Xanthi: the Queen of Thrace
Xanthi, known as "Lady of Thrace" and "The City of a Thousand Colors", is built on the edge of the Ahladovouno mountain and is crossed by the Kosinthos river.
Its beauty can be seen everywhere, but especially in the old town, which is located in its northern part and forms its historical core. All you have to do is take a walk in its alleys and you will be fascinated by the imposing, atmospheric mansions with their vibrant colors and the natural beauty of the Thracian landscape!
The city was built after 1829. It is the year when big earthquakes completely destroyed the previous settlement and the city was built on the ruins, with its center being the churches that have existed since the time of Byzantine Xanthi.
A very good time to visit Xanthi is in March, when the whole city "dances" to the rhythms of its legendary carnival.
Walk in the cobbled old town of Xanthi
The old town of Xanthi is considered a living open-air museum that transports the traveler from today to the past. There is also the house of the great composer Manos Hadjidakis, which is now considered a work of art. Cobblestone streets and traditional houses, historical neoclassicism and small gardens transport us to another era.
In 1976 it was declared a protected settlement and retained its traditional form. The old town hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in the settlement. One of the places that every visitor must find is Folklore Museum. A journey through time and tradition, through objects, costumes, musical instruments and all kinds of heirlooms.
The true character of the city is reflected in the Saturday bazaar, one of the most important sights of the city. Apart from its commercial value, it is the best way to make contact with the locals and feel the pulse of the city.
The modern city of Xanthi offers many opportunities for walking, shopping and entertainment. A lively city with shops, squares, parks, wonderful bars and many culinary options, from taverns to famous restaurants.
Things you must see - Sights of Xanthi
Republic Square - Central Square
The central square is a special attraction of Xanthi, and recently began to regain its former glory. It was designed for the first time in 1870 and since then it has been changed with many interventions. The structure of the city's bell tower, built in the 1880s, is its main feature.
Old city hall
Until 2013, City Hall was housed in the mansion of a Xanthi smoker in the old town. It was built around 1880 by the tobacco merchant Moses from local sandstone and granite from the Rhodopes. The interior decoration, the double central staircase and its ceilings are impressive. Today its maintenance is carried out with various technical interventions aimed at not altering the architecture of the building.
Traditional settlement of Shamakov
Near the traditional old Xanthi, on the border of the river Kosinthos, there are hidden corners of beauty for the visitors to discover. The traditional settlement of Sayakov was founded by refugees from Sayakovo (Sidirochori) of Eastern Thrace, who gave it the name of their old homeland. The name Shamakov is associated with mining operations.
The house of Manos Hadjidakis - Grand Maison
On "Le Grand Maison" the great composer Manos Hadjidakis was born and lived in his early years. Today the house is a jewel of great value for Xanthi, as it reflects the new beginning in the architecture of the last century. The building is now open to the public and artistic and cultural events are held there.
Xanthi Bazaar
The history of Xanthi Bazaar begins in the Ottoman period and is mentioned in the stories of travelers from the 15th century. Today it is considered one of the most important outdoor shopping places in Northern Greece, with thousands of visitors from nearby prefectures and Bulgaria, while many tourists choose it for a walk. On Saturday mornings you can find all kinds of food, but also clothes and household items.
Tobacco Warehouse Area
The area of tobacco warehouses is an important part of the city, directly linked to its economic development, but also the largest example of industrial architecture in Greece with unique buildings. The tobacco warehouses were built in the valley, southeast of the old town, separated from the rest of the settlement and are now located on the outskirts of the city center.
The football club, the old and the new stadium
The PAE Xanthi A.O. is the pride of the city, its football team founded in 1967 and currently based at the "Xanthi FC Arena", widely known as Pigadia Stadium. It was built in 2004 and is the new stadium of A.O. Xanthi. The inauguration of the stadium took place on May 12, 2005, with the world legend of Pelé stadiums cutting the inauguration ribbon.
Limnio Park
In the area of Limnio there is an excellent park that invites you to go for walks, to relax and for your children to play. It is a theme park of 11 hectares, which in addition to the natural beauty and the possibility of entertainment, also offers activities for adults - modern city equipment for the entertainment of the citizens and an extensive network of cycle paths.
Cultural walks in Xanthi
Folklore Museum
It is one of the most representative examples of local architecture, with a rich interior decoration that emphasizes the esthetics of the time. In its collections you will find hidden treasures of tradition, such as tools, keywords, manuscripts and other items through which you can understand the history of the town.
Museum of Traditional Costume of the Lyceum of Greek Women
It was founded in 2009 and is located together with the Lyceum of Greek Women by Xanthi in a restored neoclassical building of exceptional architecture. In its rich collection we can find 34years old exhibitions that highlight the traditional Greek costume, with the emphasis on the Thracian costume.
Gallery of the city administration of Xanthi
It is one of the oldest architectures in the city and an excellent example of traditional architecture. It is named "Christos Pavlidis", in honor of the painter Christos Pavlidis, who donated about 30 of his works to the Gallery.
