PREVEZA

Preveza is situated in the western part of Greece, at the entrance of the Amvrakikos Gulf. Preveza

resembles an island, as it is surrounded by sea on its three sides. The Amvrakikos Gulf has left its imprint

on the city as an ecosystem with exceptional biological, ecologic and aesthetic value.

At this location, between Preveza and Aktion – which in ancient times called Actium – in 31 B.C. one of the

most thrilling naval battles of the ancient world took place. It was this naval battle between Octavian and

Mark Antony which consolidated Octavian’s power over the Roman Empire. In memory of this victory,

Octavian founded Nikopolis, a new, sensational city, which flourished in the following centuries and its

population grew and exceeded 300,000 inhabitants. The devastation of Nicopolis, nearly ten centuries

later, caused Preveza to see the light of day. The historic continuity has been manifested ever since the

fourteenth century, when the area where the ruins of Nicopolis lay was first referred to as Palaia Preveza

(Old Preveza). The new city constituted part of the renowned Despotate of Epirus until the latter’s

collapse. The leading sea power Venice, foreseeing the significance of Preveza, grabbed the city from the

Turks and fortified it with its famous Venecian castles. Subsequently, due to its strategic position, the city

became the apple of discord between the French and the Ali Pasha of Ioannina. Preveza was liberated from

the Ottomans and joined the new Greece State in 1912.

Today our municipality has 30,000 inhabitants. In its picturesque alleys, one can still see old manor houses,

gardens and courtyards and on its edges olive groves and beaches. In the summer, the waterfront is a

natural marina for the hundreds of yachts that go in and out and give life to town, market place, taverns

and cafes that line all the pavements of the historic town center. There, memories and history remain alive

in the house that belonged to the poet of the mid-war period Konstantinos Kariotakis and in the historic

Seytan Pazar.

Walking through the narrow streets in the surrounding the central market the visitor can admire the

architecture of traditional Preveza homes and the splendid clock tower housed by the Metropolitan Church

of Saint Haralampos. In the coastal area, with the Amvrakikos Gulf in the background, visitors can enjoy

unique trails, either by bicycle or on foot, towards Kyani Akti, Saint George Castle and Pantokratoras Castle

or towards picturesque Margarona and fishing village of Agios (Saint) Thomas. A cruise on the Amvrakikos

Gulf is an incredible experience.

Preveza is a town with intense cultural activity all year especially during summer. Preveza offers the

opportunity for relaxation and entertainment with cultural events such as: “The International Choir

Festival”, “The Nikopolia”, “The Sardine Festival”, “The Women’s Carnival”, “The Ethnic & Jazz Festival”.

NICOPOLIS

In

a rich green area just 8 kilometers north of the town center are the ruins of Ancient Nicopolis, a town

founded by Octavian Augustus in memory of his victory in the battle of Actium (31 B.C.) against Antony and

Cleopatra. The walls, Odeon, necropolis, theatre, stadium, monument of Octavian Augustus, bath and

houses, Nymphaeon and early Christians basilicas from the 5th and 6th centuries with their unparalleled

mosaics have all been preserved. Historical memory is resurrected in the new archeological museum of

Nicopolis.

Kassopi

The remains of ancient Kassopi (4th century BC) have been preserved on mount Zaloggo, with a fantastic

view over the Amvrakikos Gulf and the Ionian Sea.

Zaloggo

Higher up the slopes, beside the monastery of Agios Dimitrios, begin the 410 steps that lead to the

imposing peak of mound Zaloggo with its impressive monument to the sacrifice of the Souliot women.

Nekromanteio

In the village of Mesopotamos is the most famous Nekromanteion of antiquity, the Nekromanteion of

Acheron. According to the ancients, here lay the gates of the Underworld, which led to the Kingdom of

Hades. The area was first described in Homer’s Odyssey during Odysseus descent into Hades.

Beaches

Along the coastal route from Preveza to Parga are sixty kilometers of stunning beaches, where the

perfectly clear turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea alternate with pine forests that touch the sea, giving

visitors a variety of places to stay and relax. Kyani Akti, Alonaki, Monolithi, Kanali, Kastrosykia, Artolithia,

Riza, Lygia, Vrachos, Loutsa, Alonaki, Skala, Odysseas Bay, Ammoudia will satisfy all tastes and desires.