts of the castle also attract curious tourists. Don’t forget to explore the polygon (east), bastion (south-east), and two square towers (north). The castle played an important role during the Greek War of Independence in 1821. At that time, the castle was used as a prison for revolutionaries. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

It is simply impossible to imagine an acquaintance with Kavala without a visit to the ruins of Philippi. This ancient city is something like an open-air museum that is a wonderful place to look at masterpieces of the ancient Greek architecture. The city was named in honor of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. During the reign of this king, the city became an important economic and cultural center. The area is also famous because of Paul the Apostle who came here in 49 AD. At least, local people believe in this fact. Among the surviving landmarks, it is important to mention the Via Egnatia. It is an ancient road that tourists can still walk on, imagining themselves students of Jesus Christ. Thousands of years ago, Paul the Apostle was walking on this road.

Paul the Apostle is respected in the city in general, and the monument of the saint in St. Nicholas Church is another proof of this. The church itself is located not far from the waterfront, on Agiou Nikolaou. Once used as a mosque during the reign of the Ottoman Empire, the gorgeous building became an Orthodox Christian church dedicated to Saint Nicholas only at the beginning of XX century. The monument of Paul the Apostle was erected here because this is the place where the apostle’s foot stepped first in the city. It happened in 49 AD, as it was mentioned above. The church is an interesting architectural landmark – it has an eye-catching look both on the inside and outside.

St. Lydia's Baptistery is one more church that definitely deserves a visit. The shrine is located not far from the city of Philippi. The history of this church is also connected with Paul the Apostle. It is believed that the first baptism in the region, and in Europe as well, happened on the site of the church. This is one more fact that locals are proud of. Paul the Apostle christened Lydia, a rich merchant. This is the reason why St. Lydia's Baptistery is an important landmark that is worth visiting. The church is not big, but its inner design is simply gorgeous. That is particularly true about magnificent stained-glass windows.

Imaret is one more landmark that reminds of the Ottoman reign in the region. It is located in the western part of Panagia. The landmark was built by order of Muhammad Ali Pasha. The building amazes with its beauty right from the start. Imaret was damaged badly in the past, but now it is fully restored. The landmark has become a hotel, so everyone can book a room there and learn more about the local culture and heritage. Mohammed Ali's House is located nearby. The lighthouse located at the highest mountain is a no less interesting place to explore. It is a small tower with a lantern. That said, tourists easily recognize this interesting building. It is possible to enter it, but don’t forget to check working hours, during which visitors are allowed inside.

In Kavala, there are many interesting sculptures. For example, the statue of Nike is a reminder that Kavala is one of the oldest cities in Greece that has its own rich culture. The monument is installed right before the Town Hall. It is a symbol of invincibility and immortal spirit of Greek people. By the way, the Town Hall building is also an interesting landmark in terms of design. Built at the end of XIX century, it was initially the mansion of Peter Herzog, Hungarian tycoon who made his fortune selling tobacco (also known as “tobacco baron”).