MUNICIPALITY OF KAVALA
Transcription
MUNICIPALITY OF KAVALA
MUNICIPALITY OF KAVALA Contents MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR .............................................................................. 2 OUR CITY....................................................................................................................... 3 Geographical location ............................................................................................... 3 City History ................................................................................................................. 4 The city today.............................................................................................................. 4 Sister cities................................................................................................................... 4 WORTH SEEING IN KAVALA ................................................................................. 6 Sightseeing .................................................................................................................. 6 Museums and the Archaeological site of Philippi ............................................ 10 Photo Album ............................................................................................................. 14 Beaches of the area ................................................................................................... 14 USEFULL INFORMATION ..................................................................................... 14 Tourist Information Center .................................................................................... 14 Hotels / Rooms to let - Camping ........................................................................... 15 Page 1 of 15 MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR We welcome you to beautiful Kavala, a city which is rich in history and tradition, and wish you a pleasant stay. We are a modern, dynamic and human city. We are pleased to welcome you to our website and take the opportunity to inform you about the multiple services our city has to offer. We want to put technology in the service of our citizens and our city in the forefront of on-line services. Konstantinos Simitsis Mayor of Kavala Page 2 of 15 OUR CITY Geographical location The prefecture of Kavala is situated between the rivers Nestos and Strymonas, which are also its natural borders. Its geographical location on the shore of the Aegean Sea and over the ancient route (Via Egnatia) that linked East to West makes it an ideal point of communication between people and cultures. It occupies 2,109 square km of land and it borders on the prefectures of Xanthi (east), Drama (north) and Serres (west). The prefecture includes four municipalities (Kavala, Nestos, Pangaio, Thassos), with Kavala‟s Perfecture occupies a total area of 112, 1.480,16 acres.The city, which is the capital of the prefecture, is located on the Egnatia motorway and is a two-hour drive to Thessaloniki (160 km west ). As you enter Kavala, you will admire the panoramic view of the town that is nestled between the slopes of the surrounding hills and the northern coast of the Aegean Sea. Page 3 of 15 City History The historic settlement of Kavala was established and developed on the peninsula of Panagia where the earliest evidence of human presence dates back to 1050-700 BC. The city's history begins in the second half of the 7th century BC when Parian settlers, who in the meantime had colonized the island of Thassos, passed on the opposite mainland coast and founded a new colony called Neapolis. Around the same time, another walled settlement was created in the area of Kipoupoli, named Antisara During Macedonian rule Kavala, as a harbor serving Filippi, gained great prosperity, after Philip II father of Alexander the Great -annexed it. During the Roman Empire the city upgraded into a major port in the region and a travel station, as in front of its walls was passing through Via Egnatia (the main thoroughfare of the Roman Empire connecting Durres to Istanbul). In 45A.D. the Apostle Paul visited Kavala on his way to Philippi, where he founded the first Christian community in Europe. In the eighth century the city was known as Christoupolis. After intense adventures and struggles, during the times of the Crusades was conquered and completely destroyed by the Turks (about 1391). After almost a century of desolation, and in the second half of the 15th century the city appears again under the current name and quickly developed into a major port. Not until 1864 did the Greek people get permission from the Turkish state and created the first neighborhood outside the walls in the area of St. John. The 20th century was the golden age of Kavala. From 1903 until 1909, the Greek inhabitants, with a high national morale, took part in the struggle for Macedonia. The booming of the tobacco industry and the population growth resulted in an economically prosperous middle class and a broad working class organized into powerful trade unions vigorously asserting its claims. The city today Nowadays Kavala is one of the largest cities (about 80,000 citizens) in Northern Greece. It is a city that many people rank among the most beautiful and picturesque of our country. The reason is its unique character, its privileged location and its warm and friendly atmosphere. Wherever you are