Kamares of Kavala: The Majestic Aqueduct Landmark

You might encounter it by various names, such as the Roman Aqueduct or Kamares, but one thing is certain: this impressive monument is Kavala’s signature landmark. It’s a magnificent aqueduct, originally constructed during the Roman era and later rebuilt by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century. With its imposing arches, the monument dominates the landscape, acting as a natural boundary between the old and new cities. As you pass through it, you can feel its scale and history—a tribute to human ingenuity and the ability to build enduring works. It is a spot that invites you to uncover the stories it holds and admire its connection to the architecture of the Old Town.

Introductory view of Kamares: Kavala's Signature Landmark

Story Behind It

The Kamares are by far the most famous and impressive landmark of Kavala. Although many might think at first glance that it is an ancient Roman work, the form we see today was built in the 16th century, somewhere between 1520 and 1530, during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent.

Story moment from Kamares: Kavala's Signature Landmark in Greece Macedonia Kavala

The reason they were built was purely practical: the large gap between the hills had to be bridged in some way so that water could reach the Panagia peninsula, which was then the heart of the Old Town. We are talking about a massive aqueduct, 280 meters long, supported by 60 characteristic arches. In some places, it is truly breathtaking, as its height reaches up to 25 meters.

For many years, this impressive structure brought water from springs located 6 kilometers away, quenching the people's thirst and literally bringing life to the area.

Atmosphere of Kamares: Kavala's Signature Landmark in Greece Macedonia Kavala

Why We Love It

We love the Kamares because they are a living testament to Kavala’s multicultural history. It’s not just an impressive feat of engineering but a majestic **“corridor”** that transports your mind to the past. The feeling of **walking beneath the tall arches** and seeing how they are integrated into the urban fabric is truly unique. It’s the perfect backdrop for photos, but more importantly, it’s a place that fills you with a sense of awe at the passage of time.

Fresh Tips

Take a walk in the evening to see them illuminated. the sight of the Kamares glowing in the dark is truly magical.
Start your walk from the top of the Old Town, descend towards the Kamares, and continue on the pedestrian-only coastal road. this way, you will get a complete picture of the urban landscape.
Photograph the Kamares from different angles—from below, from the side, or from the Castle—to capture their scale and beauty.
Observe the stones at the base of the structure up close to see the different materials and the maintenance phases that have occurred over the centuries.
Try taking photos using the arches themselves as a natural frame to capture the buildings and the city's narrow streets in the background.