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Xanthi City

Capital: themain city of the prefecture is Xanthi, well known for its rural production and its cultivation of tobacco. Its squares, old churches, and its tobacco storehouses reveal the culture and history of the city to the visitor. With its renovated neoclassical mansions, that were the homes of tobacco traders, the old churches and the narrow lanes all form the city into a place of unique beauty and charm.

The visitor can discover the local cuisine in the taverns and the restaurants, scattered in the city centre and the Old Town. The town is famous for its syrup sweets (Baklava, Custard-filled pastries (Galaktoboureko), Revani, Seker Pare, Kazan Dipi etc.), all made from pure fresh ingredients. The city has numerous cafes, bars and nightclubs where one can enjoy the nightlife of the city. The Democritus University of Thrace has schools of engineering and computer studies in the city.

Places of interest in the City:

Municipal Art Gallery : built in the mid 19 th century, on display are the works of Christos Pavlidis, the town’s most famous artist. Also on display are engravings and paintings by other Greek and foreign artists.

The Folklore Museum: also housed in a 19 th century building has on display local costumes and agricultural implements.

Zoagora Square : normally a car park but on Saturdays the square, becomes a market place, where traders and farmers from the outlying districts come to sell their wares. All manner of items from tools to clothing are on sale. This is when the fun starts, the traders state a price and the it is up to you to start haggling, after a hard round of bargaining you will agree on the price of your purchase, but remember they are experienced so be firm, but at the same time enjoy yourselves.

Municipal Outdoor Amphitheatre: hosts plays from many competent repertories, during the summer.

Museum of Natural History: has on display the fauna and flora of the prefecture.

Cultural Centre: this impressive building built in the 1912,houses a tobacco museum, a theatre and an exhibition centre.

The Byzantine Castle: remains of the fortifications are still visible. The castle built on the hill protected the city from raiders.

The Cathedral: has a good collection of icons and manuscripts.

The four monasteries of Xanthi located in the northern side of the city form the shape of a cross; this is according to legend protects the city from destruction.

The Monastery of Panagia Kalamous, this monastery lies to the north of the city. The present form of the monastery is from the beginning of the 20th century. The oldest part of the Monastery dates back to 1612

The Monastery of Panagia Archageliotissa, this monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary, many pilgrims coming to worship here on 15 August the day of Assumption of the Virgin Mary. At night, the monastery shines like a bright star in the dark. The building dates from 1841.

The Monastery of the Pammegiston Taxiarchon, is located is at the northwest side of Xanthi in a forest of pines and acacias. The monastery dates back to the 16th century.

The Monastery of Agia Irini, built in 1972 and it takes child refugees and gives them shelter and an education.

Agios Nikolaos, this small monastery set on a small islet on Lake Vistonida, has a history dating back to the 11th century.

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