You stand before a massive stone structure where sixty arches march across the landscape, creating a rhythmic silhouette against the Kavala skyline. Known locally as the Kamares, this well-preserved aqueduct serves as a primary landmark of the city, blending layers of history into a single monumental vista.
A Layered History of Stone and Water
The foundations of this site reach back to Roman origins, but the structure you see today was shaped by the Ottoman era. In the 14th century, a Byzantine barrier wall stood here as part of the fortifications on the Acropolis of Kavala; it likely functioned as an aqueduct during that period. During the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, these fortifications were repaired and improved between 1530 and 1536, replacing the older wall with the current arched design. This massive engineering feat remained functional well into the 20th century, supplying drinking water to the city from Mount Pangaeus as recently as 1911.
Exploring the Architecture
The aqueduct is a striking sight of scale and preservation. As you walk along its length, notice how the craftsmanship of the 16th-century reconstruction has endured. The structure is so integrated into the local geography that some old houses have been built directly into the monument itself. To capture the best perspective of the arches against the backdrop of the Old Town, head to the side of the new town on Hellenikis Dimokratias Str. From there, turn right onto Konstantinidou Str. After about 50 meters—just in front of the school—you will find the start of the Aqueduct. At this point, you can climb a few meters onto the structure to take photos of the arches and the surrounding cityscape.
Timing Your Visit
The aqueduct is best experienced as part of an afternoon stroll through Kavala's varied architecture. Because it is a prominent landmark in the city center, it remains a striking sight at any time of day. The highlight of your visit is reaching the specific vantage point on Konstantinidou Str., where you can physically stand near the stones to appreciate the scale of the construction before moving on to other nearby sites.
If you wish to see more of Kavala's history after visiting the aqueduct, you might consider a trip to Ancient Antisara, Ιερά Μονή Λαζαριστών, Aghios Nikolaos, Ι. Ν. Κοιμήσεως της Θεοτόκου, or the Halil Bey Mosque.
Begin your journey by navigating toward Konstantinidou Str. to see the Kamares in person and witness how this historic water carrier still defines the character of Kavala today.