Kavala is definitely nearby since it‟s easily accessed from all parts of Greece by daily land, air and sea connections and is also linked to the rest of Europe by frequent charter flights. Sister cities The City twining is a very useful institution. It‟s about deepening the relations among peoples. For Kavala the onset of twinning was in 1975 with Gabrovo, Bulgaria. In 1994 with Grantiska Serbia and in 1999 with Nuremberg. The Cities of Agadir Redestos (Tekirntak) Martouni and Gotse Delchev followed and a Protocol of Cooperation was initially signed between the cities. Residents of the participant cities have the opportunity to experience the culture and the ethos of sister cities, which Page 4 of 15 contribute to a better understanding among peoples and to their peaceful coexistence. The Municipality of Kavala is twinned or has signed Memoranda* with the following cities: Page 5 of 15 WORTH SEEING IN KAVALA Sightseeing KAMARES (The Old Aqueduct) The Old Aqueduct, the Medieval Aqueduct, is work of the Byzantine period, which held extensive repairs during the Ottoman rule, particularly during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent and Legislator (1530 AD approx.) This double arch structure was designed to bridge the peninsula of Panagia with the foot of the mountain of Lekani. It was used to carry water from mountain sources (six kilometers north from the 'Mother of Water "or" Soumpasi "or" The Three Elms") in today's" Old Town "- Panagia, with the main water source situated at an altitude of 400 m and other complementary lower sources of supply. This grand monument has a length of 280 m consists of 60 arches of four different sizes and has a maximum height of 25 meters. The restoration works began in September 1997 with a mild technical assistance. Source: «Medieval Aqueduct of Kavala – Arcs», Publication of 12th Service of Byzantine and Ancient Antiquities, Kavala, 2008 THE CASTLE OF KAVALA The Castle of Kavala dominates the top of the peninsula, where the old city is built. During the Byzantine period and later, repeated reconstruction works and fortification repairs were made by the Byzantines, Venetians and Turks. Substantially, all the phases of the Modern History affect the castle and left their traces on its walls. The castle (Citadel) in its current form was built in the first quarter of the 15th century, relying on foundation from the Byzantine period. At the outdoor theatre are organized cultural events You can see more about the Castle at: http://www.castle-kavala.gr/ IMARET The Imaret, a big edifice of the last Ottoman period, a classic example of Islamic architecture located on the west side of the peninsula of Panagia (old town). It is one of the last built in this particular period and the only one survived almost intact. Its largest part was built, between 1817-1821 by the founder of the last Egyptian dynasty, Mehmet Ali. For sentimental reasons, the Wali of Egypt wanted to benefit his hometown with this religious, educational and charitable institution. It operated as a Muslim seminary - internship and "workhouse" for all the poor of the city regardless of religion. Page 6 of 15 Since 1922, the Imaret spaces were used to house refugees. In 1931, in order for the adjacent street to be widened, a part of Imaret was demolished. In 1967 the residents (refugees mostly) of Imaret were ordered to leave and the monument was sealed. Until the regulation of the ownership, Imaret remained completely deserted. After the settlement of property issues a part of it operated as bar and restaurant while other parts were used as warehouses. In 2001 it was leased for 50 years to an entrepreneur from Kavala, it was restored and converted into a luxurious and elegant hotel, which maintains something of the ambience of its era. Source: «Neapolis - Christoupolis - Kavala, Travelogue through space and time of the Old City», Publication of Kavala’s Municipalityς, Kavala, 2009 Imaret‟s web site as a place of leisure and hospitality THE HOUSE OF MEHMET ALI In the Old Town Square you can find the house that Mehmet Ali, founder of the last Egyptian dynasty, was born. This beautiful building, based on Macedonian architecture, is considered to be the property of Egypt . The "konaki" of Mehmet Ali consists of two parts, the ground floor and first floor. A bronze equestrian statue was built in the center of the square in 1934 in honour of the Sultan of Egypt, a work of Greek sculptor Mr Dimitriadis. THE TOWN HALL The building, a Hungarian miniature tower, was built around 1895 by the Hungarian tobacco trader Pierre Herzog. After his death, the building passed into the possession of the "Limited Liability Company of Tobacco and Overseas". In 1937, under the administration of Mayor Athanasios Balanos, it was purchased by the Municipality of Kavala and has since housed the town hall. Page 7 of 15 ADOLF WIX BUILDING The building was built in 1899 by the German Baron Adolf Wix to serve as the center of commercial activity and as a house. Architecturally speaking, it is very similar to the adjacent building of the current town hall. Today, after several changes in ownership, it belongs to the municipality of Kavala. THE LASARISTS (VINCENTIANS) CONVENT The convent of Lazarists is situated in Kipros Str. and was built between 1888-1892. The building has architectural elements mixed with neoclassical influence and was used as a French