Cultural Routes ()

Make sure you start off early NaturalHistory Museum. Before setting off,contact the Museum to make anappointment.Tania Danaki: +30 697464625or Ioannis Naitidis: +30 6945554251.Natural History MuseumThe Natural History Museum is located approximately 2km westof the Alexandroupoli centre, amongst Plane trees on the Maistroriverbank. It is a fully equipped modern building, spanning an areaof 538 m2 and built in complete harmony with the natural environment.The main aim of Alexandroupoli Natural History Museum isto demonstrate the biodiversity at play on various levels in in theEvros region (genetic, species, eco-systems, landscapes) and itsspecial geophysical and ecological characteristics.TraianoupoliThe Emperor Marcus Oulpios Traianos (98-117 AD) built a newurban centre to be named Traianoupoli on this spot at the beginningof the 2nd century AD. The thermal springs and the proximityof Egnatia obviously played an important role in the choice of location.Remains of Egnatia can be seen on the road which connectsthe springs to the small monastery. From this epoch’s Byzantinewealth, ruins of the church and two marble images in relief havesurvived.During Ottoman Rule, Gazi Pasha Evrenos erected a vaultedrectangular building here (1375-1385) known as Hana, whichoperated as a guest house for passers-by. Next to it is a complexof vaulted baths with pools dating to 16th century. On Agios Giorgioshill, ruins of the famous teke of Isiklar or Nephes Baba, builtin 1361 and consisting of the heart of the active monastery of theBektashi Order of Dervishes, have survived. Numerous visitors andpoor people were housed at the teke. Next to the ruins there is aspring with water that is considered holy by Muslims.Traianoupoli BathsThe Thermal Springs of Traianoupoli are thermo-mineral, containinghydrogen, sulphide/chloride and radium. Drinking therapy isappropriate for: diabetes, kidney disease, liver and bile cystitis,chronic gastroenteritis and constipation, digestive disorders etc.Spa therapy is suitable for chronic rheumatic diseases, rheumaticallergies, joint disorders, neuritis, neuralgia, gynecological ailmentsetc. The visitor wishing to combine a thermal spa with luxury tourismcan choose from numerous 5 star hotels in the surroundingarea.

Orestiada is 114km from Alexandroupoli (duration: 1.30 mins)The town, whose full name is Nea Orestiada, was founded in 1923by Greek refugees who, due to historical circumstances, wereforced to abandon their birthplace of Adrianoupoli and initiallysettle in Karagats in 1920, which they named Orestiada. After that,they were forced to move again, taking whatever they could withthem, and reached this place where they built a town in the middleof nowhere.The town is organized around a large square with cafés and bars.There are small taverns and cafes on the pavements next to thesquare. The central arteries, Vas. Konstantinou Street and KonstantinopoleosStreet, are full of shops and traffic. Visit the FolkMuseum in Agion Theothoron Street, which comes out in the mainsquare.Orestiada Folk MuseumThe museum has historical and folk exhibitsof Eastern Thrace, Eastern Romiliaand Western Thraki from 1800-1950.The main exhibits are authentic items oftraditional farming and urban Thraciandress, ecclesiastical items, farm andprofessional tools, musical instrumentsand household utensils.Operating hours: 10.00-13.00Telephone: +30 25520 28080From Orestiada, take the Orestiada-Zoni provincial road, and after5.8km, turn left towards Patagi. You will reach your destinationafter 5km.Church of Agios NikolaosPatagisThe church is a singular low building,with a double-aisled woodenbasilica, a porch and slightly raisedground floor female loft, which isseparated from the main church bytrellises. The floor consists of in tombstones,the oldest of which dates backto 1655.Return to the Orestiada-Zoni provincial road and continue towardsZoni, go through Neochori and Valtos Village, turn left towardsHandra, Megali Doxipara, Mikri Doxipara. When you reach MikriDoxipara, follow the sign for Helidona. After 1,7 km you will findthe chapel of Kosmas of Aetolia and the signpost leading you tothe archaeological excavations area.The Tomb of Zoni DoxiparaAt the beginning of the 2nd century AC, members of a wealthy familyof landowners who had died in succession, were cremated and buriedin the same place, near the road which led from Adrianoupolito Philippoupoli. Excavations brought to light 4 pits containingthe cremated remains of three men and one woman, along withnumerous grave goods. The five carriages that brought the deadto the tomb were buried there also, along with the pack animals.Next to them, five more horses were buried. All the metallic,mechanical and decorative items havebeen preserved, while ontwo of themsome wooden parts and their imprtintshave been saved as well.Working hours: 07:00-14:30 in winterand 07:00-17:00 in summer.For bus excursions, prior arrangementsshould be made. Telephone: +30 2552096033.The tour of the archaeological area is aunique experience. It is free and lastsapproximatively 1 hour.After the burial mound, return to Agios Kosmas’ chapel and keepon for 800m until Helidona. 2.5km after Helidona, turn right ontothe Mikro Derio-Ormenio Provincial Road towards Therapio. Youwill reach your destination in 23km.Church of Panagia in Therapio,OrestiadaThe church is a triple-aisle basilica with a woodenroof, built in 1895. The artwork on the roof isremarkable.After Therapio, return to Komara on the Mikro-Derio-OrmenioNational Highway and on reaching Pentalofos, after 12.2km, followthe road to Kastanies (37km).Ardas-KastaniesArdas river originates in the Rodopi Mountain Range and is290km long. Stretching on a total of 241km through Bulgarianterritory, it then enters Greek territory, crosses the northern partof the Regional Unit of Evros and flows into the Evros rivernear Kastanies. The river dam, built in 1969, is 350m-long andconstitutes a landmark of the village of Therapio. The Ardas riverand the riverside forest that stretches across the whole lengthof the river constitute the most important ecosystem in NorthEvros. Due to its fauna, this unique habitat has received specialprotection status under the Natura Network 2000.The Meeting of Youth of Ardas takes place in an idyllic setting onthe banks of the river, 500m from the Village of Kastanies. Over5 days, the public enjoys concerts by popular artists and youngbands as well as a variety of other events such as moto cross,beach volley, horse riding, 4x4 racing, theatre plays, 5x5 footballgames.

