Suggested Cultural Monuments Route in the Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli National Forest Park and the Wider Area

The Monastery of Dadia is closely tied to the religious life of the area. Its natural surroundings, near the Dadia National Park, make it an attraction for visitors and pilgrims. Its historical significance demonstrates the continuous presence of monastic communities in Thrace.

The Monastery of Panagia Portaitissa holds a special place in the religious and cultural landscape of Thrace. Its church, well-preserved, is linked to the long-standing Orthodox tradition and is a center of worship.

The fossilized forest of Lefkimi is a rare geological monument, 40 million years old. Its fossilized trees and plants provide significant information about the climate and flora of the past, making it one of the most interesting geological sites in Greece.

The burial tumulus of Mikri Doxipara-Zoni is a unique burial complex from the 2nd century AD that reveals significant elements of burial customs during the Roman period in Thrace. The standout finding is the four carriages and horses that accompanied the deceased, demonstrating the particular burial practices of the upper social classes of the time. This monument holds great archaeological significance, documenting Thrace's relationship with the Roman Empire.
 

The tomb of Lagyna is one of the most typical examples of Macedonian funerary architecture, dating back to the 4th century BC. It is constructed from hewn stones and features a vault, akin to similar burial structures found in Macedonia. Its existence confirms the cultural and economic development of the area during the Classical period, while its structure reflects the social and political conditions of the time.

The silk museums of Soufli are outstanding examples of cultural heritage preservation, showcasing exhibits that include silk production tools, traditional costumes, and archive material that highlight the economic significance of silk in the region.
 

The “Gnafala” Folklore Museum of Soufli focuses on the daily life of the town’s residents, presenting the evolution of silk production and the social conditions of past centuries. It is a valuable source of knowledge about local history and folklore.

This thematic museum is dedicated to cereal cultivation and bread making, two key elements of the area's rural life. Its exhibits include tools, archival documents, and information on cultivation techniques that shaped the region's nutritional history.

The ruins of the castle of Gibrena probably date back to the time of Justinian (6th century AD), during which the Byzantine Empire engaged in extensive fortification activities to protect its borders. The castle appears to have played a strategic role in controlling the area, serving as a center for defensive operations.

The archaeological site of Moukante comprises megalithic monuments (dolmens) associated with prehistoric burial mounds. These monuments reveal construction techniques found in various ancient cultures and demonstrate the long habitation of the area. The settlement retains traces of human activity likely extending from the Bronze Age to the Early Historic period.

Constructed between the 15th and 16th centuries, the three-arched bridge of Giannouli is an architectural gem that facilitated communication in mountainous Thrace. Its well-crafted stones testify to the exceptional skills of the craftsmen of the time.