Embassy. Today it houses the only Catholic church in the city. THE GREAT GREEK COMMUNITY CLUB The building of «Megali Leschi» of the Great Greek Community Club of Kavala was built in 1909 by the Ladies Philoptochos (Friends of the poor) Sisterhood. It is a typical example of eclectic architectural style with a lot of embedded neoclassical motifs, e.g. Columns, Pediments etc. Located next to the town hall, it is used for secular organization and other social events. While in neoclassical form it has elements of ancient tradition. Today, its partially used by the Municipality for cultural events due to the restoration works that have already started. THE STATUE OF NIKE (of victory) The bronze statue of victory is in the public garden in the area in front of the town hall. The relief image was created by sculptor Dionysios Gerolymatos and refers to the struggle of Greeks from the ancient times up until 1940-41. The bronze statue is by sculptor John Parmakelis. Page 8 of 15 TOKOS MANSION Tokou Mansion was built in 1879 by Dimitrios Tokos a tobacco trader and its architectural style is influenced by romantic eclecticism. During the first years of the 20th century the Mansion was used as Italian Subconsulate and in 1911 it was purchased on behalf of the Ladies Philoptochos Society of Kavala (Friends of the Poor). From 1913 to1937, it housed the town hall and from its terrace in 1929 Eleftherios Venizelos made his speech. After the Second World War it housed the Private School Papassideri. Today it houses the Revenue Department of Byzantine Antiquities. MUNICIPAL CONSERVATORY The building of the Municipal Conservatory (along with the adjacent building once owned by Kleon Krantonellis) is the oldest among the houses having been built before 1864.It belonged to the N. and E. Grigoriadis Brothers, two of the first tobacco traders. After the World War One it served as a Bank and since 1987 (it was inaugurated in its present form in 1990) it has belonged to the Municipality of Kavala and houses the Municipal Conservatory. Its strong neoclassical character, its impressive frontons, the columns and the sculptures indicate the architect's attempt to emphasize on the power, wealth and the national pride sourcing from the ancient tradition. MUNICIPAL TOBBACO WAREHOUSE The Municipal Tobacco Warehouse was built during the two first decades of the 20th century as a tobacco warehouse for the Turkish tobacco trader Kizi Mimin. The building is characterized by architectural and morphological elements of Ottoman-Turkish and Neo-Classical architecture.Today it belongs to the Municipality of Kavala and will host exhibits of the Folk Museum of Kavala, the Tobacco Museum and series of temporary exhibitions. Page 9 of 15 Museums and the Archaeological site of Philippi ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF KAVALA The Archaeological Museum of Kavala is one of the most important museums in Greece. Its space houses characteristic monuments from the broader cultural unity of Eastern Macedonia Thrace, while it functions as museum of the city of Kavala and the wider region. Among its displays there are findings from the Neolithic period objects made of stone and clay, and discoveries of the prehistoric settlement of Philippi (Dikili Tas), from the Bronze Age. In a special room are exposed the findings from Neapolis and the ancient Amphipolis. In the museum there are findings from the Necropolis of Oisymi, Galipsos and Abdera. The original building of the museum began to be built in 1961 and opened its doors to the public in December 1964, it was completed with the construction of the second floor some years later. After 30 years, a new building program drafted by the Revenue Department of Antiquities and the original designer of the building D. Fatouros, this led to a reshaping and an extension of the old building. As a result Kavala now has one of the most important museums in Greece. Source: Archaeological Guide - Archaeological Museum of Kavala, Municipal tourism and business development, Version 2002 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 until 15:00. On Monday the museum is closed. Related links: http://www.arxaiologia.gr/assets/media/PDF/migrated/94_119122.pdf http://www.kavalagreece.gr/?page_id=229 Page 10 of 15 TOBBACO MUSEUM The Tobacco Museum in Kavala is the only one of its kind in the whole of Europe. It is a modern industrial and experiential museum with various exhibits and a wealth of archival material (since the beginning of the 20th century) which calls the visitor to make a trip in space and time of the „eastern tobacco” trade when Kavala, in the early 20th century, was the biggest centre of commercial processing and main exporter of tobacco worldwide. Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am until 13.30 pm at noon. Guided tours are also acceptable outside of opening hours upon request For more information: www.tobaccomuseum.gr MUNICIPAL FOLKLORE MUSEUM The Municipal Folklore Museum of Kavala was established in 1969 and opened its doors to the public in 1988. From 1988 up until recently, it was housed in a neoclassical building on Philip 4 Street, dating to the first decade of the 20th century. Due to renovations the museum's exhibition space is closed temporarily and is going to be re housed at the Municipal Tobacco Warehouse where the administrative offices had already been re housed. The Municipal Museum of Kavala is currently composed of the following sections: Department of Historical Archives, including: documents of the Foreign Ministry, the Foreign Office - the English ViceConsulate in Kavala, the French and Austrian Vice- Consulates, private collections, collection of documents of the Labour/Clerical Centre of Kavala, film and theater collection, collection of documents of the Jewish community, photo collection, archive articles and audiovisual material. Department of ethnographic collection, which includes traditional costumes, needlework, textiles, jewellery, tools, utilitarian objects and many other products of modern Greek folk culture, which represent the urban and rural life of Kavala and the region from the second half of the 18th century up to the 20th century. Page 11 of 15 Department of Visual Arts collection, which includes the Art Gallery and Greek Artists Sculpture Gallery composed of local and non-local artists, and the Museum “Polygnotos Vagi” with paintings, sculptures, tools, personal items and personal files from the famous Thassian sculptor and painter, Polygnotos Vagis. Department of Natural History, which contains a rich collection of birds from the wetlands of Nestos and Strimonas River. Department of Library, and Department of Museum Education HISTORICAL AND ETHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM In Nea Karvali (7km east of Kavala) is the Historical and Ethnological Museum of the Greeks of Cappadocia. There you can admire precious Kappadocian costumes, carpets of the famous Kappadocian School, paintings, jewellery, embroidery etc. The museum received the European Union Award “The best museum in Europe” for 1997 for that kind of museum. For more information: www.stegi-karvalis.gr/Greek/mouseio.htm ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF PHILIPPI Just 17km from Kavala, is the ancient city of Philippi. The first excavation with the area was in 1861 and it was completed in 1956 by Greek archaeologists. Major findings are the Via Egnatia, the Roman ruins, the "prison" of St. Paul and the ancient theater which has a circular orchestra. The ancient theatre of Philippi The ancient Theatre of Philippi is a remarkable and important monument. It is located at the foot of the acropolis and it is supported on the eastern wall of the city of Philippi. Even though it has undergone many changes over the centuries and some interventions it still preserves many of its original elements. The first phase of the theatre dates back in the reign of Philip II in 356 BC. At that time the orchestra was u-shaped. Page 12 of 15 During Roman colonization changes were made to the theater in order to become suitable for the requirements of the new shows. The orchestra was floored with marble slabs and a high wall was built to protect the spectators during beast fights. Eventually in the 3rd Century A.D. the Theatre becomes an arena for beast fights. During the Christian times the habits and morals of the people changed so the theater was abandoned Nowadays, many parts of the theatre are saved untouched still many restoration works are done so the annual Philippi Festival can take place. The ruins of the ancient city of Philippi Across the theater are found the ruins of the ancient city of Philippi. The city was named in 356 BC after the father of Alexander the Great, Philip II. The enceinte of the walls of the city was starting from the top of the hill and went on the south side enclosing a part of the valley. The most ancient phase of the enceinte of the walls dates back from the reign of Philip II and the most recent during the reign of Justinian (527-565 AD). The total length of the perimeter of the walls reaches 3.5 km The wall is reinforced by strong towers. The three gates that were found during the excavations are also edged by towers. Only the last gate is accessible to visitors, (The Gate of Neapolis - its name was given by the street that commences from that point and terminates at the port of Neapolis/Kavala). The archaeological site of Philippi can offer to the visitor a combined tour, since excavations have revealed remains from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and early Christian period. The Octagon, the Roman market, the Basilicas, parts of the city walls, are the most famous.. Page 13 of 15 Photo Album See more… Beaches of the area See more… USEFULL INFORMATION Tourist Information Center In the city centre, in Liberty Square, is the Visitor Welcome Center and Tourist Information Center that provides tourist information to visitors for the city and the whole region makes room reservations and sells souvenirs responds to text messages (e-mail, fax and postal letters), providing information Processes data of tourist traffic and records them An «e-corner» functions as well as a ticket office for cultural events, etc. Contact Information: Tel/Fax.: 30 2510 231011 e-mail: [email protected] Page 14 of 15 Hotels / Rooms to let - Camping In the city of Kavala and the broader area are available accommodations of all types and categories, from rented rooms to luxury hotels, forest villages, bungalows, and camping, ready to welcome and indulge the most demanding visitor. Below we provide some useful links about the hotels of Kavala‟s region Hotel Association of Kavala’s Prefecture (except Thassos island) Thassos island Hotel Association Hellenic Chamber of Hotels Page 15 of 15