Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is Greece's northernmost region, stretching from the Nestos River delta to the Turkish border. It combines ancient Macedonian ruins, Byzantine fortresses, Ottoman mosques, tobacco-scented market towns, dramatic Rhodope mountain scenery and an undiscovered Aegean coastline that sees a fraction of the crowds found further south.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
-
1
Philip II of Macedon founds Philippi (renamed from Krenides)
-
2
Battle of Philippi: Antony and Octavian defeat Brutus and Cassius
-
3
Apostle Paul establishes Europe's first Christian church at Philippi
-
4
Ottoman forces defeat Serbia at Battle of Maritsa; Thrace comes under Ottoman rule
-
5
Balkan Wars; Eastern Macedonia and Thrace incorporated into Greece
-
6
Treaty of Lausanne; population exchange confirms Muslim minority status in Thrace
Historical sites
Places where Eastern Macedonia and Thrace's past comes alive.
Historic
Archaeological Site of Philippi
Where: Krinides, 16 km NW of Kavala
Admission: €8 (~$9); students free with EU student card
Historic
Kavala Byzantine Fortress
Where: Panagia, Kavala
Admission: Free
Historic
Didymoteicho Byzantine Castle
Where: Didymoteicho, Evros
Admission: Free
Historic
Ancient Abdera
Where: Abdera village, Xanthi regional unit
Admission: €4 (~$4.40)
Historic
Ancient Maroneia Theatre
Where: Maroneia, Rodopi
Admission: Free