Preveza history

The history of Preveza is inextricably linked to the ancient city of Nicopolis, the ruins of which are located just a few kilometers away. The modern settlement began to take shape in the late Middle Ages, when the population started moving closer to the sea following the decline of the ancient polis. The first written mention of the name "Preveza" appears in the "Chronicle of the Morea" and dates back to 1292. It is believed that the city's name is derived from a Slavic word meaning "passage" or "crossing," which accurately describes its location.

The development of the city was largely determined by its unique strategic position on the map of Epirus:

• Geographic Location: The city is situated at the narrow entrance to the Ambracian Gulf, allowing it to control shipping and trade throughout the region.
• Military and Political Significance: For centuries, Preveza was a focal point for the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire. The need for defense led to the construction of powerful fortifications that defined the city's historical appearance.
• Trade Routes: Proximity to the Ionian Islands made the city an important transit point for goods moving between mainland Greece and Western Europe.

The economy of early Preveza was based on the gifts of the sea and agriculture. Thanks to the shallow lagoons of the Ambracian Gulf, fishing flourished here, as did the production of avgotaracho (cured grey mullet roe), which was prized as a delicacy. The cultural environment was formed at the crossroads of civilizations: Venetian influence introduced features of Western architecture and administration, while long periods of Ottoman rule added an Eastern flavor to the daily life and traditions of the local population.

• 31 BC — Octavian Augustus founds the city of Nicopolis to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Actium; its ruins are in the immediate vicinity of modern Preveza.
• 1292 — The name "Preveza" is mentioned in written sources ("Chronicle of the Morea") for the first time.
• 1499 — The city is captured by the Ottoman fleet under the command of Admiral Kemal Reis, marking the beginning of the first period of Turkish rule.
• 1538 — The famous naval Battle of Preveza takes place off the city's coast, where Barbarossa's Ottoman fleet defeats the forces of the Holy League.
• 1684 — The Republic of Venice temporarily recaptures the city from the Turks, strengthening its influence in the Ionian Sea.
• 1717 — After a series of conflicts, the city finally comes under Venetian administration for eighty years, absorbing Western culture.
• 1797 — Under the Treaty of Campo Formio, following the fall of the Republic of Venice, Preveza passes under French control.
• 1798 — Ali Pasha of Tepelena captures the city after the Battle of Nicopolis, returning it to the Ottoman Empire.
• 1912 — On October 21, during the First Balkan War, the Greek army liberates Preveza, and the city is reunited with Greece.
• 2002 — The Aktio–Preveza Undersea Tunnel opens, significantly simplifying transport connections with other regions of the country.

Key Stages of Development and Transformation

The formation of Preveza's modern appearance is the result of a fusion of Venetian architecture, Ottoman urban planning, and modern Greek infrastructure. The following are the main milestones that defined the city's economic and cultural profile.

• Venetian Fortification and Planning. The prolonged presence of the Venetians laid the foundation for the urban structure. The construction of St. Andrew's Castle (18th century) not only strengthened defenses but also formed the historical core of the city.
  Significance: Creation of a unique architectural style distinguishing Preveza from other cities in Epirus, and the orientation of urban life towards maritime trade.
• Construction Projects of Ali Pasha of Tepelena. In the early 19th century, the ruler of Ioannina conducted a massive reconstruction of fortifications, including Pantocrator Castle, and built a water supply system.
  Significance: Strengthening the city's strategic status as the "key" to the Ambracian Gulf and improving living conditions for the population through the construction of baths and aqueducts.
• Development of the Commercial Port (20th Century). After joining Greece in 1912, the port of Preveza became the main maritime gateway for the entire Epirus region, facilitating the export of olive oil, citrus fruits, and dairy products.
  Significance: Transformation of the city into a major economic hub and logistics center for Northwestern Greece.
• Opening of the Aktio–Preveza Undersea Tunnel (2002). The launch of the first and only undersea tunnel in Greece radically changed the region's transport accessibility.
  Significance: Overcoming geographical isolation, providing a direct link to Aktion Airport, and causing a sharp rise in tourist flow, which stimulated local business.
• Modernization of the Marina and Waterfront (21st Century). In recent decades, the city has reoriented itself towards yachting tourism. The expansion of the marina and the improvement of the pedestrian zone along the strait created a modern recreational environment.
  Significance: Diversification of the economy with a focus on the service sector and international tourism, making the city a popular destination for yachtsmen in the Ionian Sea.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Preveza reflects its position on the border between East and West. The city does not have a single monumental style; rather, it is a picturesque mosaic where stark military architecture sits alongside elegant Ionian elements and traditional Balkan buildings. The urban fabric was shaped by the need for defense from the sea and trade at the port.

