Description of the attraction
Acquaintance with Kavala, which is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful cities in Greece, perhaps it is better to start from its historical center - the Panagia Peninsula. It was here, back in the 7th century BC. immigrants from the island of Thassos founded their settlement on a steep picturesque hill and named it Neapolis, which translated from Greek means "new city" (in the 8th century Neapolis was renamed to Christopouli, the city received its present name in the 14th century) … By the 5th century BC Neapolis was thoroughly fortified.
During its long history, the city has repeatedly changed its architectural appearance, including during the reign of the Roman emperor Julian (Julian the Apostate, 4th century) and the Byzantine emperor Justinian I (6th century), and then in the 10th century under the leadership of the Byzantine governor Vasily Claudon. In 1185 the city was completely burned by the Normans and was restored only during the time of Andronicus II Palaeologus. During this period, a citadel was built on the top of the hill on the ruins of ancient buildings, and massive defensive walls were erected, encircling almost the entire hill (part of the fortifications were used to lay a water supply system that supplies water to the city from the source).
In 1391, after a long siege, the Turks thoroughly destroyed the city, but already in 1425 new fortifications were built on the ruins of Byzantine structures. The fortress of Kavala, which stands on top of a hill and is well preserved to this day, dates back to this period. This is a very original fortification of irregular shape, which includes the northern part of the city walls. The fortress is reinforced by two square towers at the northeastern and northwestern corners of the fortress, a polygonal tower in the middle of the eastern wall and a bastion in its southeastern part. Inside, a massive wall with an impressive cylindrical tower divides the citadel in two.
Today, the Kavala Fortress is considered one of the most interesting local attractions, and is also home to the famous open-air city theater, where various cultural events are held during the summer.
