Drama

Sitting at the foot of Mount Falakro in northeastern Greece, Drama gives you 10th-century Byzantine churches, sections of ancient defensive walls, and underground caves carved by the Angitis River. Start with Hagia Sophia, a brick-and-stone church from the Byzantine era, then walk to the Angitis caves where guided tours take you past stalactites and water-filled chambers. Clear water flows through the city from natural springs, a detail reflected in its name, which comes from the Greek word for water. Every September, the International Short Film Festival fills local theaters with screenings from dozens of countries. When snow covers Falakro’s slopes, skiers and snowboarders head to its 18 marked trails.

Byzantine Monuments and Museum Collections

Hagia Sophia, completed around 950 CE, uses alternating layers of brick and stone in its domed design. Inside, faded frescoes from the 11th century depict saints and biblical scenes. The Archaeological Museum of Drama displays arrowheads and pottery from the Paleolithic era found near the Angitis caves, alongside Byzantine jewelry and 19th-century religious manuscripts. One room focuses on Ottoman-era artifacts, including engraved weapons and household items from the 17th century. Remnants of the city’s medieval walls, built with local limestone, still border the old town near Plateia Eleftherias.

Mountains, Rivers, and Parks

Mount Falakro’s ski resort operates from December to March, with seven lifts serving slopes ranging from beginner-friendly green runs to advanced black diamond routes. Between April and October, hiking trails like the 8-kilometer Petrousa Path take you through pine forests and past rock formations. The Angitis River Cave stretches over 21 kilometers underground, with guided walks available along a 500-meter illuminated section. In Drama’s central park, stone bridges cross natural springs where locals fill water bottles. A marked cycling path starts at the park’s west entrance and leads to the village of Koudounia, passing tobacco fields and walnut groves.

Festivals and Regional Industries

The Drama International Short Film Festival screens entries in three theaters, including the open-air Cinema Olympia, with free admission to most events. During the Eleftheria festival in summer, street musicians and food stalls line the main avenue, and dance groups perform traditional Pontic Greek routines. Farmers in the surrounding plains grow tobacco varieties like Basma and Katerini, which dry in wooden sheds visible along rural roads. Nearby quarries extract marble used in construction projects across northern Greece, with slabs transported by truck to processing plants. Recent hiking trails on Mount Falakro highlight rare plant species, such as the Macedonian pine, through informational signs.

Sports Teams and Recreation

Doxa Dramas football club plays home games at the Doxa Drama Stadium, a 7,000-seat venue built in 1954. At Falakro Ski Resort, instructors offer group lessons for children and adults, with rental shops providing helmets and poles. The city’s indoor basketball arena hosts regional tournaments, often drawing crowds on Friday evenings. From June to September, the public swimming pool opens its six-lane Olympic-sized pool for morning laps and afternoon free swim sessions. A bike rental shop near the bus station offers mountain bikes for exploring the backroads toward Mount Menoikio.

Weather, Transport, and Visitor Tips

Summer temperatures in Drama regularly reach 35°C, with dry heat easing by evening, while winter nights can dip to -5°C, especially in higher elevations. Buses depart every two hours from Drama’s station to Thessaloniki, with tickets purchased onboard or at the kiosk beside the fountain in Eleftherias Square. Check the city’s official website for festival dates and museum closures, as some attractions reduce hours in August. Look for car license plates starting with ΡΜ to spot local drivers. Cafes around Eleftherias Square serve strong Greek coffee and almond pastries, with outdoor tables shaded by plane trees.