Old towns in Greece give character and history to a place, even when situated alongside a new town. They add photo opportunities and historical interest to holidays, and make a town feel homely. There is just something magical about living in a town that has a castle and old stone alleyways. They conjure up images of the ancient past and the people who once lived there. Finding property for sale right in the old town can be difficult as they are very sought-after. However, you will probably find something at a lower price within visiting distance.
Often old towns have generations of Greek families still living there, who are passing on the old traditions, stories, and music. Family run cafes and tavernas offer traditional dishes and a warm family welcome. While gift shops might display items made by local crafts people.
Here are four examples old towns in Greece, each with architectural features that reflect the history of the area.
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Rethymno town, Crete
Rethymno town.
Population: Approx. 33,000
You enter Rethymno old town through a large stone arch. The narrow stone streets, have houses painted in white and pastel shades, with wooden shutters. Carved stone door surrounds with rustic wooden doors add individual character, along with potted flowers, vines and bougainvillaea. In the squares olive trees offer welcome shade and cosy cafes with outdoor tables.
Taverna’s snuggle into hidden courtyards, offering traditional dishes such as lamb or mini cheese pies. Those located at the Venetian harbour front, are first in line for the catch of the day from the local fishermen. Many of these eateries have been handed down through families and offer a very warm welcome.
Exploring the streets is like a trip through time, with a blend of Elegant Venetian and Grand Ottoman architecture. The 16th century buildings hint at tales from maritime voyages. While little shops display old crafts, such as pottery and lace.
Fortress in Rethymno
As you enter the Venetian harbour a small lighthouse stands proud at the entrance. Another Venetian structure is the fortress overlooking the town. The few buildings still standing have undergone extensive renovation work and outer fortifications are still standing strong. In addition, the site includes a theatre, where cultural events are held in the summer.
Museums in Rethymno
In the old town there is an archaeological museum housed in a Venetian Loggia, and nearby is a pretty wall fountain. Built in 1626 the Rimondi fountain, has three stone carved lion’s heads which spout out spring water. Other museums in the area cover history and folklore, wax works, the Cretan Lyra, Marine life, and a military museum.
Nearest Airports to Rethymno: Chania International Airport 73km and Heraklion Airport 81km
Corfu Town
Corfu Old Town.
Population: Approx. 21,000
The old town of Corfu is recognised by UNESCO and is the biggest attraction on Corfu island, aside from the beaches. Campiello is the oldest district, with its narrow stone streets, sandy coloured tiled roofs and ornate balconies. The colour palate of the stone houses is mainly sand and lemon, with splashes of colour from clothes on washing lines and pots of flowers.
In the labyrinth of alleys and streets, you will discover historic buildings, churches, cafes, restaurants and lots of little shops. A lively place to wander both in the morning or evening.
Churches in Corfu
The bell tower of the church of Saint Spyridon really stands out above the roof tops and therefore attracts a lot of inquisitive visitors. Another lovely church is the Spiliotissa church, which is unusual in that it’s painted a terracotta colour. If you love visiting churches, then there are about forty in Corfu.
Waterfront
The Squares on the waterfront are surprisingly large with park areas and tall buildings. It has a feel of Italy in style with arched porticos along a promenade. Of course, there are plenty of places to eat, drink and people watch.
Two Fortresses in Corfu
There are two large stone fortresses, one at either end of Corfu town. These days you can visit both fortresses and take in the amazing views from the battlements. They have huge spaces that are also used to host cultural events.
Museums in Corfu
The museum of Asian Art is located in the Palace of St. Michael and St George. It’s a beautiful building with lots of columns and stunning sea views from the garden. Other museums in Corfu town are the archaeological museum and the Byzantine museum.
Nearest airport to Corfu town: Corfu International airport 3km
Rhodes Town
Rhodes old town in Rhodes island in Greece.
Population: Approx. 55,000
The Knights of St John built their first settlement around a small port and expanded it in the 13th century. Rhodes Old town has a unique atmosphere with narrow lanes, towers and fortifications, as well as many historic buildings such as Byzantine churches and fountains from the Renaissance.
Declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, Rhodes has a lot to interest history buffs. The architectural styles of this incredible old town, reflect its rich history through many eras. As you enter through one of the stone gateways you will notice the impressive city walls, which have stood strong for centuries and date as far back as the Hellenistic period.
