The greater Evros Delta area is fairly characterized as the crossroad of cultures because it is an important crossroad from ancient years to the present, and it has been influenced by Romans, Byzantines, Franks, Bulgarians, Turkish and Greeks in shaping a particular cultural character. The most important historical and religious monuments of the area are the following:

The temple of Panagia Kosmo sotira and the water tower in Feres

The temple of Kosmosotira constitutes the most important Byzantine monument of Thrace . The temple is the main part of the abbey that Isaakios Komninos built in the 12 th century when he settled in the area, abandoning the social life and the conflicts with the imperial family. Isaakios Komninos dedicated his entire fortune to the construction of the abbey, which included settlemen

ts for 100 monks, a hospital, a nursing home, a water tower, a library and other buildings. He worked with the local population of three neighbouring villages in the construction of the abbey. The settlement and the abbey developed and expanded quickly, as they were settled in a place that was gifted with natural beauty. The temple with its special characteristics is still maintained today due to its use and the restoration works by the Ottoman culture, even though many wall paintings had been destroyed. The water tower, which still remains in good condition, provided water to a tank which supplied the abbey's and settlement's spring. A Folklore museum operates in Ferres where private collections are exhibited.

The archaeological site of Doriskos
The archaeological site of Doriskos is situated at the periphery of the Delta, near the homonymous, or namesake, village. The ancient city of Doriskos is situated at that point. According to Irodotos, Xerxis took advantage of the hill in 480 BC in order to estimate the number of his troops during the Persian wars. From this point, one can have a panoramic view of an extensive part of the wetland. Ancient Doriskos was widely known for its dominating castle. The Persian King Darius I installed his guard in the same region in 512 BC. The castle was so big that, according to Plinios, it could host 10.000 men!

The archaeological site of Traianoupolis
The archaeological site is situated in the Municipality of Traianoupolis near the hot springs . Traianoupoli was built in an exceptional location adjacent to Egnatia Road that connected Rome with Istanbul . It constituted a transit point for the travellers of that age. The existence of hot water was an important advantage of the city. The wider area of Traianoupoli is estimated to have been inhabited since the prehistoric age. At the beginning of the 2 nd century BC, the emperor Markos Ulpios Traianos built Traianoupoli, which became inhabited by people from the neighbouring rural villages. The hill of Saint Georgios constituted the acropolis of Traianoupoli. The settlement was surrounded by a wall and at the eastern part, there was a cemetery. The hot water source and the direct contact with Egnatia Road determined the strategic location of the settlement. Some of the ancient roman currencies represented the deity of Evros River on its sides.

Hana (old baths)

Traianoupoli flourished during the Byzantine ages, but at the end of this period, the region became depopulated. During the 14 th century, few new buildings were created in the region. The most important building was "Hana" that functioned as a hostel for travellers. During the 16 th century, hot baths were developed in the same region. Today "Hana" and the baths are preserved in a good condition. In addition, there are spas, hostels, restaurants and other tourist services. Parts of Egnatia road between Traianoupolis and Monastiraki Remnants of Egnatia ancient road that connected Istanbul with Rome can be found between the area of Traianoupolis and the settlement of Monastiraki just next to the old national road. Even if Egnatia road had not been fully revealed up to now, it surely bears witness to the nostalgic place of Traianoupolis during the Romaic years.

Interesting spots in the area

Hot Baths in Traianoupolis area
The hot springs of Traianoupolis are located in the same area where the archaeological site is. The springs are officially recognized by the Greek State . Their temperature is 52° C. They are characterized as hydro-sulphur-chloride-sodium springs. The "Inter-municipal Agency of Loutra Traianoupolis" is responsible for the baths' operation and it offers the following services: 26 individual baths, 6 springs for drinking therapy, 8 appliances for inhalation, 8 special baths for hydro-massage, a clinic, waiting and relaxing rooms. The agency also operates a hotel with 44 rooms and a capacity of 116 beds. The Woman's Cooperative "Hana" operates a restaurant in the area.

Ai - Giorgis Hill (Acropolis of Traianoupolis)
The chapel of Ai - Giorgis is located on the top of the hill above the water tower of Traianoupolis. From this point, the view of Evros Delta is really spectacular.

Prophet Ilias (Platanotopos)

The village of Loutra is located two kilometres north of Traianoupolis. In Platanotopos at the north of the village, there is a recreational area among the dense vegetation next to the banks of the stream Loutros. The area includes a chapel dedicated to the Prophet Ilias, a football field, a refreshment shop as well as walking trails.

Mountains of Southern Evros
Evros Delta is an important feeding area for the raptors that live on the mountains of Evros Prefecture and especially for the birds that nest or roost in the southern foothills. The mountains are great places for observation of raptors and for bird-watching. The rarest species that can be observed are: Long-legged Buzzard, Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Spotted Eagle, Griffon Vulture and Black Vulture . A lot of interesting sightseeing is available in Alexandroupoli : the newly established Ethnological Museum of Thrace, the Flora and Fauna Museum of Evros Delta, the Natural History Museum , the Religion Museum and the Lighthouse. The archaeological sites of Makri and of Messimvria and the cave of Saint Theodoros with its Byzantine wall paintings at the north of Alexandroupoli are places of exceptional interest.