Alexandroupolis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alexandroupolis Ἀλεξανδρούπολις Αλεξανδρούπολη
The lighthouse at the promenade, a symbol of Alexandroupolis
Alexandroupolis Location in Greece
Country	Greece
Geographic region	Thrace
Administrative region	East Macedonia and Thrace
Regional unit	Evros
Area
• Municipality	1,217.0 km2 (469.9 sq mi)
• Municipal unit	642.2 km2 (248.0 sq mi)
Highest elevation	11 m (36 ft)
Lowest elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Population  (2021)
• Municipality	71,751
• Municipality density	58.9573/km2 (152.699/sq mi)
• Municipal unit	62,936
• Municipal unit density	98.001/km2 (253.820/sq mi)
Community
• Population	59,723 (2021)
Time zone	UTC+2 (EET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal code	681 00
Area code(s)	25510
Vehicle registration	ΕΒ
Website	www.alexpolis.gr

Alexandroupolis is a city in Greece. It is the main city of the Evros region. It is also the largest city in Greek Thrace and the wider area of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. About 71,751 people live there. Alexandroupolis is a very important port and trading center for northeastern Greece.

The city started as a small fishing village in the 1800s. It was part of the Ottoman Empire and was called Dedeağaç. Over time, it grew into a trading hub. It changed hands several times during wars. These included the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878) and the Balkan Wars.

After World War I, in 1920, the city was renamed. It was given the name Alexandroupolis to honor King Alexander. In 1923, the Treaty of Lausanne officially made it part of Greece.

Today, Alexandroupolis is close to where an ancient city called Sale once stood. This area was home to the Cicones, a Thracian people. According to old stories, the hero Odysseus met them on his way home from Troy.

The city is important because it connects Greece with Turkey by land and sea. Famous places in Alexandroupolis include its lighthouse and the Evros delta. The delta is a special place for nature lovers.

In recent years, Alexandroupolis has become a key port for both Greece and NATO. This helps with military supplies and support.

What's in a Name?

The city of Alexandroupolis began as a small fishing village. This was in the early 1800s, when it was part of the Ottoman Empire. Fishermen from nearby areas started the village. It was known as Dedeağaç.

The name Dedeağaç is thought to come from a story. It's said that an old, wise Turkish man (a "Dede") spent time under a tree ("ağaç"). He was later buried next to it.

When the city became part of Greece in 1920, it was first called Neapoli. This means "new city." Later that year, King Alexander I of Greece visited. To honor him, the city was renamed Alexandroupoli. This means "city of Alexander."

A Look Back in Time

Early Settlements

People have lived in this area since the Neolithic Period (around 4500-3000 BC). During the Byzantine Empire, the area was very important. It was close to Constantinople, the capital. So, strong forts were built to protect it. For many years before the 1800s, the area was mostly empty forests.

Ottoman Times

The modern city started in the 1800s under the Ottoman Empire. It grew from a small fishing spot. This happened when a railway line was built. It connected Constantinople to cities in Macedonia. This railway project was part of a plan to make the Empire more modern.

The village grew into Dedeağaç, a fishing town. In 1873, it became the main town of a district called a kaza. Later, it became a larger area called a sanjak. This helped it become a local trading center.

Russian Influence

Dedeağaç was taken by Russian forces during the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878). The Russian officers planned the city's layout. They made wide, straight streets. This was different from the narrow, winding streets common in Ottoman cities. This design helped troops move quickly. Even after the city returned to Ottoman control, this street plan remained.

Wars and Changes

The railway station helped Dedeağaç grow into a busy trade center. But Ottoman rule ended during the Balkan Wars. In 1912, Bulgarian forces took the city. Then, in 1913, Greek forces took control. The city went back to Bulgaria after the Treaty of Bucharest.

After Bulgaria lost World War I, the city changed hands again. Western Thrace, including Alexandroupolis, was given to Greece in 1920. King Alexander of Greece visited the city soon after. It was renamed Alexandroupolis in his honor. The Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 confirmed that it was part of Greece.

World War II and After

During World War II, Alexandroupolis was occupied by Bulgarian forces. The city's Jewish community suffered greatly during this time. Many were forced to leave and lost their lives. The city also saw some damage to its buildings.

