Kavala

Kavala is a very lively port, a gateway to the islands in the North East Aegean and northern Dodecanese, and a holiday resort in its own right with some good beaches either side of the centre. It has several good museums too, illustrating the historical and cultural interest of the town and surrounding area. Immediate impressions may not be favourable, as it is big and busy, but it is well worth spending a few days to explore the main town in eastern Macedonia.

History of Kavala

Kavala has been a port since ancient times, and was founded in the 6th century BC by emigrants from the island of Paros. St Paul first set foot on European soil here before travelling to Philippi in 49AD, and it has been fought over ever since. At varying times it was occupied by the Franks, Turks, Venetians, Normans and others, including the Bulgarians during both the First and Second World Wars.

The Turkish occupation had the biggest impact, as they were here from 1371 to 1912, and among their legacies is the town’s aqueduct, which dates not from the Romans but from the 16th century. A citadel dominates the eastern end of the harbour, and its imposing walls were built mainly in the 10th and 16th centuries. It makes an impressive sight when floodlit at night, and inside the walls is the area of town known as Panagía.

Panagia

Panagia is a terrific place in which to get lost, filled as it is with meandering streets and 18-19th century houses. Among these is the birthplace of Mehmet Ali (1769-1849), who became the Pasha of Egypt. The house can be identified by the nearby bronze statue of Ali on horseback, and has been preserved as a museum.

The most notable building is known as the Imaret, and overlooks the harbour on the right-hand side of one of the main streets as you enter the citadel area. This is the largest Islamic building in Europe, and was founded by Mehmet Ali. It originally housed theological students, and provided them with cheap meals, though after standing derelict for many years it was recently refurbished as a restaurant where the meals are less cheap but the setting overlooking the harbour is superb. If you merely want to take a look round the interior, there is also a simpler bar set around the courtyard.

Kavala Harbour

The harbour at Kavala is a busy place, with hints of the eastern bazaar in the market area just behind it. You can be sure of a good fresh fish meal in the many restaurants that line the front, although if you want somewhere more unusual and Turkish-influenced, head into the Panagia area at night.

Museums

Kavala has several museums, large and small. At the far side of the harbour is the excellent Archaeological Museum, which draws on the finds from the several classical sites nearby, including Philippi. Some of the best exhibits are from Avdira, and these include an exquisite dolphin mosaic, and a huge sarcophagus, unusual in that its paint has survived. The site of Amphipolis, west of the town, is also represented, including some fine laurel wreaths made of pure gold in the 3rd century BC, looking far too delicate to have survived for over 2000 years. There are also extensive collections of ceramics, jewellery, coins, statues and many other items.

The Folk and Modern Art Museum, also known as the Municipal Museum, is a superior example of its kind, not dealing just with the past but also finding space for displays of more modern Greek art. Amongst the best are several sculptures by an artist from the island of Thassos, Polygnotos Vagis (1894-1965). In other rooms there are the usual displays of traditional folk costumes, as well as many household and agricultural items, though the collection is very eclectic and well worth an hour or two of browsing. Note that the museum has been closed for renovation so check whether it has re-opened or not.

There are several other museums including an Olive Museum, a Tobacco Museum (tobacco is a big crop in eastern Greece), a Wax Museum and a Navy Museum.

Where to Stay in Kavala

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