Historic Buildings
“ Discover Kavala, the city of a thousand colours ”
Municipal Conservatory
The building of the Municipal Conservatory of Kavala is a significant example of neoclassical architecture in the city. It was constructed before 1884 as the residence of a wealthy tobacco merchant and was converted into a bank after World War I, acquiring its current form. Today, it operates as the Municipal Conservatory and hosts various music schools, offering lessons in many musical instruments and organizing international music festivals and seminars. The old conservatory next to it is an impressive example of French Rococo architecture in the area, which, unfortunately, is now completely abandoned.
Imaret
In the early 19th century, Muhammad Ali founded the Imaret in Kavala, his birthplace. This institution had religious, educational, and charitable functions and operated as an Islamic seminary until 1902, integrating Muslim education with religion. Its facilities included two madrasas, two domed prayer halls, a primary school for boys, and a kitchen-poorhouse that served everyone, regardless of their religion. From 1922, the Imaret housed refugees, and later it was converted into a museum, café, and restaurant. In 2001, the Imaret was handed over by the Egyptian government to a private individual who fully restored it and transformed it into a luxury hotel while preserving its historical significance.
Mehmet Ali's House
Mehmet Ali’s House in Kavala is a historical building that was constructed in the late 18th century. Located in the old town of Kavala, it is a characteristic example of Ottoman architecture. Today, the house operates as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and times of Mehmet Ali, a significant figure in the history of Egypt and the Ottoman Empire. It is one of the most important landmarks in the area, attracting many tourists each year.
Lighthouse of Kavala
The Lighthouse of Kavala, built in the 1880s, is a historic landmark in the city of Kavala, offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea. It is located in the old town, also known as Panagia, and is a popular tourist destination. Although the lighthouse ceased operation in 1956, it remains an important monument in the region’s history, and visiting it provides a unique opportunity to appreciate both the history and beauty of the city.
Halil Bey Mosque (Old Music)
The history of Halil Bey Mosque, also known as Old Music, in Kavala reflects the successive cultural influences that have shaped the area. Initially a Byzantine church dedicated to Saint Paraskevi and later converted into a mosque, this building continues to be a significant part of the local history and architecture. With the restoration of the mosque and its madrasa, the area revives the spirits of the past and provides a valuable connection to the multicultural heritage of the region.
Monument of Apostle Paul
The Monument of Apostle Paul in Kavala is a significant cultural and religious historical site in the city. It was built to honor the presence of Apostle Paul in the area and serves as a monument of faith and hope for the faithful. The monument is known for its architectural beauty and the impressive view of the sea. Visitors from all over the world come to visit it and feel its spiritual aura.
Monastery of Lazarists
The Monastery of Lazarists in Kavala, also known as the Catholic Monastery of Saint Paul, was built from 1888 to 1892 to serve the needs of the local Catholic community. Its architecture combines Ottoman and Neoclassical elements and served both as an educational center and a religious space. Today, it remains a religious center for the region’s Catholics and hosts significant architectural features and historical memorabilia.
Municipal Building of Kavala
The impressive building that houses the Municipal Office of Kavala was constructed in the late 1890s and originally belonged to the Hungarian tobacco merchant Baron Pierre Herzog. Its architecture is distinguished by visible influences from medieval towers, with Gothic arches and vaults, and features exceptionally romantic elements. Previously used for grand social events, it has served as the seat of the Municipality of Kavala since 1937, when it was purchased from a forced auction by Mayor Athanasios Balanos.
WIX Mansion
The Wix Mansion was built around 1906 by the German baron Adolph de Zolnay Wix as a miniature Hungarian castle, serving both as a business headquarters and a residence. The building exhibits architectural similarities to the current Town Hall and features distinct Gothic elements, such as the pointed facade, decorative console at the base, drip moldings above the windows, and the protruding window. In 1925, it was purchased by an American tobacco company, later succeeded by the “Glen Tobacco Company” and the heirs of tobacco merchant Nikos Petridis. Today, it is owned by the Municipality of Kavala and houses some of its municipal services.
