Suggested Route of Cultural Monuments in the Erythropotamos Valley

The Byzantine Castle of Didymoteicho, also known as "Kales," majestically dominates a rocky hill 107 meters high, on the left bank of the Erythropotamos river. Built in a strategic location, the castle offers a commanding view of the surrounding area, allowing for monitoring of the surrounding roads and valleys, which contributed to its defense against invasions and raids. The castle walls, approximately 1 kilometer long and up to 12 meters high, are reinforced by 24 towers of circular and square cross-section, many of which bear monograms of Byzantine emperors and decorative motifs. 
According to the historian Procopius, the reconstruction of the walls of Didymoteicho took place during the reign of Justinian, while further reinforcements were made under Constantine V in 751 and by Constantine Tarchaneiotis in 1303.

This small chapel, built in the early 14th century within the Byzantine castle of Didymoteicho, is a typical example of Byzantine church construction and the ecclesiastical architecture of the time.

Built in 1834 on the site of a Byzantine church, this church features rich iconography and is an important religious and cultural monument of the area.

Built in the 15th century, the Bayezid Mosque is one of the largest Ottoman mosques in Europe. Its magnificent architecture and historical significance make it an important monument of the Ottoman heritage in the area.

The Little Mosque, also known as Çarşı, Alaca, or Sandirvan Mosque, dates back to 1753 and is one of the two mosques that have survived in Didymoteicho, along with the historical Bayezid Mosque. It is the only mosque that is still open for worship in the city.

The Clock of Didymoteicho is linked to the stay of the Swedish King Charles XII in the city during the period 1713-1714, following his defeat at the Battle of Poltava. Initially, the clock tower was wooden and located at a lower position. After a fire in 1854, it was rebuilt in 1869 as a stone tower at a higher location. Its masonry is isodomic, with well-carved stones at the bottom, which constitute the original section. The smaller upper section is a later addition. The clock is a typical example of local architecture and historical significance, reflecting the multicultural heritage of the area.

The Byzantine Museum of Didymoteicho, inaugurated in 2014, is dedicated to the Byzantine history and art of Thrace and is an important attraction for those interested in the Byzantine heritage of the area. The museum features rich audiovisual materials, audible information, video displays, and interactive applications, providing visitors with a comprehensive experience. The exhibition includes significant finds that highlight the importance of Didymoteicho during the Byzantine period, in which the city served as the seat of emperors three times.

The Folklore Museum of Didymoteicho was established in 1973 by the Cultural Association "Folklore Museum of Didymoteicho" and is housed in a neoclassical building of 1900. Its collection includes traditional costumes, embroideries and weavings, jewelry, ecclesiastical items, agricultural tools, as well as tools of traditional craftsmen. Additionally, marble reliefs of the "Thracian Horseman" and archival material such as theater programs and educational documents are displayed. In the courtyard, there is a sesame oil press, highlighting the local craft tradition.

The Military Museum of Didymoteicho is located in a two-story building, a typical example of pre-industrial architecture in the prefecture of Evros, constructed in 1907 by an Italian architect. The museum features three floors of exhibits, including armaments, uniforms from various periods, medals, paintings, and photographs. Special emphasis is placed on the history of Thrace, presenting the region's contribution to national struggles. The museum's collection provides a comprehensive view of the area’s military history, making it an important attraction for those interested in Greek military heritage.

The Oruç Pasha Hamam, also known as the "Baths of Whispers," was built in 1398-1399 and is among the oldest Ottoman hammams in Thrace. The complex is remarkable for its unique acoustics, as the walls contained clay pipes that transmitted sounds from one room to another, thus giving it the name “Fısıltı Hamamı” (Bath of Whispers). Despite the ravages of time, the monument remains an important example of Ottoman architecture, revealing the attention given to public works of the period.

The Municipal Gallery of Didymoteicho is housed in the former residence of Vafeiadis, a building with distinctive architecture. It opened its doors in May 2000 and hosts works by the painter Dimitris Nalbandis, who donated his paintings to the Municipality. His paintings and murals, influenced by the landscapes of Didymoteicho, belong mainly to magical realism, influenced by various artistic movements.

The Ecclesiastical Museum of Didymoteicho is housed in the basement of the Holy Church of Panagia Eleftherotria. Its collection includes notable icons and other sacred objects, vessels, and vestments, dating from the end of the Byzantine period to the 20th century. The icons represent various styles of hagiography, offering a broad overview of the religious art of the region. Some exhibits are considered rare and of great value, highlighting the rich ecclesiastical tradition of Didymoteicho.

