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Photo: DocWoKav, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Built between 1817–21 by Mehmet Ali (founder of the last Egyptian dynasty) and is a classic example of Islamic architecture and has survived almost intact. It operated as Muslim seminary, later became refuge for Greeks driven out of Asia Minor after the Greek-Turkish war (1919-22). In 1967 the monument was sealed. In 2001 it was restored and converted into a luxurious and elegant hotel, which maintains something of the ambiance of its era. Although well worth seeing from inside, it is unfortunately a bit difficult to get in, if you are not a guest of the hotel. Guided tours are offered Tu-Su from 10:00 to 15:00 by appointment at the hotel entrance or by phone at 0030 2510 620151. Entrance fee: €10.
The Kavala Imaret is a former külliye is located in the old town of Kavala, in the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region of Greece. Founded by Muhammad Ali Pasha in the early 19th century, in the Ottoman era, the complex was progressively abandoned until the imaret ceased functioning in 1960s. Since 2004 the monument has functioned as a hotel. The structure is considered to be one of the greatest landmarks of Kavala, and among the most important Ottoman landmarks in Greece.
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On a hill above the town. Its biggest part was built in the 15th century. To get there it will take a 15–20 minutes walk from the harbour. A wonderful sea view and also a great view over the city. A simple romantic cafeteria invites you to linger.
The mosque of Halil Bey dated at the beginning of the 20th century, an older minaret on the side probably of the 16th century, and a medrese. The mosque is built over the foundation of an early Christian basilica. Under the modern glass floor a big part of the nave of the old church with the Byzantine floor can be seen.
At the beginning of 16th century the Byzantine church was converted to a mosque. It became the center of one of the oldest Muslim neighborhoods of Kavala, that of Halil Bey. From the Early Ottoman period survived the base of the minaret, which was attached to the southern wall of the Late Byzantine chapel. To the north of the mosque a medrese (Koranic seminary) was erected. The early Ottoman mosque was replaced at the beginning of the 20th century by a new one with the correct orientation towards Mecca. Its rich interior decoration is in the Ottoman-Rococo style.
The port below the old town is starting point of all ferries going to the islands (Thasos, Lemnos, Lesbos, Rhodes, etc.) Next to it is a large parking lot, which is ideal for travellers as a starting site for a city tour that come by their own car to Kavala. Here are also some good restaurants and bars that are both lunchtime and evening always well attended.
With a mosaic showing the landing of the Apostle Paul in Kavala on Kontouriotou Street, it's a “must-see place”. The old, somewhat run-down neighbourhood surrounding the church has many great cafés, ouzo bars, restaurants and small shops. It is especially attractive in the summer evenings when it is a great place to have a beer.
Mohamed Ali was born in 1769 in Kavala and lived there until he was 30 years old. He was the founder of the dynasty which ruled Egypt until 1952 and a major figure in the Eastern Mediterranean history in the first half of the 19th century. His house was built in 1780-90 and contains a museum today. The building has a surface area of 330 m², and was the largest house in the town at that time and is considered as one of the most splendid extant examples of eighteen-century Ottoman architecture in Greece. Apart from the house there is also a large garden that operates as a bar-restaurant. Next to Mohamed Ali’s house there is a bronze equestrian statue of him.
From its remarkable forecourt you have a good view to the island of Thasos. Opposite the church is a pub with a beautiful terrace from where you have a wonderful view of the harbour. It's worth resting there with a cold beverage from the somewhat strenuous tour of the hilly old town.