Kavala city

The capital and port of the prefecture, is a picturesque town around the foothills of Mt. Symvolon. The medieval fortress dominates the town built around the harbour. The old quarters of Panagia to the south of the harbour, with its quaint narrow cobbled lanes, is a delight in which to wander. The most obvious building in the old quarter is the Imaret, with its 18 domes was in ancient times a hostel for students studying theology. Today it is a cafe and restaurant. Modern houses and shops in spacious squares combine both the old and the new in harmony. Kavala stands on the site of the 5 th century town of Neopolis, which was the port of Phillipi. Mehmet Ali (1769-1849) who became Pasha of Egypt was born in Kavala, his house were he was born has been restored and is now a museum.

The first settlers of Kavala lived in the area that is now the site of the fortress. Archaeologists have found evidence of small Neolithic settlement on the eastern side of the hill. In the mid 7th century BC, the region was colonised by traders from the island of Thasos they named the area Neapolis. The city prospered due to the mining and trading in gold and became economically independent.

The city lost its independence, in the 4 th century BC and became the port of the neighbouring Macedonian city of Philippi. During the Roman occupation of Greece, the city once again the city grew in prosperity as a commercial city along the Via Egnatia.

During the Byzantine period during the 8th-9th centuries AD, the city now called Chrysoupolis, after St. Paul’s visit to the city in 49-50 AD. Remains of the Byzantine fortifications are on the hill, as well as the imposing fortress. The city has been under siege from numerous invaders, and in 1391, the Ottomans took control over the city and region. Under the orders of Suleiman the Great, they renamed the city to its present name and rebuilt the fortress, along with an impressive aqueduct with sixty arches, which has survived to the present day.

The founder of the last Egyptian dynasty, Mehmet Ali was born in the city in 1769. Mehmet Ali became a patron to the city, building among others a poorhouse (Imaret) in 1817, which also functioned as a religious school. His house is now a museum, close to a church bearing his name.

In the 1900s, the city was enjoying great economic prosperity due to the growing and processing of tobacco. Foreign tobacco merchants settled in the city, building homes and warehouses, many of which survive today, many now converted into museums or public offices.

Sights of Interest in the City

The Kavala Archaeological Museum : offers the visitor a fascinating selection of artefacts from the prefecture of Kavala and the region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Artefacts from the settlement of Orthopetra at Krinides and ancient city of Philippi are on display. Also impressive is the restoration of architectural fragments from the temple of the goddess Parthena.

The Kavala Municipal Museum: have on display a collection of paintings and other works of art by the sculptor Polygnotos Vagis, who came from the island of Thassos. The museum also has a selection of folk art and a collection of rare birds from the area around the River Nestos.

The Byzantine Fortress: and the walls built on the hill overlooking the city.

The Kamares Aqueduct: built by the Ottomans to supply the city with fresh water.

The House of Mehmet Ali: born in the city and thelast pasha of Egypt, today the house is a museum.

Profitis Ilias: offers wonderful views over the city and the old town.