Choristi Village with 2500 residents, famous since Roman times, is 5km further on via the Kavala National Highway. Visit the Eiso- dion Theotokou Church (1906), featuring 6 icons by the eminent painter Konstantinos Parthenis in the chancel, a lectern of the same period and neoclassical buildings from the 1920s. It is on the main village road at the point where the stream divides the vil- lage (hence the name Choristi). Do not miss the carnival on Clean Monday with fl and carnival goers in disguise.Return to the national highway to visit the martyrical town of Doxato, 10km from Drama, which was a hamlet in Roman times. A town of 3500, mainly local inhabitants, it had its heyday during the tobacco period. See the renovated schools from 1908-1910, the three-arched basilica at Agios Athanasios Church (1867) with its 19th century icons and the Bogiatzi and Zigkili Mansions. Horse races are held in Doxato on 2 with thoroughbred horses taking part. Thousands of visitors gather for the event as well as for the evening celebration, enjoying the traditional music and dancing.Go through Agios Athanasios Vil- lage, with its 3500 residents of Pontian and Thracian origin and 5km further to the north you will fi Kyrgia, seat of the Municipal- ity of Doxato. Once a tobacco pro- ducing town, it is today inhabited by refugees from Asia Minor who who keep their traditions alive. Apart from their unique art and dirges, the residents of Kyrgia hold a special celebration in the square on the night of the last Sunday in Carnival with traditional musical instruments and satirical songs.In Kefalari, 2km east of Agios Athanasios, enjoy peaceful scenery amongst the plane trees next to the running water of the Voirani springs, where the ancient wine press was discovered. Buy wine and tsipouro from local producers and traditional halvas in Kyrgia. Tavernas and Grills from Doxato to Pigadia provide a wide range of delicacies. Try local trout in Kefalari. Then set off for the Holy Monastery of Eikosifi in Kavala Prefecture.

From Xanthi set off for Pomakohoria and Thermes. You cross a unique landscape, verdant, with traditional settlements and tobacco crops. You encounter Sminthi, Miki, Ehino in succession and arrive at Thermes in just over an hour, having driven 44.15km. The Relief of Mithras Tauroctonos The Relief of Mithras Tauroctonos (Mithras the Bull-slayer), dating to 2nd - early 3rd century AD, was chiseled out of a large rock, near Thermes Village in Xanthi and depicts Mithras (God of the Sun, of Persian origin) sacrificing a bull in the centre within a relief frame, which symbolizes a cave. To the right and left are the God’s disciples, Kautis and kautopatis. The archaeological site is open to visitors. For more information, contact LA’ EPKA Telephone: +30 25410 51003, +30 25410 51783 Xanthi Xanthi is a Byzantine city and believed to be guarded by the angels as testified by the “place’s marks”, according to historian Dimitris Mavridis. The monasteries of Pammegiston Taxiarxon, Panagia Arhongeliotissa, Panagia Kalamus and Agios Giorgios Monastery (according to recent research, there is a church of the same name there today) are situated at the four corners of the horizon, as if by analogy to the four tips of a cross, “crossing” the area and perpetuating the town’s existence. Xanthi is one of the few towns in Greece which has developed harmoniously , with respect and consideration for its history and past. A multicultural town, it has managed to gain a place in the heart of all its inhabitants, regardless of religion or ethnic origin. The Old Town of Xanthi “At that time, a copy of the belle epoch co-existed with authentic Turkish Minarets, and this gave colour and content to a very diverse population consisting of people from from all corners of Greece, who had accidentally ended up in the border area and could be seen dancing the Charleston in public squares” Manos Hadjidakis The Old Town of Xanthi is located in the northern part of the town and constitutes its historic nucleus. It covers an area of 380,000m2. The town was built after 1829, the year great earthquakes completely destroyed the previous settlement. The town was built on the ruins and around churches which had probably been there since Byzantine ‘Xantheia’. During the 19th century, Xanthi was a small town of 8,000 residents, financially prosperous, thanks to wealth from the cultivation, processing and transportation of tobacco and its products, but also because of its privileged position on significant trade routes. The town was built by Epirote and Macedonian craftsmen. It is characterized by its winding cobbled streets and filled with simple Balkan houses, inns, shops, churches, characteristic of the last Ottoman period, but also western neoclassical mansions whose owners were mainly tobacco merchants. In the old town there are 1,200 listed buildings. Of these, 140 are considered highly remarkable, 130 remarkable 260 of special interest. Mansions such as the one belonging to the tobacco merchant Kougioumtzoglou, which is home to the town’s Folk Museum, or Orfanidis’ mansion, today the Municipal Building. The old garrison headquarters where the great musical composer, Manos Hadjidakis, spent the first years of his life, has been preserved and is home to the “Manos Hadjidakis” multiplex of Art and Thought. The Municipal Picture Gallery of Xanthi “Chr. Pavlidis” is an excellent example of traditional West- Macedonian-Epirote architecture with its wooden ceilings being the chief feature, unique in the region and Tobacco Warehouse P at 9, Kapnergates Street, which belongs to the Foundation of Thracian Art and Tradition. 

