KAVALA

Kavala rises like an amphitheatre up the sides of the foothills of Mt. Symvolo and maintains its elements of old character. The spacious squares, contemporary buildings and shopping centres on the west side of the city form a pleasant contrast to the traditional old houses, tiny gardens and the paved alleyways of the old city. The harbor is really picturesque with its countless brightly coloured fishing caiques moored along the waterfront. Among the cities impressive landmarks are the old walls, the medieval fortress (Kastro), Kamares,the aqueduct erected by Suleiman, the Magnificent during the 16th century Mehmet Ali's house (18th century) and the Imaret, a Turkish building.

Not far from Kavala (12km) are the ruins of the ancient Macedonian city of Philippi. Still visible on the site are the remains of two early Christian basilicas, traces of the Via Egnatia, the grand Roman forum and the Acropolis. It is in Philippi where, St. Paul preached Christianity to Lydia, the first woman convert.