After the war, Alexandroupolis was mostly safe from the Greek Civil War. This allowed the city to grow. Its population increased from about 16,000 in 1951 to nearly 60,000 by 2011.

How the City is Governed

Since 1930, Alexandroupolis has been part of the Evros region. In 2011, the city's local government changed. It joined with two other nearby areas, Feres and Traianoupoli. This made the municipality of Alexandroupolis much larger.

Where is Alexandroupolis?

Alexandroupolis is about 14.5 kilometers (9 miles) west of the Evros river delta. It is 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the border with Turkey. The city is 346 kilometers (215 miles) from Thessaloniki. It is also 750 kilometers (466 miles) from Athens.

Around the city are smaller villages. These include Makri and Dikella to the west. To the east are Maistros and Apalos. North of the city are Palagia and Avas.

Weather in Alexandroupolis

Alexandroupolis has a Mediterranean climate. This means it has hot, dry summers. Winters are cool and wet. The lowest temperature ever recorded was -14.0°C (6.8°F). The highest was 41.4°C (106.5°F).

Getting Around

Alexandroupolis is easy to reach by air, train, road, and ferry. It has an international port and an airport. The city also has a major motorway and train connections. There are even bike lanes in the city center.

Airport

The Dimokritos International Airport serves Alexandroupolis. It is about 6 kilometers (4 miles) from the city center. There are daily flights to Athens. Flights to Crete (Heraklion and Sitia) are available several times a week. Starting in summer 2024, direct flights to Larnaca will begin. You can get to the airport by highway, taxi, or bus.

Seaport

The port of Alexandroupolis is mainly used by travelers. There are daily ferries to the islands of Samothrace and Lemnos. Because of its location, the port is also very important for military logistics for NATO.

Railway

Alexandroupolis has two train stations. One is for trading, and the other is for passengers. Trains connect the city to Thessaloniki and Ormenio. There are also bus services that replace trains in the wider Evros region. Train connections to Bulgaria and Turkey used to exist but are currently stopped.

Roads

The A2 Egnatia Odos is the main road through Alexandroupolis. It connects the city to many other major cities in Greece. Bus services also link Alexandroupolis to cities like Komotini and Thessaloniki. You can also take a direct bus to Athens. There are frequent buses to other parts of the Evros region.

City Buses

The city's bus service has 15 routes. They connect the city center to the University, the hospital, and the airport. They also go to nearby areas like Makri and Loutra.

Media

Television

Alexandroupolis has three local TV stations: Delta TV, Thraki NET, and ALFA TV.

Newspapers

• Eleftheri Thraki (Free Thrace) - Daily
• I Gnomi tis Thrakis (The Opinion of Thrace) - Daily
• Mahitis tou Evrou (Fighter of Evros) - Weekly
• Politis tis Thrakis (Citizen of Thrace) - Weekly
• Thraki Press (Thrace Press) - Weekly

Radio

Many radio stations broadcast from Alexandroupolis. Some popular ones include NRG, Polis, Status Radio, and Thraki Fm.

Culture and Events

Every summer, a book exhibition is held on King Alexander's coastal avenue. Every two years, there is a big trade fair called "Alexpo" near the harbor.

On May 14th each year, the city celebrates its joining with Greece. The city's patron saint is Saint Nikolaos. His feast day is celebrated on December 6th.

Wine Festival

Until the 1980s, Alexandroupolis held a Wine Festival. This fun event was brought back in 2013. It is now the city's biggest cultural event. Local groups offer red and white wine, along with different meats.

Nautical Week

In 2022, the city brought back "Nautical Week." This festival happens in July. It has many events that show off the city's connection to the sea.

Ecopark "Altinalmazis"

Since 2017, Alexandroupolis has a new garden theater in "Ecopark Altinalmazis." It can hold 1400 people. Many cultural events, like plays and concerts, are held there. The park is named after Konstantinos Altinalmazis. He was the city's longest-serving mayor.

Places to See

The Lighthouse of Alexandroupolis

The lighthouse is a main symbol of the city. It is on the city's promenade. It was built in 1850 and started working in 1880. It helped sailors find their way to the Hellespont area. The lighthouse is 27 meters (89 feet) tall from sea level. It is one of the tallest lighthouses in Greece. Its light can reach 24 nautical miles (about 44 km or 27 miles).

