Komotini City

Capital: Komotini is the economical and administrative centre of the region, and combines its historical past with the modern development of the region. The visitor can observe the history of Komotini at every corner of the city, with the co-existence of different religions and cultures, traditional and modern buildings. The central square is a point of reference for both residents and visitors. The Democritus University has schools devoted to the study of a wide range of subjects from international finance to sport sciences.

The multi-faceted city of Komotini, offers various kinds of entertainment and nightlife. Komotini caters for different ages and different preferences. The young population in town, enhanced by students studying at the Democritus University, gives a special note to the town-life. One can enjoy lunch or dinner in good restaurants of tavernas, which take pride in their specialities of local meat, fresh fish and seafood. The "Ouzeri" with selected hors d'oeuvres, the pizzerias, bars and cafeterias offer the visitor to the city a unforgettable experience.

To the North of Komotini is the Forest of Nimfaia, where one can stroll though and enjoy the views from the remains of the Byzantine fortress on the summit, here is a tourist pavilion where one can buy refreshments. The area to the north of the forest towards the Bulgarian border is popular with alpinists, here is a well-equipped cabin used by the Alpine club based in the town. Experienced mountain walkers can take a trip along the European mountaineering path (E6) that crosses the Rodopi Mountains. The "Meteora of Thrace" with its rocky formations is a place of natural beauty; here you can see wild horses roaming the area as they have done for many years.

Places of interest in the City:

The Archaeological Museum: here one can see on display the historical stages of the region. A wide range of artefacts is on display that includes tools from the Palaeolithic Age, statues to an extensive range of pots. Also on display is the golden bust of Septimius Severus along with the bas-relief of the “Rider of Thrace” and a mask of Dionysos.

The Folklore Museum: which belongs to the Educational Society of Komotini is housed in the restored Peidi, has on display, outfits, uniforms, agricultural tools, a assortment of household appliances, rare books, pictures or photographs.

The Ecclesiastic Museum: housed in the old poorhouse (Imaret) is of historical and archaeological value. It contains remarkable ecclesiastic objects, from our region and from Asia Minor.

The Papanikolaou Institute : has an excellent display of rare manuscripts from the Byzantine period and the 16 th to 19 th century.

The Byzantine fortress: the remains of this 4 th century are still visible today; it was a important defensive fortress along the Egnatia Road.

The Church of theHoly Virgin: built in the early 19 th century, the church, erected on the site of an earlier Byzantine church,inside are icons dating from the 16 th and 17 th century.

The Eski and Geni Mosques: in the centre of the town are two of the oldest mosques in the region.