Kavala is one of the most attractive of Greece's largest cities, rising like an amphitheatre from the beautiful harbor up to a huge Byzantine fortress. Built on the ancient city of Neopolis, the cities population doubled in 1922 when the Greeks from Asia minor made there way here during the exchange of populations. The spacious squares, contemporary buildings, and shopping centres on the west side of the city form a pleasant contrast to the traditional old houses, tiny gardens and flagged alleyways of the eastern side.