|
Chalkis City
Evia Chalkida Suspendable Bridge over Evripos Strait |
Welcome to Chalkis!
The area of Chalkis (or, as you may also find it, Chalkida or Halkida) belongs to the island of Evia, second largest in Greece after Crete. The name Chalkis, taken by the town built over the site once occupied by a very ancient city, is said to originate either from the copper which its inhabitants processed in former times (Halkos means copper in Greek), or after the word "chalki," which means a form of shell, used in antiquity for dyeing red fabrics.
The ancient city was a renowned trading center, which established several colonies and contained famous temples dedicated to Zeus, Apollo and the goddess Hera. In the 3rd century B.C., Menedimos, one of Plato's pupils, founded the Eretrian School of Philosophy. Excavations, undertaken in 1891, revealed many monuments and statues.
Interesting objects for the visitor to see are the ancient baths, the remains of the Temple of Dafniforos Apollo, the Palaestra, with its fine mosaic, and the ancient theater, unique in that it had a subterranean passage for use by the actors. The archaeological museum in the town contains notable exhibits, such as the headless statue of the goddess Athena, the relief of Dionysus, the abduction of Antiope by Theseus, and others. The Byzantine basilica of Agia Paraskevi, located within the compound of the medieval fortress, contains coats of arms and inscriptions of the 14th century.
The modern town has several hotels, and its restaurants specialize in fish dishes. Chalkida is the ideal starting point from which to begin an exploration of the entire island.
The 'New' High Bridge at Dawn |
|
Evia Chalkida Roman Acquaduct |
|
Evia Chalkida Sea Front |
|
Evia Chalkida Sea Front |
|
Evia Chalkida The Castle |
|
Evia Chalkida The Red house |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
