The Castle of Kavala description and photos - Greece: Kavala (Topic)

The Castle of Kavala description and photos - Greece: Kavala. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is The Castle of Kavala.

Photo and description

Getting to know 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.

Over its centuries-old 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 also massive defensive walls were erected, encircling almost the entire hill (part of the fortifications were used to lay an aqueduct to supply 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, including the northern part of the city walls. The fortress is reinforced by two square towers at the north-eastern and north-western 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 into two parts.

Today, the Kavala fortress is considered one of the most interesting local attractions, and is also home to the famous city open-air theater, where in summer various cultural events are held.

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Topic: The Castle of Kavala description and photos - Greece: Kavala.