Taxiarches and the Analipseos Monastery are a 16 minute drive(13km) from Drama, via the Drama – Skaloti provincial road (direction:Sidironero). Telephone: +30 25210 45023 Taxiarches Holy Monastery (Sipsa) The blessed elder Georgios Karslidis (1901-1959), latter day saintof the Saintly Orthodox Church in Greece was the first “resident”and founder of the monastery in the year 1930. There is a flourishingmultitudinous sisterhood of nuns here today, who occupythemselves with the Iconography of handheld pictures, gold embroidery,knitting and waxwork. From Taxiarches, return to Drama and take the Drama – XanthiNational Highway. The historic town of Adriani, known for itsexcellent local wine and tsipouro, is 11km from Drama. A littlefurther on, in Platania, the archaeological trowel has brought tolight artefacts from different eras in the citadel of the settlement,whilst excavations by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki haverevealed significant paleontological findings (rhinoceros, giraffes,gazelles, antelopes and ponies) which testify to the existence of avast nine million year savannah. Just before reaching Paranesti Village (48km from Drama), youcross a bridge over the River Nestos. For the Museum, turn leftand go uphill. Museum of Natural Historyin Paranesti, Drama Here the visitor can find informationabout all the natural attractions in thearea. The museum is interesting forchildren as well as adults, providing awealth of information about geomorphologicfeatures in the area as well asits rich flora and fauna. The three-dimensionalreconstructions of Rhodopehabitats are particularly impressive.Operating hours:Tuesday to Saturday: 8:00-14:30 Sunday: 11:00-14:30Mondays and holidays: closed.Telephone: +30 25240 21010 From Paranesti to the Metamorfoseos SotirosMonastery in Prasinada The route is probably unsuitable for coaches, as flocks of animalsusing the roads are a common occurrence.From Paranesti, go towards Ano Tholo. A point of interest on theway is the former factory “Porsel” 5km from Paranesti. Cross theArkoudorema iron bridge and go past the road on the left leadingto Platanovrisi dam and the Hot Mineral Springs of Thermes.Arkoudorema is on your right. The landscape, with its luxuriantvegetation, has a wild charm of indescribable beauty. Carry on towardsthe villages of Silli and Prasinada. 13km after Paranesti, theroad forks: take the left uphill fork towards Prasinada. You reachthe village after 6km. Prasinada is on your right. Continue straighton to the Holy Monastery of Sotiros Metamorfoseos from wherethe view of the ravine is breathtaking. The monastery was builtrecently on the site of a 5th century Byzantine monastery, whichwas destroyed in the late Byzantine period.Return to Paranesti. You have some excellent options: pathsthrough the rich interesting interior in un-spoilt forests, streamswhich flow into the River Nestos, spectacular waterfalls, artificiallakes and thermal water. The most important paths go to thenorth and east towards the Virgin forest of Fraktos and the waterfalls,north and west towards the River Nestos lake and dams.The trails from the Nestos banks to the slopes of Rhodope arenumerous and fascinating.

