ALEXANDROUPOLI

Built on the coast of Thracian Sea, Alexandroupoli is the seat of the Prefecture of Evros, the biggest port and the most important transport interchange of Thrace. In the past, Alexandroupoli was known as “Dedeagats” and became an important town thanks to the economic evolutions of 19th century and the construction of a railway line linking Constantinople to Thessaloniki (1871) that marked a new period of economic prosperity. The street-plan of the urban area was designed in 1878 by Russian engineers, who accompanied their troops in Russian-Turkish War operations. The development of the town continued even under the subsequent Bulgarian occupation. In May 1920 the town was liberated by the Greek army. At first, it was named “Neapoli” and then “Alexandroupoli” to honor King Alexander. Alexandroupoli is located at 850 km NE of Athens and 343 km NE of Thessaloniki.