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mehmet ali pasha from Kavala
The port and castle
Ottoman plaque outside Mehmet Ali's house
The KastroKavala
Kavala is the star of Eastern Makedonia and its historical crossroads. It has existed since Neolithic times and is said to have been host to St Paul's first port of call to preach the bible. The Romans, Goths, Huns, Normans have at various times taken an interest in the town.
Kavala's International Airport is rather dramatically named "Megas Alexandros" (Alexander the Great). Several elegant neo-classical buildings remain in active use. The town hall is rather splendid and could tempt even a jaded local brave the bureaucratic jungle behind those doors! The harbour and waterfront areas are close to the typical expectation we would have of a bigger "Greek fishing town" and fish are caught here by the - large - boatload!
You can also travel to the island of Thassos by hydrofoil ("flying dolphin") from here - a trip of half an hour. Below and behind the hill are the substantial remains of the ancient aqueduct. The rather large and pleasant looking Church of the Virgin Mary shares part of the hilltop with the castle. Philippi is 15 km from Kavala and a dazzling archaeological site - easy to get to and well worth a visit. The city of Philippi was founded by Thasians in 359 B.C., named after King Philippi II - father of Alexander the Great. Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine architecture are all visible here on one site.
Icosifinissa is a Byzantine monastery about 45 km away on Mount Paggaio (Pangeon) in a gorge, near Nikisiani village with 150 cells and broad, open courtyards, numerous rare icons, built in the 4th century.