The main architectural layers and styles of the city can be divided as follows:

• Venetian Fortification Architecture (17th–18th Centuries).
  The era of the Republic of Venice's dominance left the city with a powerful defensive belt. These are massive stone structures with bastions, thick walls, and loopholes, devoid of excessive decoration but impressive in their monumentality.
  Examples: St. Andrew's Castle (Ich Kale) within the city limits and Pantocrator Castle, controlling the entrance to the gulf.
• Traditional Urban Development (18th–19th Centuries).
  The historic city center was formed during the late Ottoman period but with strong influences from Greek and Ionian traditions. This style is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, two-story houses with tiled roofs, wooden balconies, and inner courtyards adorned with greenery.
  Examples: The Seitan Pazar (Devil's Bazaar) district — a labyrinth of lanes with tavernas and shops that has preserved the atmosphere of the old trading city.
• Neoclassicism and Eclecticism (19th – Early 20th Century).
  After liberation and during the final years of Ottoman rule, public buildings and private mansions leaning towards European classicism appeared in the city. The style is evident in the symmetry of facades, the presence of columns, arched windows, and decorative cornices.
  Examples: The National Bank building and old mansions along the waterfront.
• Religious Architecture (Post-Byzantine Style and Baroque).
  Preveza's temples often combine the basilica form (typical of the Ionian Islands) with elements of Western Baroque and local woodcarving. Particular attention is drawn to the Venetian clock towers, which have become symbols of the city.
  Examples: Church of Saint Charalambos with its carved iconostasis and the famous Clock Tower with a sundial, built in the Venetian style.

Modern urban planning in Preveza is oriented towards the sea. The wide, landscaped waterfront serves as the main promenade and the "facade" of the city, uniting historical buildings with modern port infrastructure and the marina.

Historical and State Figures

• Octavian Augustus (63 BC — 14 AD) — Roman Emperor.
  Founder of the ancient city of Nicopolis, the ruins of which are located right next to modern Preveza. His decision to build the city in honor of the victory at Actium laid the foundation for the development of settlements in this region.
• Ali Pasha of Tepelena (1740–1822) — Ruler of Epirus.
  Played a key role in the architectural development of the city in the 19th century. Under his orders, powerful defensive structures were erected, including Pantocrator Castle, which defined the modern appearance of the Preveza coastline.
• Theodoros Grivas (1797–1862) — General and Revolutionary.
  A native of Preveza who became one of the prominent military leaders during the Greek War of Independence. He actively participated in the political life of the newly formed Greek state.
• Thrasyvoulos Tsakalotos (1897–1989) — Lieutenant General.
  A famous native of the city who had a brilliant military career. He participated in the First and Second World Wars and held high posts in the command of the Greek army and NATO.

Cultural and Sports Figures

• Kostas Karyotakis (1896–1928) — Poet and Prose Writer.
  A prominent figure in Greek literature of the early 20th century. He spent the last days of his life in Preveza; his stay here and his creative legacy turned the city into an important point on the literary map of Greece.
• Kleareti Dipla-Malamou (1898–1977) — Poetess and Writer.
  Born and raised in Preveza. She became the first woman in the history of Greece to be awarded the Academy of Athens Prize for her poetic works, many of which were inspired by her homeland.
• Athanasia Tsoumeleka (born 1982) — Olympic Champion.
  An athlete born in Preveza. She won the gold medal in race walking at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, becoming a source of national pride and a symbol of the region's sporting achievements.