Palace of the Grand Masters
Ultimately, the highlight of any trip to Rhodes has to be the Palace of the Grand Masters, which has the appearance of a medieval castle. Constructed in the 14th century by the Knights of Saint John, and restored by the Italians in the 20th century, it has spherical towers and an impressive arched gateway.
The Palace of the Grand Masters has twenty-four rooms open to the public. Among the most impressive rooms are the Grand Reception Hall, the ballroom and the elegant Music Room. There are statues, frescoes, antique furniture and a mosaic of the Medusa. The palace now also houses a museum, exhibition space, and some rooms are used for performances.
Streets of Rhodes
Wandering around the famous Street of the Knights, you’ll find yourself surrounded by various ruins and interesting sights, such as the Roloi clock tower and the ancient stadium and theatre. Some of the old streets are now lined with boutique shops, traditional tavernas, gift shops and art galleries.
Marine Gate
Outside the city walls, there are still more interesting sights. Such as, the Marine Gate, which was constructed in 1478. This wonderful structure, with its defensive towers, served as the main entrance to the city by sea. It welcomed ships from distant lands and guarded the entrance to the bustling old town.
New town Rhodes
Today, people mainly live and work in Rhodes new town, which has all the modern facilities for year round living. As well, as modern apartment buildings the new town also has some architecture in the Venetian and neo-gothic style. There are wide streets with shops and parks and squares, and a market building, that’s design is a real surprise.
Ancient Rhodes
If your interest in history longs for evidence of even earlier times, then Rhodes has that too. The ancient Acropolis of Rhodes is at the highest point of the town. You can visit the Gymnasium, ancient Theatre, and the Temple of Apollo Pizio.
Nearest airport to Rhodes town: Rhodes Airport 13km
Ioannina town, Epirus
Ioannina.
Population: Approx.. 65,000
Ioannina is the main town of the Epirus region of Mainland Greece. Located on the northwestern side of Greece, it’s natural landscape includes canyons, waterfalls, lakes, streams and the famous Vikos Gorge. The Pindus mountains and the pretty countryside villages are also popular with visitors and hikers.
Climate in Ioannina
In Ioannina the summer temperatures are more comfortable than in southern Greece, with a high of 31c in July, and it can get a little snow in winter. Great temperatures for exploring throughout most of the year.
Lake not sea
Although, the town of Ioannina isn’t by the sea, it is located on the edge of a beautiful lake. There are lakeside restaurants and cafes in the town and on the island. It is a just a 12-minute boat ride across to the island, where there are houses, restaurants and a museum about the Albanian ruler Ali Pasha.
Increase in visitors
Ioannina used to be one of Greece’s best kept secrets and saw few tourists. However, since the Ionian Highway was built and more flights are coming into the area, it does now have more visitors. It is well known for its cuisine and has a vibrant student population and the feel of a year-round place to live. The local council have also been promoting the town as a year round holiday destination.
Old Town Ioannina
The fortified old town of Ioannina has been continuously inhabited for centuries. When you leave the bustle of the modern city, and pass through the high stone walls into the old town, you find quiet stone streets, that lead up to a large area at the top. Here you’ll find some of the towns museums and great views.
The architecture is not like those found on the coast or on the islands of Greece. Old town buildings may have a first floor that protrudes out further than the ground floor and roofs that overhang. The stone ramparts were reconstructed during Ali Pasha’s reign, and The Tower of Thomas near the main gate, is an example of Byzantine architecture. The library is from the Ottoman era, and there is an old Turkish bath house.
Multicultural history
The town’s multicultural history is well represented here, from the 17th century mosque to the Jewish Synagogue. The Municipal Ethnographic Museum houses three collections: Christian, Jewish and Muslim. There is also a silversmithing museum and a Byzantine museum.
Property in Ioannina
As property prices in the old town started to go up, people from the area quickly snapped up land and property there. It is now difficult to find anything for sale in the old town, and not all the houses are old. When property does come up for sale it is generally too expensive for the locals. However, there are redevelopment projects in the area and if you venture out to the villages prices are still very affordable.
Nearest airports to Ioannina: Ioannina International Airport “ King Pirro National Airport” 5km. UK flights via Athens and Aktion National Airport, Preveza 113km.
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