Former Girls School of Kavala
The Former Girls School of Kavala is located above the Great Club. A special committee was responsible for its construction, which was funded through donations, loans, lotteries, and contributions from prominent tobacco merchants of the time. Part of the funding also came from donations by tobacco workers, who each contributed a day’s wage towards the building’s construction. The erection of the Girls’ School was a testament to the prosperity that tobacco trade had brought to the city of Kavala. Its architecture is simple and neoclassical, and the ground floor initially housed a kindergarten. Today, it is home to the 10th Primary School of Kavala.
The Great Club
The Great Club, built in 1909 by the Philanthropic Sisterhood of Kavala, is a historic building inaugurated in 1910 to host the Greek Community Club of Kavala. Architecturally, it is a splendid example of Austrian Baroque in Europe and unique in Greece, featuring colors such as honey and imperial red. The building has a neoclassical form with elements from ancient Greek tradition and has hosted various organizations and events throughout its history, including banks, a military club, and a municipal library. Today, it is used for cultural events, housing an exhibition space and the Social Welfare Foundation, as well as the Kavala Chess Club.
Tokou Mansion
The Tokou Mansion in Kavala was built in 1879 by the tobacco merchant Dimitrios Tokos. Initially, it served as Tokos’ residence, and later it hosted the Italian Consulate and briefly the first Semi-Gymnasium of the Greek Orthodox Community. After being sold in 1911, it was used by the Greek Vice-Consulate until 1913. From then until 1937, it functioned as the City Hall, and afterward, it became a private high school, the Papasideris Gymnasium, following World War II. In 1979, it was acquired by the Ministry of Culture for restoration and now houses the Kavala and Thasos Antiquities Department. Architecturally, it is an example of Ottoman Neoclassicism and Baroque, with strong influences from the Romantic and Eclectic movements of the time. A notable feature of its decoration is the curved pediment of the roof.
Old Division
One of Kavala’s most significant buildings, constructed in the early 20th century by the Turkish magnate Haji Sikir Aga, is an outstanding example of Ottoman architecture with German Neoclassical influences. The building combines pseudo-columns with curves and unfluted shafts, and Oriental-style decorative capitals, with straight lines and curved arches in the portico. Additionally, it features a drum with abstract anthemion-like decorative elements, creating a harmonious blend of Neoclassical and Ottoman architectural styles.
Former Boys School – 1st Junior High School
This building is one of the three imposing Turkish structures erected between 1890 and 1910, during a period of significant prosperity in the tobacco trade. It was constructed between 1909 and 1910, shortly after the granting of the Constitution to Turkey, and was initially used as a Turkish school by the Kavala community. During the Balkan Wars and until 1916, it served as a Greek hospital. After the population exchange in 1922, it came into the possession of the Greek state. Today, it houses the 1st Gymnasium of Kavala. The building was designed and constructed by Western European craftsmen, blending neoclassical architectural trends with elements of Ottoman art.
Former Courthouse
The former Courthouse of Kavala is an architectural building constructed in the late 19th century. Designed by the French architect Ludovic Piot, it stands as one of the most significant examples of neoclassical architecture in the city. With its impressive facade, the building served as the courthouse and judicial services for the area until 2008, when a new courthouse was built. Since then, it has been renovated and now hosts cultural events, serving as a landmark for the history and culture of Kavala while preserving its architectural value and historical significance.
Port Authority Building
The Port Authority Building was constructed in 1926, and in 1929, Eleftherios Venizelos inaugurated the city’s new port. On the ground floor of the building, there was a fish market known as the Old Fishmongers, which housed 24 fish shops until 1992. The Port Authority offices were located in the building until 1970, when they moved to a new building. Since 1997, the building has housed small tourist shops and a café-restaurant.
