14th part of Drama cultural routes - THE BYZANTINE WALLS OF DRAMA and OLD CLOCK-TOWER - Greece

14th part of Drama cultural routes - THE BYZANTINE WALLS OF DRAMA and OLD CLOCK-TOWER

2500 YEARS OF HISTORY IN ONE HOUR

Drama Cultural Route

14th part of Drama cultural routes - THE BYZANTINE WALLS OF DRAMA and OLD CLOCK-TOWER

BYZANTINE WALLS OF DRAMA date back to the 10th century, although an earlier date cannot be excluded. Their perimeter was of about 850 meters. In 1206, after their destruction by the Bulgarian tsar Ioannitzis (Skilogiannis), they were rebuilt from the beginning by Boniface of Montferrat, and included two gates and at least six towers. Isolated segments can be seen throughout the historical center of town. The North part of the walls, preserved in relatively good condition, offers a clear picture of their dimensions and masonry (on Miaoulis Street). On the enclosure of the Taxiarches chapel (Southeast angle of the walls), one can distinguish the remains of one of the two known staircases. On a tower of the East side of the walls (today in ruins and accessible from 19th May Street) there was the town clock until 1945, when it was removed for safety reasons.

The mansion at 18 Kountouriotis Street is an exception al example of urban architecture. It was built in 1926-1927 and its East façade coincides with the Byzantine walls. It consists of a semi-basement and two floors. Its first owner was tobacco broker Yannoulis Dakos. The faces of the construction are accentuated horizontally with prominent separation lines. The pilaster imposts are of Corinthian style. The center of the main façade is emphasized with the projection of the second-floor balcony and that of the window frames is decorated with embossed designs of leafed branches. The rear side of the building features a balcony on its entire length and the eaves above the balcony doors are embellished with a face surrounded by leafed branches.