From Komotini, head SE towards Maroneia, go past Kosmio andafter 17km you enter Xylagani Village, the farming district of arich (cotton and cereals) irrigated valley. Xylagani used to be famousfor its garlic, which is quite rare these days. The residentscame here in 1924 from East Romelia when the populations wereexchanged. On the main road, at the exit for Maroneia, there is arestored flour mill (donated by the Ouzounopoulos and Atzemianfamilies) that houses the Folklore Museum of the “Xylagani CulturalClub” (POX), covering an area of 700m2. Physical evidence ofart, life and the history of the area – donated by village residents –demonstrates the popular culture of the area. Photographic ma-terial has been used excellently. http://www.xylagani-mouseio.gr/ Call before arriving: +30 25330 22388 and +30 693 6148 685.11km from Xylagani, you reach the traditional listed village of Maroneia,built on the foothills of Mount Ismaros, with a view theThracian Sea, Thasos and Samothraki. It was founded in the 16thcentury when residents of the homonymous seaside town camehere to escape from pirates. Make sure you rest for a while underthe plane trees of the picturesque square.Wander in the narrow streets with the 19th century Macedonianstone mansions (Hatzhalexis, Karavas, Panderymenos), built ata time when the Maroneia tradesmen and bankers excelled in theHellenistic centres (Odessa, Trieste, Alexandria, Constantinople),and brought wealth to their homeland. See the 18th centurychurches (Panagia and Agios Ioannis Prodromos) and the 1908school. Its building material came from ancient Maroneia and themarble from its theatre! At the Tavaniotis mansion, there is anexhibition about “Maroneia and Ismaros from prehistoric timesto modern times”.Ancient Maroneia, on the southwest slopes of Ismaros, foundedby colonists from Chios in the middle of the 7th century BC, was agreat commercial and nautical centre well known for its an excellent,mild climate. In the 4th century BC it had taken over most ofthe trade in the Thracian area. It was annexed by Macedonia inthe middle of the 4th century BC, and in 167 BC Rome it entered analliance with Rome. Its prosperity continued into the Byzantineperiod.The fortifications of the classical town are 10km long and cover anarea of 1,000 acres from the shore to the top of Ismaros mountain.The archaeological site is vast and visiting it is particularlyinteresting as there is a large variety of archaeological findings ingreen scenery dominated by olive trees.Journey in Ancient Maroneia4km from Maroneia, towards Agios Haralambos, there is a signon the right informing visitors about the foundations of the DionysianSanctuary (4th century BC). A clay mask of Dionysus wasfound here and is now on display at the Komotini ArchaeologicalMuseum. Further down, on the central dirt road, go pass the ancienttheatre of Maroneia, continue parallel to the Thracian Sea,below Ismaros and its ancient town and part of its walls. One kilometerfrom the theatre, you enter the area of Marmaritsa withwhite stone (ancient quarry). Continue between the olive grovestraversed by the E6 national path. 2km past the theatre, on theright, there are two pebbled bays in Marmaritsa, just 300 kmfrom the central dirt track.The Ancient Theatre of MaroneiaIt was built in the Hellenistic Period and underwent modificationsduring the Roman era. Three rows of the stone koilon have survived,the central one and the horseshoe - shaped passage to theorchestra and the Roman stage building.The theatre could seat 2,500 in 10 rows of seats. Below it a pipehad been installed to channel the mountain water to the sea. Themonument was in use until the 4th century AD. It has exceptionalacoustics: the site where it was built is still called Kampana (Bell)today! In the summerof 2009, restoration work was completedand the first performances after 1,600 years of silence took place!The archaeological site surrounding the theatre is open Monday– Tuesday: 8:00-15:00 and Wednesday – Sunday: 8:00 – 16:00.Agios HaralambosFrom Maroneia take the 5km road which leads to the sea, andthe harbor of Agios Haralambos, where local fishermen sell theircatch of fresh fish every morning, providing a delicacy that hasaccompanied local wine for ages. This is where the ancient harborwas, and its breakwater and the remains of Roman and Byzantinemonuments can still be discerned.From Maroneia to Petrota and Arxaia ZoniSet off for Agios Haralambos after Maroneia. After 4km you willsee signs leading to the Ancient Theatre. Turn left here and youwill find yourself on an unsurfaced road. It is accessible for allvehicles for the next 1,700 metres, until you reach the theatre.To continue from that point on, a 4 wheel drive vehicle would bemore suitable. After the theatre, continue parallel to the ThracianSea, below Ismaros, its ancient town and part of its walls. At adistance of 1km from the theatre you enter the Marmaritsa regionwith its white stone (ancient quarry).Continue between the olive groves crossed by the E6 nationalfootpath, and after 2km and past the theatre on your right, thereare the two pebble bays of Marmaritsa, just 300m from the maindirt road. After 1km you will see a sign showing the way to theMegalithiki gate and the wine press (Lino). There is no actual roadbut with a 4 wheel drive vehicleyou can go on for another 700m.Continue on foot for 3 minutes,following the signs and arrowson your left and you will reach theMegalithiki gate featuring monolithicrepresentations. Now walkto the right following the arrowsfor 15 minutes to get to the chiseledwinepress (Lino).Carry on down the main dirt roadand in 1km you will see a sign forthe “Odysseio ditch”, and a fewmeters further on you will enterthe Synaxi area (meeting point). To get to the beach, turn right atthe junction to find Synaxi with its early Christian finds. In ancienttimes, ships sailed from Synaxi to bring pilgrims to Samothrakito the Sanctuary of the Great God. Continue for another 1.5kmdown the dirt road, with a view of the sea, and you will find theruins of a castle.After that, carry on to the right and you come to the camp siteand Petrota Beach. The road continues along the shore and 6kmfurther takes you to Arxaia Zoni which is in itself a special and aparticularly interesting place to visit (See Regional Unit of Evros).