Evros Delta National Park

Just 20 miles from the city is the Evros Delta. It is a very important natural area in Europe. It covers 200,000 acres. It is protected by the Ramsar Convention because of its rare plants, animals, and birds. You can find over 300 plant species, 40 mammal species, and 320 bird species there.

Ethnological Museum of Thrace

This museum is in a beautiful old stone building from 1899. It opened in 2002. It helps keep the history of Thrace alive. It shows exhibits on traditional clothing, music, crafts, and farming.

Cave of Cyclops

This cave is in Makri. Local stories say it was the cave of the Cyclops Polyphemus. People have used the cave since the Neolithic Period (around 4,500 BC). An important Neolithic settlement has been found here.

Mesimbria-Zone

Mesimbria-Zone is an old archaeological site 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Alexandroupolis. Ruins of an ancient city, probably Zone, have been found here. It was a colony of Samothrace. The site has a temple of Apollo and old walls.

Thermal Springs of Traianoupoli

The hot springs of Traianoupoli are 14 kilometers (9 miles) from Alexandroupolis. They have been famous since ancient times. In 1964, modern facilities were built there. The Greek government recognizes their healing powers.

Museums

• Historical Museum of Alexandroupolis
• Ethnological Museum of Thrace
• Archaeological Museum of Alexandroupolis
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  Ecclesiastical Museum of Alexandroupolis
  Ecclesiastical Museum of the Holy Metropolis of Alexandroupolis
• Folklore Museum of Cappadocian Association of Alexandroupolis
• Museum of Folklore and Natural History
• Museum of Natural History
• Museum of Flora and Fauna
• Museum of Sarakatsani Tradition (Aisymi)

Historic Buildings

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  Zariphios Educational Academy

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  Old "Kapnomagazo" (tobacco store), now the municipal library

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  Alexandroupoli's port customs buildings

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  The 3rd Primary school of Alexandroupolis

Many old buildings in Alexandroupolis are protected for their history and architecture. These include:

• Zariphios Pedagogical Academy
• Kapnomagazo (now the municipal library)
• Old Hospital
• Democritus University of Thrace Building (Reading room)
• Port Customs Buildings
• 1st Primary School
• 3rd Primary School
• Building of Missionary Action

Education

Alexandroupolis is home to four departments of the Democritus University of Thrace. These include:

• Department of Medicine
• Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (the only one in Greece)
• Department of Primary Level Education
• Department of Education Sciences in Early Childhood

The city also has a network of public schools, from nurseries to high schools.

Sports

Volleyball

The Ethnikos Alexandroupolis volleyball team is very well-known. They have played in the top Greek league for many years. They have reached the finals of the Greek Championship and played in European competitions. Many great Greek volleyball players have played for them. The team has also won many national championships for younger players.

Other volleyball teams in the city include G.S.G. Nike Alexandroupolis (women's team) and G.E. Alexandroupolis (men's team).

Football

The main sports area is around the Fotis Kosmas stadium. It hosts several football teams:

Football Clubs in Alexandroupolis

Club	Sports	Founded	Achievements
MGS Ethnikos Alexandroupolis	Football	1927	Played in the 2nd Greek Division
Enosi Alexandroupoli F.C.	Football	1995	Played in the 3rd Greek Division
Alexandroupoli F.C.	Football	2019	Played in the 3rd Greek Division

Basketball

The city has two basketball teams: Ethnikos Alexandroupolis and Olympiada Alexandroupolis. Their games are exciting local rivalries. The Olympiada Alexandroupolis U14 Girls' team has won regional championships multiple times.

Handball and Beach Handball

The Kyklopes Alexandroupolis team is very successful in beach handball. They have won several Greek Men's Beach Handball Championships and Cups. The women's handball team has also played in the top Greek league.

Swimming

In 2013, a new Municipal Swimming Pool opened. It is one of the most modern in Greece. It has hosted major international events. Many local swimmers have won national awards. Disabled swimmers from Alexandroupolis have also won medals in the Paralympic Games. These include Dimosthenis Michalentzakis, who won a gold medal in 2016.

Track and Field

The Ethnikos Alexandroupolis track team has a strong history. They have been among the top teams in Greece. Famous athletes like Hrysopiyi Devetzi and Fotis Kosmas have been part of the team.

