Historical Locations

Kavala is one of the largest cities of Northern Greece (it has a population of approximately 80000). It is built amphitheatrically on the slopes of the mountain “Symvolo”.

Its history begins in the 7th century as a colony of the Thassians and it was then called Neapolis. Later, as a port city of Philippi flourished during the years of the Macedonian state of Philippos. In 49 A.D a very important event takes place in the region. From here, Apostle Paul declares the word of God for the first time in the European continent. In the 8th century A.D, Kavala is known as Christoupolis. After intense struggles and battles during the Crusades, Kavala is destroyed by the Turks and falls into oblivion.

Kavala reappears again in 1500 A.D with its current name and quickly evolves into a major port. Especially after the Asia Minor Catastrophe and the arrival of refugees, its growth is tremendous. The population grew to around 50000.

Remnants of an era of intense social struggles as well as the economic boom of the city, are the tobacco warehouses which were used to process tobacco. Some of them have endured through time. War, occupation, the civil war and immigration led to a reduction in the population which started to increase dramatically after the return of immigrants. Its economic growth was largely due to fertilizer plants, oil processing, marble and other products.

Today, its shape might have changed but it retains all the splendour of the past. It is no coincidence that famous sightseers have named Kavala “Lady of the North”.