{"id":62571,"date":"2025-09-17T22:42:53","date_gmt":"2025-09-17T19:42:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/exploringgreece.tv\/greece\/travelogue-in-thrace-where-west-meets-east\/62571\/"},"modified":"2026-04-27T19:34:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T16:34:11","slug":"travelogue-komotini","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/exploringgreece.tv\/en\/greece\/travelogue-komotini\/62571\/","title":{"rendered":"Travelogue in Thrace: Where West meets East"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thrace.<\/strong> It is often called the “Great Earth” and with good reason, since there are many points of ecological interest in this blessed place. At the same time, the sense of the endless horizon that allows the gaze to travel far and wide makes the above characterization even more apt. During your trip to Thrace, you also encounter the water element \u2013 lakes, lagoons, and rivers, most important habitats, largely defining the area. With several days at your disposal, you can make a long trek. Below is the first part of the itinerary, focusing on excursions to the most beautiful cities of Thrace, beginning from Komotini<\/strong> (the second part can be read
\nhere<\/strong><\/a>)<\/p>\n

Travelogue in Thrace: Beginning from Komotini <\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Travelogue<\/picture>
Panoramic view from Komotini, the capital of the Rhodope Prefecture<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Komotini.<\/strong> Ideal choice if you want to get a smell of all three prefectures. Besides, the Via Egnatia makes transportation an easy and comfortable affair in this place. The distance of the city from Athens is about eight hours (743 km distance) with conservative driving. Komotini is the capital of the Rhodope Prefecture, and during the Ottoman Empire it was called G\u00fclmoutzina. \"Travelogue<\/picture>Today, it is a traditional modern city which continues to preserve part of its oriental past.<\/strong> This can be seen, for example, in low houses with the outer wall and the inner enclosure, but also in traditional urban houses. Its central square is the most suitable spot for a first acquaintance with Komotini. It is surrounded by paved, narrow alleys covered by pergolas with vines and other climbing plants. \"Travelogue<\/picture>The municipal market is one of the strongest parts of the city, filled with blacksmith shops and a bustling bazaar.<\/strong> The classic shopping street of Komotini is Ermou Street. The churches, old and new, as well as the mosques, complete the exuberant image of Komotini.<\/p>\n

The journey in Thrace continues with the monuments of Komotini…<\/strong>Fortress and Byzantine wall:<\/strong> Although some parts of it have been destroyed, its image remains very strong. History attributes it to Emperor Theodosius I (379-395). It was built for economic-military reasons, fortifying the city with a wall, built with stones and strong ceramic mortar.<\/p>\n

The central Monument (Sword):<\/strong> In the center of the city, it was built in 1884. Its feature is the voluminous column in its center. 14m high, with a huge metal sword effigy, placed vertically. Every Sunday, the raising and lowering of the Greek flag takes place here, with passers-by standing still until the process is completed. \"Travelogue<\/picture>The Clock Tower:<\/strong> in the center of the city, built in 1884. It is part of the city’s main mosque, also known as Yeni Camii (“Yeni mosque”, meaning “New mosque”).<\/p>\n

Imaret:<\/strong> One of the oldest surviving Ottoman monuments in Europe.
\nSince 1999, this monument has housed the Ecclesiastical Museum of the Holy Metropolis of Maroneia and Komotini.<\/p>\n

Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary:<\/strong> It is located opposite the wall and dates back to 1800. In the beginning, it was built inside the wall on the foundations of a ruined Byzantine church. Then, it was placed at a lower level because during the Turkish occupation, it was not allowed to raise a church to the same level as mosques. Inside is kept an icon of the Virgin Mary of the 14-15th century. \"Travelogue<\/picture>Municipal Garden:<\/strong> The green jewel of the city, with an area of 21 acres. Tall trees, beautiful flowers, a playground, a zoo, and an artificial lake with fountains make this garden one of the most elegant municipal gardens in Greece. Strolling around in the evening to see the colorful fountains is equally magical.<\/p>\n

Nymphaea Forest:<\/strong> 4 km north of the city, it is mainly covered by pine trees.
\nA stop at the Tourist Kiosk (it has a restaurant and caf\u00e9) on an exquisite natural balcony, from where every visitor can enjoy a view that “fits” the sea, the green, and three large rivers. \"Travelogue<\/picture>Folklore Museum of Komotini:<\/strong> It is housed in the Peidis mansion and has been operating since 1962. In the beautiful building, which is an excellent example of local, traditional architecture, you will see from traditional costumes and embroidery to constructions made of copper, wood, and tools of traditional professions.<\/p>\n

Trekking in Thrace: Stops not to be missed<\/strong><\/h2>\n