A stroll through the Old Town of Kavala is a journey through 2.500 years of the city's history.
A city for winter – summer holidays, built amphitheatrically by the sea, at the crossroads of East and West. Macedonia's "Blue City" hides countless treasures and, without a doubt, knows how to enchant its visitors. Kavala, among other things, also boasts its picturesque Old Town, one of the most beautiful in Greece.
A stroll through Kavala's Old Town
A walk through Kavala's Old Town and the Panagia neighborhood, which is built on a peninsula with the sea all around, is an experience every visitor should have. A walk through the city's 2,500-year history. Quiet cobbled alleys, colorful mansions with wooden balconies and blooming courtyards, historic monuments and beautiful buildings transport you to another era.
Starting from Karoli Square, you can head up Theodorou Poulidou Street and see the famous Imaret – a magnificent monument, a classic example of Islamic architecture. Built in the early 19th century by Mehmet Ali (founder of the last Egyptian Dynasty), the former Islamic seminary has been restored and today operates as a luxury hotel.
As you head towards the tip of the Panagia Peninsula, you'll find Mohamed Ali Square, where Mohamed Ali's residence (one of the most characteristic surviving examples of 18th century Ottoman architecture in Greece) and his statue, crafted by sculptor Konstantinos Dimitriadis, are located. Continuing on, you'll come across the Church of Panagia (Dormition of the Theotokos), built on the site of a church founded in the 15th century.
At the tip of the Old Town peninsula, you can walk to the Lighthouse, which was built in the late 19th century, to enjoy panoramic views of the sea. The spot is ideal for photos and romantic strolls at sunset. Another attraction that will catch your attention is the Halil Bey complex, also known as "Old Music" (Kavala's Philharmonic was hosted here in the 1930-1940 decade), which is built, as evidenced by its glass floor, over the Early Christian church of Saint Paraskevi.
At the top of the Old Town stands the imposing Fortress of Kavala, one of the city's most important historical monuments, which has at times been governed by Lombards, Franks, Byzantines and Ottomans. From there you'll enjoy a unique view towards the North Aegean. Finish your walk at the impressive Kamares, the border between the old and the modern city. The 280 m long arched aqueduct, built in the early 16th century, was once Kavala's main water supply. Today, this unique monument is a landmark of the city.
