In the Historic Triangle of the City
Chalkida attracts numerous visitors with its seaside promenade, fresh seafood, and vibrant nightlife. Yet in the heart of the city, another side of Chalkida awaits discovery. Its multicultural past is reflected in buildings that tell the story of the city’s history in the Kastro district, its historic centre.
The Church of Agia Paraskevi was built in the 13th century as a three-aisled wooden-roofed basilica on the site of a 6th-century church. It combines Western and Byzantine elements both in its architecture and in the 14th-century frescoes of its chapel—where the tomb of the Venetian official Pietro Lippomano is also located. Notice the sculptures in the central apse and join the locals in venerating the city’s patron saint.
Directly opposite stands the famous Bailo House, once the residence of the Venetian governor during the Latin occupation. Built in the first half of the 14th century, it has acquired over the centuries, alongside Venetian features, elements of Ottoman and neoclassical architecture.
Just nearby is the Emir Zade Mosque, the only surviving example of the eleven Ottoman mosques that once stood in the city, even though its minaret no longer exists. Built at the end of the 15th century, it later served as a barracks and gunpowder store. Today it remains impressive thanks to its most recent restoration in 2014 and now houses the engraving exhibition “In Evia with European Travellers (16th–19th c.)” from the Ioannis Karakostas collection.
Next to it stands the striking marble Halil Fountain. A five-minute walk will also take you to the long-suffering synagogue of Chalkida, which has been destroyed six times throughout its history. The current building was constructed in 1855, thanks to a donation from the Duchess of Placentia. It is said to be the oldest Jewish community in Greece and in Europe, with a history spanning over 2,200 years—its first recorded presence dates back to the Hellenistic period. Today, the community numbers around 70 members.
The Church of Agia Paraskevi was built in the 13th century as a three-aisled wooden-roofed basilica on the site of a 6th-century church. It combines Western and Byzantine elements both in its architecture and in the 14th-century frescoes of its chapel—where the tomb of the Venetian official Pietro Lippomano is also located. Notice the sculptures in the central apse and join the locals in venerating the city’s patron saint.
Directly opposite stands the famous Bailo House, once the residence of the Venetian governor during the Latin occupation. Built in the first half of the 14th century, it has acquired over the centuries, alongside Venetian features, elements of Ottoman and neoclassical architecture.
Just nearby is the Emir Zade Mosque, the only surviving example of the eleven Ottoman mosques that once stood in the city, even though its minaret no longer exists. Built at the end of the 15th century, it later served as a barracks and gunpowder store. Today it remains impressive thanks to its most recent restoration in 2014 and now houses the engraving exhibition “In Evia with European Travellers (16th–19th c.)” from the Ioannis Karakostas collection.
Next to it stands the striking marble Halil Fountain. A five-minute walk will also take you to the long-suffering synagogue of Chalkida, which has been destroyed six times throughout its history. The current building was constructed in 1855, thanks to a donation from the Duchess of Placentia. It is said to be the oldest Jewish community in Greece and in Europe, with a history spanning over 2,200 years—its first recorded presence dates back to the Hellenistic period. Today, the community numbers around 70 members.
