Drama - Thrace - East Macedonia

The Prefecture of Drama covering an area of 350,000 hectares, occupies the Northeast section of Macedonia, bordering with Bulgaria and the prefectures of Xanthi, Kavala and Serres. The natural environment of the Prefecture of Drama is unarguably one of the most beautiful in Macedonia; its mountainous masses constitute one of the most valuable and rich ecological systems in Europe. Its mountains, natures authentic work of art, provided the stage for a large segment of the adventurous geological history in the Balkans. For millions of years, the area was subjected to climate and geomorphologic changes that resulted in the formation of isolated, large and small, natural habitats. In combination with the unique position of the area, a vast and unique variety of fauna and flora was created. Dense forests, ski resorts, stunning caves with huge stalactites, impressive rivers, torrent streams, explosive waterfalls, idyllic valleys, magnificent rock formations and fertile fields uniquely hued with the whisper of wheat and the smooth movement of the blooming tobacco and corn tops, compose the land of a hospitable people.

The rich history of Drama is a mosaic originating in prehistoric times, uninterruptedly spreading into each historic era. Inhabited since the Palaeolithic Age, the region has several prehistoric settlements located on small hills near capital Drama and in villages scattered throughout the prefecture. Archaeological excavations have unearthed finds from the historical times, bringing to light new information regarding the life of the ancient residents of the region. Recently discovered, the temple of Dionysos near the village of Kali Vrissi dates back to the early Hellenistic years. Under the Romans, old roads were repaired and new road networks were constructed with Via Egnatia, the most significant, connecting Rome with Byzantium and passing through the region of Drama.

The province became world-wide famous with the visit of Apostle Paul to Phillipi during the winter of 49 AD. With the exception of the city of Drama, there is no evidence of any other large urban centres during the Byzantine period. Ottoman occupation for approximately five and one half centuries posed a huge threat against the continuing presence of the Greek population in the region. However, around the 1840's the growing cultivation of tobacco assisted the financially flourishing Greek communities to develop rich intellectual activity in the cities and towns. The national conflict between Greeks and Bulgarians for control over the region around the end of the Ottoman occupation, led to the Macedonian Struggle. Thanks to the struggles of the people of Drama, the region was liberated by the Greek army around the end of the Second Balkan War and united with the free modern Hellenic State.

With the peaks of Mt. Falakron rising as a natural shield, natural running waters, high plane and poplar trees casting their heavy shadow over springs with crystal-clear waters, a slow pace of life at the neighbourhoods and parks, hospitable and pleasant residents, capital Drama, in the heart of the prefect, is the most popular starting point for the majority of the visitors in the region. Surrounded by fertile fields, this thriving city of approximately 50,000 is the seat of a metropolitan. The archaeological Museum covers the history of the human presence in the prefecture of Drama from the Mid Paleolithic Age through the modern times, while the Ecclesiastical Museum houses treasures of immense spiritual and artistic value. Near the city at the feet of Mt. Paggaion , the Byzantine Ikosifinissa Monastery, a spiritual guard of the Orthodox faith, is visited by thousands of believers each year.