If you are in Drama during Epiphany, you will have the chance to enjoy Babougera at Kali Vrisi and enjoy yourself with the hospitable village inhabitants, eating, drinking and dancing. This is a ritual which has its roots in Dionysian worship.On Drama – Kato Nevrokopi National Road, turn left onto the Provincial Road in the direction of Kallithea – Kali Vrisi. First stop: Prosotsani (15km from Drama), an old tobacco producing centre, with schools from the early 20th century, neoclassical houses and the last tobacco shops. 8km further on, you reach Kali Vrisi, built on the slopes of Mount Menikio. Here you will find a district of traditional farm houses (late 19th century) and brick paved streets, as well as the three-aisled basilica of Agios Nikolaos (1877) with its iconostasis icons. After Kali Vrisi, you can visit the Sanctuary of Dionysian worship at “mikri tuba” which is open to visitors after consultation with the Archaeological Museum of Drama. Telephone: +30 25210 31365. Open at Epiphany and events for the August full moon. Via Haritomeni and Grammeni, and 14km from Kali Vrisi, you come to Aggitis Village and the Cave area is 500m further on. Maara Cave The cave has been used for people and animals passing through or as a refuge at various times in history. Near the present entrance, the archaeological trowel has brought to light significant Paleolithic and paleontological findings, which are displayed at the Drama Archaeological Museum. The cave is the only developed river cave in Greek territory and is accessible for 2-5km. The first 500 metres are open to visitors. By arrangement and with the help of a guide, lovers of extreme tourism can go even further. Telephone: +30 25220 60460 10:30 am – 17:00 pm. Return to Drama, going through Kokkinogia, where you can visit the Kokkinogeia Women’s Productive Cooperative with its special products based on traditional recipes from the East. 

Take the Kavala-Serres National Highway from Kavala and at Nikisiani (traditional picturesque village, known for its marble and the ‘Arapidon’ custom celebrated on 7th of January) and, following the signs, you reach the most ancient monastery complex in Macedonia, the Iera Patriachiki and Stavropigiaki Eikosifinissa Monastery, dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary. The monastery is the property of the Holy Metropolitan Church of Drama. It was built in the 5th century by Agios Germanos, to whom the Virgin gave the miraculous untouched icon, in a sublime “Phoenician” light from which the name Eikosifinissa derives. The monastery was extremely prosperous during the 15th century, attracting plundering and suffering catastrophes. In 1507, the Ottoman rulers slaughtered all the monks because of their campaign to avert conversion of the region’s Christians to Islam. The icons in the nave were drawn by the Moldovan monk, Mathaios, known also for his work in Athos. The gilded carved wood chancel was probably built in 1803 by artisans from Chios. The monastery includes two chapels, a burial church, a museum, embroidery and iconography workshops and a hospice with 200 beds. It celebrates on 21 November, 15 August, 22 November, the day of the first founder of Agios Germanos and on the next day, 23 November, it commemorates the second founder, Agios Dionysios. Telephone: +30 25920 61556 Celebrations: end of October, do not miss the Chestnut Festival in the chestnut wood in Palaiochori (10 minutes from Nikisiani). It is a daylong celebration with plentiful wine. The Vranokastro ruins can be found there. From Eikosifinissa, in a north-west direction, drive 4.9km heading towards the Krinides-Kormista provincial road. After 800m, turn right to Serres-Kavala and after 2.6km you reach Hartokopi This is where the Panagia Pangaiotissi Convent is located. Established in 1980, it is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin and includes a hospice, cells and refectory. Its celebration is on 15 August. Telephone: +30 25920 23799. Monastery opening hours: 8:00 - 14:00 and 17:30 – 19:30. Parking available for buses. From Hartokopi, go up to Nea Karvali (39km). After 3.4km, in a northeastern direction, turn left towards Eleftheroupoli-Folia provincial road, and after 1km turn right into Eleftheroupoli- Folia Road. After 1.3km turn left towards Egnatia Highway and left towards Kavala in 800 metres and join Egnatia Highway. 30km further on, leave the highway at the Nea Karvali exit. After 500m, turn right onto Kavala-Xanthi National Highway, follow the signs and you arrive at Agios Grigorios Theologos, one of the greatest pilgrim destinations, where relics of the Archbishop are kept, as well as his family’s remains. Refugees brought them from Karvali in Cappadocia in 1924. On 25 January the procession of the Holy relics of the Saint takes place. Telephone: +30 25103 16232. Celebrations: “Sagia” on 5 January, Cappadocians of Nea Kavala light a big fire in front of the old Community building and, holding hands, dance and sing around it, to evict goblins and send them back to the bowels of the earth. Traditional food and carols complete the ceremony. Local sweet: Kourabiedes. Visit: Cappadocia Cultural Museum and Akontisma Village Folklore Museum, built in 1996 with EU funding by refugees from Gelveri in Cappadocia. Gastronomy: original traditional dishes and recipes from Gelveri. Driving on the Kavala-Xanthi National Highway, turn left after 15km on the Chrysoupoli-Platamona provincial road. Activities: A dirt road from Makrichori leads to the Agios Kosmas birds of prey observatory (view of the Nestos Delta and Straits). Go down the River Nestos by canoe. Return to the provincial road, and following the signs for the Holy Monastery of Metamorfoseos Sotiros Nikiton, you will reach the monastery. A female retreat in 1969, it was recognized as a communal monastery in 1975. Its nave hosts the miraculous Metamorfoseos icon, which was brought here in 1922 by refugees from Asia Minor. An embroidery workshop and exhibition operates there, as well as a hospice. Telephone: +30 2591054236. From Nikites, go to Lekani. Activities: Beech forest trail, at 1.300m. Celebrations: Potato Festival in Lekani (beginning of September). Celebration in Platamona where wonderful goat soup is served and local produce is available such as chestnuts, cranberries, potatoes, cheese. 