Table Tennis

Ethnikos Alexandroupolis is consistently one of the top table tennis teams in Greece. The women's team plays in the top Greek division. The club's younger teams have also won national championships.

Badminton

Since 2018, the Badminton team of Ethnikos Alexandroupolis has played in the top Greek division. Their athletes have won medals in national championships.

Rugby

In 2009, Alexandroupolis hosted an international rugby match. It was between Greece and Bulgaria. This was the first time Greece played a home match outside of Athens.

Running Events

• Run Greece Alexandroupolis: This event has been held every September since 2014. It includes races of 800m for children, and 5km and 10km for adults.
• Via Egnatia Run: This international half-marathon (21.1 km) takes place every May. It follows the route of the ancient Via Egnatia. This historic road once connected Constantinople to Rome.
• Thrace Night Run: Held every June since 2021, this event includes 5km and 10km runs along the coastal avenue at night.

International Connections

Twin Towns – Sister Cities

Alexandroupolis has special connections with other cities around the world:

• Burgas, Bulgaria (1997)
• Lakatamia, Cyprus (1993)
• Simferopol, Ukraine (2016)
• Sosnovy Bor, Russia (2011)
• Vyborg (Saint Petersburg), Russia (2016)
• Edirne, Turkey (1997)

Consulates

The city also hosts an honorary consulate for Russia.

Famous People from Alexandroupolis

Many notable people come from Alexandroupolis, including:

• Hrysopiyi Devetzi (born 1976), an Olympic silver medalist in triple jump.
• Fotis Kosmas (1926–1995), a decathlon athlete.
• Dimosthenis Michalentzakis (born 1998), a Paralympic gold medalist swimmer.
• Demis Nikolaidis (born 1973), a former international footballer and Euro 2004 champion.
• Marinos Ouzounidis (born 1968), a former international footballer and coach.
• Nikos Hadjinikolaou (born 1962), a Greek journalist.
• Stavento (Michalis Kouinelis) (born 1979), a Greek hip-hop singer.

Population Over Time

Alexandroupolis is the 10th largest city in Greece.

Year	Town	Municipal unit	Municipality
1940	19,384	_	_
1951	18,916	_	_
1961	21,209	_	_
1971	25,529	_	_
1981	35,799	35,799	–
1991	39,261	38,939	–
2001	50,017	52,720	–
2011	57,812	58,125	72,959
2021	59,723	62,936	71,751

Gallery

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  Evros Delta

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  The lighthouse of Alexandroupolis

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  Statue of Domna and Antonis Visvizis, heroes of the Greek War of Independence from Thrace

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  The building of the regional unit of Evros and a copy of the Winged Victory of Samothace

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  View of Alexandroupolis' coastal area

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  The lighthouse of Alexandroupolis and the coastal road

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  Sunset in Alexandroupolis

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  St Joseph's Catholic church

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  Waterproofing system with amphorae at the archaeological site of Mesembria-Zone

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  The church of Theotokos Kosmosoteira in Feres

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  Ottoman baths in nearby Traianoupoli

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  One of 6 windmills in Melia

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  The castle of Avas

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  The square of Alexandroupolis' lighthouse

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  Sunset on the coastal street of Alexandroupolis

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  View of Samothrace from the city

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  Sunset with Samothrace view

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  Sunset in Alexandroupolis

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  Sunset in Alexandroupolis

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  View of Samothrace from a coastline in Makri

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  View of snowy Samothrace from a beach in Alexandroupolis

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  Coast along Alexandroupolis

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  Beach with view to Samothrace

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  The small harbour of Makri

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  The village of Makri

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  Mountainous landscape in Aetochori

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  Road with small church near Dikella

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  Monument for Thracian Hellenism in the yard of the metropolitan church

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  Russian monument in the yard of the metropolitan church for the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878)

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  Pedestrian area in Alexandroupolis

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  Via Egnatia in Traianoupoli, near Alexandroupolis

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  Centuries-old olive grove in Alexandroupolis

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  Eleftherias Square

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  Alexandroupolis Mosque

Images for kids

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  Ruins of the Byzantine Avandas castle (Avas) outside the city.

See also

In Spanish: Alejandrópolis para niños