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| Anastasiopolis | ||
| region | East Macedonia and Thrace | |
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| Residents | unknown | |
no value for residents on Wikidata:  | ||
| height | unknown | |
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| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
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Anastasiopolis, or Anastasioupolis or Peritheorion (Greek: Αναστασιούπολις - Περιθεώριον) is an ancient city in northeastGreece.
background
1 Anastasiopolis
was one of the important stops at the Via Egnatia and probably got its name from Emperor Anastasius (491-518) who previously owned the Roman station here Stabulo Diomedis expanded and rebuilt. It was located on the north shore of Lake Vistonis (between Xanthi and Komotini) with an important port with access across the lake to the sea. The advantage of the port plus the location on Via Egnatia brought prosperity and importance to the place, as can be seen from the huge remains of the wall. Because of the silting up by the nearby river, the ruined city is now some distance from the lake. This led to a great loss of importance and economic decline. The city was destroyed in the early 13th century but later rebuilt under Andronikos III (1328-1341). Most of the surviving remains date from this phase, although earlier phases are relatively easy to spot. The Via Egnatia At this point in time, the importance of trade as a trade route had clearly lost its importance in favor of sea trade (especially through the northern Italian cities, such as Venice). Many places along the Via Egnatia were thus deprived of their economic basis and the decline was unstoppable.
Since no archaeological excavations have been carried out, the city is in a completely overgrown condition, which has a special charm, so that a visit is definitely worthwhile if you are in the area.
getting there
On the Xanthi-Komotini route, turn off at the underpass of the motorway in the village of Amaxades and follow the paved dirt road. It is advantageous to have a look at the route beforehand on Google Earth, as the route is not signposted. The tarred dirt road only ends shortly before the destination. The remaining 2 km of dirt road are easy to drive without a 4WD. The entrance gate is on the north side. Since it is usually locked, you enter the ruins through the loose grille in the gate.
Tourist Attractions
- From the entrance gate follow the dirt road, which leads as a circular path along most of the ruins. There are no boards explaining the respective ruins overgrown with ivy. It is precisely this combination of interesting ruins and wild nature that makes the visit worthwhile.
- The remains of the former 1 Aqueduct can still be seen north of the city on the mountainside. This formed the end of an approx. 2.5 km long double wall that ran from the fortress walls to the hills to the north and sealed off the free passage of the Egnatia and brought it under the control of the city. A pipe to supply the city with drinking water ran inside the double wall. You can still see the course in Goggle Earth today.
kitchen
Restaurants and fast food can be found in the surrounding villages. It is recommended to go to the coastal towns because of the beautiful surroundings Fanari or Porto Lagos to drive.
accommodation
The closest accommodations are in Porto Lagos, Xanthi or Komotini.
Practical advice
- Because of the completely natural, jungle-like vegetation, you should explore the area with suitable high shoes and thick clothing.
- Adequate protection against mosquitoes is required.
trips
- 2 Kioutouklou Baba Tekke (Τεκές Κιουτουκλού Μπαμπά).
The Tekes Kioutouklou Baba is an Ottoman tomb that is estimated to date from the 15th to 16th centuries. Today only the mausoleum (Tourbes) is preserved. It is an octagonal stone building with a domed roof. Inside is the hermit's grave, which is covered with a green cloth. The visitor can see the carved symbols of Bektashism such as ax and kioulachi. The monument was probably erected on the ruins of an earlier Christian church. It is now a religious space for Muslims and Christians. For the Muslims the tomb (Tourbes) of Kioutouklou Baba, while the eastern part of the monument was converted by Christians into a provisional church of St. George. - 3 Bridge of Polyanthos. The bridge over the Kompsatos River is worth seeing and is a historic medieval stone arch bridge. The two large arches of the bridge are 21.8 and 17 m wide and the height of the arch is 12 m. The western of the three original arches has collapsed.
- 1 Porto Lagos (Λάγος Ξάνθης).beautiful tourist bathing resort with fishing port and marina and a very well-known "must see" monastery in the lake.
- 2 Fanari (Φανάρι Ροδόπης).beautiful tourist bathing resort with fishing port and marina.
- Xanthi - known for its beautiful old town
