Neapolis (Kavala), Greece
City:
Kavala
State, Province, Region, or District:
Country:
Greece
Overview
While in Troas (now the Asian part of Turkey) on his second missionary journey, Paul was called by God in a vision to go to Macedonia (Acts 16:8-10). Paul and his companions sailed to the port of Neapolis, now known as Kavala, and first stepped foot on European soil.
Neapolis (modern Kavala) still shows clearly why it was an obvious place for a port in ancient Greece. Nestled snugly about a half-moon bay, the city looks down upon a natural harbor that became the principal location in northern Macedonia for travel to and from Asia Minor.
Alternate Names
Neapolis; Kavala; Christoupolis; Christople; Cavallo; Neo-Porticus
Geography & Location
Kavala is a city and major seaport in northern Greece, specifically in the region of Eastern Macedonia. It's situated on the Bay of Kavala, facing the island of Thasos.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
Biblical Significance
Architecture
Kavala, Greece, boasts a rich architectural heritage blending various styles, including Ottoman, Byzantine, and Neoclassical influences. The city's skyline features the iconic Aqueduct of Kavala (Kamares), a 16th-century structure, alongside the Ottoman-era Imaret, a complex now functioning as a hotel. Other notable buildings include the Municipal Building, reminiscent of European towers, and the Municipal Tobacco Warehouse, showcasing Ottoman neoclassicism.
Biblical & Historical References
Neapolis is referenced as the port city where the Apostle Paul first landed in Europe on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:8-11).
Spiritual Lessons and Application
In addition to the items below, also read the article: The Apostle Paul Goes to Europe.
Etymology
The etymology of the modern name of the city is disputed. Some mention an ancient Greek settlement of Skavala near the town. Others propose that the name is derived from the Italian cavallo which means horse. The city is situated on the ancient route of Via Egnatia; hence Cavala designated "the horses" (cavalla) where imperial couriers changed horses. The French traveller Bellon, who visited Kavala in 1547, mentions a local tradition that the city initially took its name from Alexander the Great, who named it "Bukephala", after the name of his horse Bucephalus. Another possibility is that "Kavala" is a Turkish name, given by the Turks after they refounded the city at the beginning of the 16th century. Last but not least, as the archaeologist Georgios Bakalakis first pointed out, there was a Byzantine fortress named Kavala close to the Byzantine city of Iconium – now Konya – in Asia Minor. When the Ottomans brought Muslim settlers from Iconium to establish in the territory of Kavala at the beginning of the 16th century, these people brought the name of their homeland with them. Nowadays the city's nickname is "the cyan city" and the symbol of the municipality of Kavala is the head of goddess Parthenos, the patron goddess of ancient Neapolis, as depicted in the coinage of the ancient Greek city.
Site Details
Since whatever may remain of ancient Neapolis, if anything, lies buried beneath modern Kavala, there is nothing left there to see from the 1st century except the harbor itself. Nevertheless, this harbor, with its busy docks and quaint seaside cafes, provides more than enough atmosphere to imagine the setting for Paul’s historic first entry onto European soil. From the sea, the hills that slope gently away from the shore appear as a natural amphitheater, and Paul and his companions must have greatly anticipated their landing at Neapolis and further journeys into Greece.
Places of Interest
Church of St. Paul (established 1928)