From Kavala, take Egnatia Highway towards Thessaloniki, leaveat the exit for Eleftheroupoli and you reach Kipia in 27 minutes.The Theodoros Kokkinidis Waxworks Museum can be foundhere, presenting effigies of historical people who left their markon their era. The exhibits often travel in Greece or abroad. Beforesetting off, telephone: +30 693 7803 780, 697 6519 429.From Kipia, via Elftheroupoli-Moustheni provincial road, youreach Moustheni (10km) with its four arched bridges, traditionalhouses in ochre and blue, the old Turkish school with its Arabicinscription, water fountains and the Folklore Museum building.Continue towards Mesoropi (4km from Moustheni), Kavala’sPilio, as it is called, with its marble-paved alleys, the well in themiddle of the village, traditional houses, old tobacco shops, thechapel of Agia Kyriaki (17th century) and the Klothori and MahmutAga stone arch bridges.Activities: witness honey-making firsthand, see how tahini andhalva is produced by grinding sesame in the traditional way inthe old mill. Walk on the path leading from the village to Vathres:plane trees and singing birds will enchant you on your way toVoskovrisi. Swim in the beautiful beaches in the area: Orphynio,Orphanio, at Karyani and Akropotamos. From Mesoropi gosouthward, turn left after 1km towards Eleftheroupoli – Moustheniand after 2.4km, turn right. 2.5km further on you join EgnatiaHighway going towards Kavala. Leave Egnatia Highway at exit 29towards S. Peramo, get to the shore and as you continue, you willfind Anaktoropoli of Ancient Isymi on the western tip of the bay.Isimi, colony of Thasos (7th c entury B C) w ith i ts own c urrency,was famous for its “Vivlino Wine”, which is still produced in theregion today. On the small hill northeast of Isymi, the Byzantinesbuilt Anaktoropoli. Remains of its strong fortress have survivedtill today. From the top of the castle you can enjoy an amazingview and realize the strategic importance of its position. Culturalevents are often held in the castle in the summer.Activities: Swimming in the clean, shallow water.Celebrations: Tsipouro Festival in October. Grape Festival inElaiochori (August-September).Gastronomy: Fish and seafood,wine and excellent quality tsipouro.Return to Kavala by the coast road(19km). From S. Peramos, you canvisit the Apollonia Tower, on the oldKavala-Thessaloniki National Highway,a 14th century AD building withan excellent beach.

Take the Kavala-Drama National Highway and, following thesigns for “Philippi Archaeological site”, you will find the site’s carpark (with a capacity of 1000 cars) after 16km.History: In the 4thcenturyBC, colonists from Thasos foundedKrinides in the south-eastern part of the Drama valley on theoutskirts of the marsh. As they were under pressure from theThracian tribes, they sought help from Philippos II, who took overthe town and gave it his name.In the 2nd c entury B C, R omans b uilt t he E gnatia R oad p assingthrough Philippi. From then on the town grew rapidly. Importantstages in its history: a) the famous Battle of Philippi (42BC), inthe bogs near the present mudbaths, between Octavianus andMarcus Antonius and the democrats Brutus and Cassius. Octavianus’svictory was crucial to the future of the Roman Empireand turned the town into an important financial, administrativeand artistic centre. B) the founding of the first Christian Churchin Europe in 49/50AD by Paul the Apostle, along with the transferof the capital of the Roman Empire to Constantinople in 330AD,marked the second period of prosperity. In the 7th century AD,earthquakes and invasions drove the town to decline, and theOttoman Conquest (14th century) meant the end of this glorioushistory.See: The walls of the 4th century AD and 6th century BC with a perimeterof 3.5km; The theatre, with evident Roman additions andalterations; The Roman Forum; North of the Forum, the largestone-paved road which has been identified as the ancient EgnatiaRoad; The 5th century AD triple-aisle Basilica and the tripleaisleBasilica B’ of 550 AD featuring sculptured decoration; The“Oktagono” complex. On the same site, visit the ArchaeologicalMuseum, built in the 1960s to plans drawn up by the architectsI.D. Triantafyllidis and D. Fatouros. Inscriptions, sculptures, urns,coins, jewellery, architectural elements, wonderful mosaics, aswell as historical and audiovisual material, take the visitor ona journey in the town’s history. Examine the Clock of Philippi, aunique example of navigation technology of the 4th century AD.Telephone: +30 25105 16251Ticket price: Combined (Archaeological Site and Museum): 4 eurosIf your stay in the area coincides with a performance at the PhilippiFestival, do not miss the opportunity. It is a magical experience.After Philippi, continue for another 2km, following the signs “towardsKrinides Baptistery”. It was here, in the Zygakti river, thatPaul the Apostle baptized the first Christian in Europe, Lydia.Apart from the church-baptistery, there is an outdoor baptisteryon the river bank. Every year at the celebration of the Agia Lydiaof Philippi (20 May), Christian baptisms are carried out.Information: +30 25105 16251.Celebrations: in Zygo (12.5km, 15 minutes from Krinides), thetraditional representation of a Pontus wedding is held on Sundayof Thomas, symbolizing the beginning of life and of Spring.Gastronomy: try “Keskek” (mixture of lean chicken and groundwheat).After Krinides, head towards the Kavala – Drama National Highwayand after 3km turn left towards the Krinides Municipal claytherapy centre (Mud baths). The mud has been known for itshealing properties since Homeric times. It is highly recommendedfor rheumatic, post traumatic, gynecological, cardiovascular,dermatological and neurological ailments and is also used as acosmetic.

