This is a guide to Preveza Town that highlights the must-see sights and unveils local secrets.
The town of Preveza is located at the southernmost tip of Epirus in Greece. It is situated on the north side of the Preveza Strait, which links the Ionian Sea with the Ambracian Gulf. With a lengthy history, the town has been in the nexus of East and West civilisations. This has led to an intriguing cultural heritage that is most noticeable in its historic core.
The history of Preveza
The establishment of Nicopolis in 30 BC marks the first high point in the region’s history, which dates back to the Palaeolithic period. Octavian constructed it to commemorate his triumph over rivals Mark Antony and Cleopatra following the naval battle of Actium. Nicopolis, located north of Preveza, is a vast and fascinating archaeological site. The Ottoman Empire marked the start of the town’s next significant era, when its advantageous location made it a major port and trading hub. The town saw phases of Venetian, Ottoman, and French dominance in the 18th and 19th centuries. Following the Battle of Nikopolis between the Greek Army and the Turkish garrison of Preveza, the town submitted to the Greek army at dawn on October 21, 1912.
Venetian Clock Tower
The bell tower of the church of Saint Charalambos, the Venetian Clock Tower, dominates Preveza’s old town. When it was built in 1792, the people of Preveza were actively involved in its funding. Around 1808, Ali Pasha took the clock’s first bell out and put it in the tower over the Ioannina castle’s main entrance. The clock tower in Ioannina’s central square still houses the bell today. A stone carving on the south side of the tower shows Preveza’s coat of arms during the Venetian era. The tower has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, but its grandeur has not diminished.
Andrianoupoleos Street
Preveza’s culinary heritage is concentrated around Andrianoupoleos Street, a little alleyway a block from the Tower. The street is packed with taverns that line up with each other, and their tables nearly obstruct traffic. It can occasionally be challenging to tell where the tables in a tavern end and those of another start. In the end, though, it makes no difference since, particularly when the weather is nice, the entire lane turns into a huge celebration, and the aromas of regional cuisine—mostly fresh seafood—invite you to partake.
Saitan Bazaar
The core of the old town of Preveza and the centre of its commercial activity during the previous centuries was the Saitan Bazaar. We could say that it developed around Saint Charalambos and to the west of the city up to Irinis Avenue. It is a very picturesque place with narrow alleys, small shops, traditional cafes, taverns, and passages covered with vines and bougainvillaea.
The history and name of Saitan Bazaar begin with the Ottoman Empire. Legend has it that the residents of the area, in order to take revenge on the strict Turkish administration, smeared the stone pavement with soap one night. When, the next morning, the Turkish commander passed by on his horse, the horse slipped, and he fell down, shouting, “Saitan bazaar,” which means Satan’s bazaar.
The house of Karyotakis
A significant Greek poet and author, Kostas Karyotakis left behind a small but significant body of work. His writings are among the proponents of the pessimistic movement that emerged during the interwar years. He has connected Preveza, where he arrived on June 18, 1928, following an unpleasant transfer as a government clerk, to the tragic end of his life. He lived in a house he rented in the centre of Saitan Bazaar until July 21, 1928, when he died by suicide. The reasons for his suicide are a subject of study for the researchers of his work. In this regard, even though he was in Preveza for just 32 days, the shadow of his work has remained over the town. There is a plaque on the certain house he lived in, and nearby there is a bust of the artist.
Roubou Distillery
A testimony of Preveza tradition can be found at the end of Andrianoupoleos Street. Three generations later, the Roubou Distillery still produces drinks with a family-like and traditional feel, having been established in 1949. Using a genuine, old recipe and only pure ingredients, production is done in privately held facilities. The ouzo is without a doubt their most well-known and identifiable product. It is unquestionably among Greece’s purest and best ouzos. In addition, they make great brandies, as well as great liqueurs of cherry and cinnamon. You may try and purchase all of their products in their immaculately maintained store, which has the ambiance of an old liquor store.
The buildings of the National Bank and the Courthouse
The National Bank building, which was completed in 1932–1934, is a typical example of the modern public buildings that were created following Epirus’s emancipation in 1913. It features a distinctive ceramic embellishment that was frequently used when Ottoman architecture was becoming more Westernised. Colourful porcelain tiles with green foliage and strewn birds (peacocks, blackbirds) make up this decor. The building is located on the waterfront next to the City Hall and the Courthouse. The existing Courthouse is an amazing structure that was the city’s administrative centre in the late 19th century. Its style is typical of Ottoman public buildings from that time period.
The waterfront and the Ambracian Gulf
A stroll along the city’s marina and waterfront is highly recommended. The port of Preveza is its access to the unique Ambracian Gulf. One of Greece’s national parks, the Gulf is renowned for its unparalleled beauty and significance and is safeguarded by both national and EU laws. Hundreds of species of flora and animals of the highest environmental value make up an ecosystem of extraordinary beauty. Observing dolphins and indulging in its delicious cuisine, which is famous for its prawns or Greek “caviar,” are both unique experiences. Numerous cruises to the Gulf depart from the port of Preveza, which is an experience that is definitely worth taking.
Where to eat in Preveza
Along with its distinctive cultural legacy, Preveza boasts a significant culinary tradition that you simply must sample. Given the town’s closeness to the sea, it is evident that seafood-based meals are the most notable here. We can highlight three taverns on Andrianoupoleos Street, which we have already discussed, for their quality and flavours: Rempetiko Steki, Treli Garida and Amvrosios. Some little culinary gems can also be found tucked away in the alleyways of Saitan Bazaar; two of these are Psatha (Dardanellion 4), which serves classic Greek food, and Saitan Bazaar (Christou Kontou 5), a lovely traditional cafe-tavern.
Additionally, you must sample the classic ladopita (which means oil pie) before leaving Preveza. Semolina, sugar, cinnamon, almonds, and of course olive oil are the ingredients of this fasting treat. Tradition has it that this dish was created to test the year’s new olive oil. Excellent ladopita can be found in Patisserie Spitiko (Eth. Antistasis 66).
Where to stay in Preveza
There are a number of excellent options in Preveza that can accommodate all of your needs if you wish to stay there. We’ve picked three lodging options among them that can enhance your trip to the town: Preveza City Comfort (Leof. Irinis 61), Dioni Boutique Hotel (Kalou 4) and The Captain’s House Boutique Hotel (Karyotaki 4).
History, tradition and gastronomy
Visitors to other, more well-known regions of Epirus or nearby Lefkada sometimes neglect Preveza. Nonetheless, it is a worthy destination with a rich history, a robust tradition, and superb gastronomy. It may also be the best starting point for visiting the beaches of Epirus and the Ambracian Gulf. Visit Preveza, enjoy a walk through the alleys of Saitan Bazaar, eat seafood, drink ouzo and take a cruise on the Gulf, and you will enjoy a truly special corner of Greece.
