Chalkida Sights and Landmarks Guide, Greece

From the capital of Greece, Athens which has spectacular sceneries, going to Chalkida is around a 70km ride. Tourists can travel to the city by car, bus or train. Chalkida Sights include ancient castles, bridges, churches and old houses.

Chalkida Sights – Bridges

Two of the attractions in Chalkida are bridges – an old one and a new one. Tourists visiting the city can stay along the bridge and marvel at the beauty of the city from a distance.

Old Bridge. According to historical records, the bridge was built in 410 BC, with towers on each end as defense. Aside from being able to see Chalkida, tourists can watch the weird phenomenon happening with the waters below (water flow changes direction every six hours).

New Bridge. This bridge was constructed so that visitors from outside the city can travel faster to and from Chalkida. The building of this suspension bridge was finished in 1993. The length of this chalk white bridge is 70km.

Chalkida Sights – Old Houses

Many old houses still stand on Chalkida. Each house is different from the other in terms of their style and influence. They also give a variety of offerings to visitors.

House of Statues. Hansen, the German architect, constructed this house in 1895 for the Mallios family. It had been a property of the family for a period of time. At present, this yellow three-storey house with a stunning verandah was named a “preserved monument”. The Evia Studies Institution is housed in this monument.

Red House. Named after the color of its interior, the Red House was also owned by the Mallios family. It sits near the northern seaside of Chalkida. If the house of statues was built by a German architect, the Red House was constructed by Flegis, a French architect. At present, it serves as the House of Science and Knowledge under the municipality of Chalkida.

Chalkida Sights – Cultural Sites

Chalkida cultural sites date back from the early centuries. These sites still stand up to this day and give locals and tourists a glimpse of the city’s past.

Church of Aghia Paraskevi. Byzantine emperor Justinian ordered the building of this church during the 5th century. The builders used the ruins of an ancient temple of the Greek Goddess Artemis when they built this church. In the 14th century, when Chalkida was invaded by the Venetians, this church was reconstructed and had an addition of lions and other gothic motives. In 1883, the church was dedicated to the patron saint of Chalkida, Aghia Paraskevi.

Karababa Castle. In 1204, the castle was constructed by the Venetians. During that time, Karababa - called Forte del Negroponte during that period - was known as one of the strongest castles. When the Turks invaded the city in 1470, they changed the name to Karababa. Visitors would find several ruins of a big water cistern and two 19th century Russian canons in the vicinity of the castle.

These wondrous Chalkida sights are as astounding as other cities in Greece. They may be closely compared to Kavala tourist attractions. Take time out to visit these two magnificent cities on the European continent.