A proper walk in Komotini takes an entire morning. Begin in IrinisCentral Square. The grove of Agia Paraskevi is behind the Heroon.Following that, visit the Papanikolaou Foundation (call first): +3025310 22015. The building was donated by the town benefactorNikolaos Z. Papanikolaou. The museum is on the second floorand has rare exhibits: manuscripts on papyrus and parchment,ceramics etc. The 420 seat Amphitheatre is on the first floor. Inthe semi-basement there is an exhibition area.After that, follow Iroon Avenue and the 21st Armoured BrigadeMouziopoulou army camp, where the Army Museum can befound, is 300m further on. Inside, there are objects from the historyof war in modern Greece, whilst in the courtyard combatvehicles, tanks, weapon systems and aircraft are exhibited. Temporaryexhibitions are of interest. Entrance is free. Telephone:+30 253105 4214. Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday: 09:00-14:00Wednesday: 17:00-20:00 Saturday-Sunday: 10:00-13:00Go past the Law Courts in Charilaou Trikoupi Street, next tothe old Court Building, which cannot be visited as it is due to berenovated. The building is believed to have been designed andbuilt by a Dutch architect around 1870, under Sultan Abdul Azisand his heir Abdul Hamit II on behalfof the Ottoman Administrationof the period. It served as a commandpost until July 1913.Going along Manesi Street, youhave one of the town’s mosquesand one of the oldest Muslim seminarieson your right. Following thatroad, you reach the Clock Tower, aKomotini landmark.The Clock TowerThe Clock Tower was built in 1884 during Sultan Abdul Hamit II’sadministration. Its present form was the result of interventionsin the 1950s. Behind the tower stands the GeniTzami Minaret,from where the Muezzin calls the faithful to prayer. The Mufti ofKomotiniis in the forecourt. Ermou pedestrian shopping streetis on the SW side of the tower, while on the NE side you will findIfaistou square which is full of tin workshops providing a uniquelook to the adjacent town market.Geni Tzami New MosqueThe mosque was founded at the end of the 16th century (1585)and featured one large dome and five smaller ones. Accordingto the inscription on the south entrance, it was renovated andenlarged in 1902. You enter (without shoes and with your headcovered) through the monument-like entrance, and you attentionis immediately caught by the marble mihrab with its sculptureddecoration and the flower and bud decorated tiles of Prousa.Equally impressive is the marble Minber with its raised floral andgeometric designs. The mosque’s name is “New Tzami” (Geni-Mosque), despite being approximately 25 years older than the socalled “Old” (Eski) Mosque.Cross the mosque courtyard, take Ermou Street and turn right.After crossing Ioanninon Street, look carefully at the small shopson your right which are integrated into a Hippodamian town planningsystem with small roads and beautiful pergolas. At the endof Ermou Street, turn right toward Androutsou Street and youreach the Public market and the old mosque 100 metres furtheron. Have a look at the variety of excellent local products soldhere, before visiting the old mosque.Old Mosque (Eski Tzami)This great mosque was founded in 1608/9. According to the inscriptionit was renovated in 1677/78. The impressive minaret isnotable for its two hanging balconies, while the mihrab with itsminimal décoration and simple wooden minber are the most outstandingfeatures of the mosque’s interior.Ecclesiastical MuseumAfter visiting Eski Tzami, take Xenofontos Street in the directionof Venizelos Street and you will find the Imaret a few meters furtheron. The Imaret is an old Muslim poor house, one of the oldestOttoman monuments in Thrace (1360-1380). Work conducted bythe archaeological department has restored the damaged buildingto its former state.Roof tiles were collected from old houses of Komotini to repairthe mosque’s roof. Today the Ecclesiastical Museum of the HolyMetropolitan Churches of Maronia and Komotini is housed there.Some of the ecclesiastical exhibits were gathered from churchesin the diocese and others donated by refugees who settledhere after 1924. They cover the whole period from the 16th centuryto the beginning of the 20th century. Telephone: +30 2531034177. Opening hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday: 10:30-13:00.Wednesday and Friday: 17:00-20:00. Saturday: 10:00-13:00.After the museum you reach Venizelos Street, one of the mostbeautiful pedestrian shopping streets in Komotini. Turn left andcontinue up to G. Seferis Street. 20metres further on, turn right andthen right again following KouloglouStreet, where you can see twoof the surviving town mansions,now properly restored as part ofthe municipal property. The secondmansion belonged to Skouteris fromEpirus (number 10) and was probablybuilt by Epirote craftsmen at theend of the 19th century.The Skouteris family was highly distinguishedin the economic, socialand political life of Komotini. The building, with its simple neoclassicallines, is a typical example of the contemporary residentialarchitecture of the Thracian middle class. It incorporateslocal building techniques and also adopts the concurrent Europeanstyle as showcased by the first floor frescoes. The buildingwas donated by Vasiliki Skouteri-Dintsoglou to the Municipalityof Komotini and now houses the Thracian, Ethnological, Historyand Cultural Museum of Komotiniand Thrace. The architecture,decoration, furniture and objectsof the Museum provide the visitorwith a vivid image of the lifestyleof the town’s middle class and theatmosphere of the period at theturn of the 19th and 20th centuries.Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday9:00–14:00. Wednesday and Friday18:00-20:00. Telephone: +30 2531030313.At the end of Kouloglou Street, turn right into G. Nikolaou Streetand immediately left into Venizelos Street. Reaching the end ofthe road, turn right and you can enter the Byzantine Fortress, thelargest and oldest (4th century) monument in town. It was built ofstone with strong ceramic cement. With a height of 9.6m, it hadtwo main entrances on the SW and SE sides. In 1363, the Ottomansused material from its wall to build their mosques. In 1910,Bulgarians demolished the towers and a large part of the walls.The Metropolitan Hall was built within its perimeter at the northwesterncorner, in Byzantine style.On the eastern side we find the Metropolitan Church of the Assumptionof Virgin Mary (1812). It is four aisled with a vestibuleand a wooden roof on a lower level than the surrounding ground.It was built on top of the foundations of a Byzantine Church, ofwhich there is mention in 1548 by the traveler Pierre Belon. Thechurch has been declared a listed historical monument. The iconof Virgin Mary, considered miraculous, is also of great artisticand historic importance, dating back to the period between the15th and 16th centuries. The visitor can admire the ornate iconostasiswith its lace decoration (Epirus School), the Bishop’s throneand pulpit.Exit the fortress heading south. On your right you will find therecently renovated building of the Komotini Club, a 20th centurybuilding. On the other side you can see what is considered themost remarkable and historically important town building, theTsanaklios School.The building was constructed according to theprinciples of eclecticism, a predominant architectural paradigmof the 19th century.The school did not have time to serve the purpose intended by thebenefactor. Nevertheless, it successively housed the Orphanage(1919), the General Administration of Thrace (1922-1954), the Prefectureof Rodopi (1954-1972), and the Deanery of the DemocritusUniversity of Thrace until 2000.Behind the Tsanaklios School, the Tsanakli pedestrian streetis full of notable mansions: Antoniadis’ House, the MallipoulosMansion (accommodating public services of the Municipality ofKomotini and the European Union), the first Metropolitan Halland Sianidis’ House (1920). Continue until you reach a big junctionoverlooked by the statue of Eleftherios Venizelos, and turn leftinto Al. Symeonidis Street. You will find a small park, surroundedthe Public Stadium, the Prefecture Building, the first buildingshosting the Democritus University of Thrace, the summer municipaltheatre (700 seats), the Old Heroon, work of the sculptorPetros Moschidis (1930).Komotini Archaeological MuseumThis museum and the archaeological museum in Ioannina are theonly ones in Greece designed by the architect Aris Konstantinidis.The design has clear elements of anonymous architecture, butalso a modernist vocabulary. A “container of life”, as Aris Konstantinidiswanted all his buildings to be, where the past of Rodopiand Thrace of the Aegean survives between light and shadow.The most impressive exhibit is the gold bust of Septimios Seviros(193-211 BC) which adorned the spear of the Imaginiferi of theRoman Army. Entrance: 2 euros full and 1 euro reduced price.Telephone: +30 25310 [email protected] Konstantinos Karatheodori Museum is opposite the archaeologicalmuseum. K. Karatheodori, originally from Vyssain Evros, was born in Berlin in 1873. A mathematician of internationalstanding (professor at 4 German universities as wellas at the Metsovio Polytechnic), he was also a leading engineerand worked on the construction of the Suez Canal. The museumhosts his correspondence with his pupil, Albert Einstein.From N. Zoidou Street, turn towards the town centre and after500m, turn right into Agios Georgios Street. At number 13, the restoredPeidis Mansion, a typical example of popular local archi-tecture, houses the Folklore Museum. The exhibits (costumes,embroidery, artifacts, tools and paraphernalia, household utensils)give a vivid picture of traditional Greek Thrace. Many of theexhibits come from East and North Thrace as well as Asia Minor.The building exactly opposite belongs to the Folklore Museum,known as the Kougioumtzoglou Mansion, and houses temporaryexhibitions. Opening hours: daily 10:00-13:00.Telephone: +30 25310 25975Continue down Agios Georgios until you reach the Holy Churchof Agios Georgios (19th c entury). T he S ociety f or P edagogicalSciences of Komotini has set up a Museum of ThracianEducationin the historical 5th Kindergarten of Agios Georgios:a sentimental journey for some, a history lesson for others.