The Oruç Pasha Türbe, also known as "Pyrostia" or "Tripod", is a funerary monument from the early Ottoman period, dating to the early 15th century. Its construction includes an elevated stone base and four robust columns that supported a hemispherical brick vault, which probably collapsed due to an earthquake in 1509. The semi-subterranean, vaulted crypt housed the simple burial, while a cenotaph was displayed on the elevated base of the monument. This monument is a typical example of Ottoman funerary architecture and provides valuable information about the burial practices of the time.

Plotinopolis was founded in the 2^nd century AD by the Roman Emperor Trajan and was named in honor of his wife, Plotina. It was strategically located on the hill of Agia Petra, near the Evros river, and served as an important administrative, commercial, and cultural center. Archaeological excavations uncovered public buildings, houses, pottery, and most notably, the famous Medusa mosaic, a masterpiece of Roman art that showcases the city's prosperity. In 1965, the golden hammered bust of Septimius Severus, the Roman emperor who ruled from 193 to 211 AD, came to light and is currently housed in the Archaeological Museum of Komotini. It is now the subject of a claim by the Municipal Authority of Didymoteicho for its return to Didymoteicho and display at the city's Byzantine Museum. The bust is 0.25 m tall, weighs about 1 kg, and is made of 24-karat gold. The monument is a valuable source for studying the Roman period in Thrace.

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.
 

Dating from the late 4th to early 3rd century BC, this tomb belongs to the late Classical and Hellenistic period and was built with large hewn stones transferred from the quarry of Metaxades.

The Historical and Folklife Museum of Nea Orestiada and Region was founded in 1974 and renovated in 1994-1996, with the aim of preserving the cultural heritage of Thrace. Its exhibition presents the migration of the Greeks of Eastern Thrace following the Treaty of Lausanne (1922), through exhibits such as wagons, ox carts, and personal belongings. 
The museum also includes collections of traditional costumes, agricultural tools, and traditional professional tools (belonging to blacksmiths, cobblers, weavers), as well as a representation of the “fancy living room” of a Thracian house. Of particular interest are the ecclesiastical relics from the Church of Saints Theodores in Old Orestiada and traditional musical instruments, such as flutes, kaval, and oud.

The castle of Pythion, or Empythion according to the Byzantines, is built on a low hill that marks the final extension of the surrounding mountainous zone towards the flat riverside plain of the Evros river. It is located on the outskirts of the modern settlement of Pythion, 15 km north of Didymoteicho, and its founding is placed around 1330-1340 by John VI Kantakouzenos (1341–1355). It is a typical example of Byzantine fortification architecture and holds significant historical value.

An Orthodox church notable for its unique architecture and religious significance for the local community. It is a center of worship and tradition, reflecting the spiritual life of the area.

The "Purple Heirloom" is a timber-clad historic mansion, built in the 1890s by the Jewish merchant Nissim Taraboulous. The building is notable for its neoclassical aesthetic and is a rare example of Jewish urban architecture in Didymoteicho. Its recent restoration highlighted its cultural significance, making it one of the few surviving Jewish mansions in Thrace. Its existence is a reminder of the vitality of the city's Jewish community, which thrived in the 19th and 20th centuries, before its dramatic decline due to World War II.

The Kayali and Vouva caves are natural geological formations with impressive high chambers and flat floors, features that make their exploration particularly fascinating. Their interiors are adorned with stalagmites and stalactites, indicating a millennia-spanning geological evolution. In addition to their natural interest, the caves are also of great archaeological value, as there is evidence of their use by prehistoric or ancient populations. The caves may have served as shelters, places of worship, or even dwelling places in various historical periods.

Metaxades is a traditional settlement in northern Evros, known for its unique architectural heritage and rich history. Built at an altitude of approximately 120 meters, this village has been declared a traditional settlement, preserving its architectural characteristics intact. 
The architecture of Metaxades is a typical example of the stone craftsmanship which has developed in the region. Local craftsmen, known as "doulgerides," masterfully incorporated finely carved stones into the wooden skeleton frame of the buildings, creating unique structures. 
One of the most significant monuments of the village is the Church of St. Athanasius, a typical example of post-Byzantine architecture, which dominates the southeastern side of the village. Built in the late 17th century, the church was reconstructed in 1927, and its interior is preserved in excellent condition, with tombstones from the 17th and 18th centuries serving as important historical monuments.
The history of Metaxades is rich and multifaceted. According to the most likely version, the establishment of the population took place during the 16th-17th centuries by refugees from Epirus and Thessaly. Until 1915, the village was under Turkish occupation, except during the period 1878-1881, when it was occupied by the Russians.