Xanthi
Xanthi
Ξάνθη (Greek) | |
|---|---|
From top left: aerial view of the city, Xanthi old town, Cathedral of St. Sophia The Wisdom of God, folk and history museum, Xanthi clocktower, Central square, a church in the old town. | |
Location within the region | |
Xanthi | |
| Coordinates: 41°8′N 24°53′E / 41.133°N 24.883°E | |
| Country | Greece |
| Geographic region | Thrace |
| Administrative region | Eastern Macedonia and Thrace |
| Regional unit | Xanthi |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Efstratios Kontos (since 2023) |
| Area | |
• Municipality | 495.1 km2 (191.2 sq mi) |
| • Municipal unit | 153.1 km2 (59.1 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 82 m (269 ft) |
| Population (2021) | |
• Municipality | 66,875 |
| • Density | 135.1/km2 (349.8/sq mi) |
| • Municipal unit | 65,240 |
| • Municipal unit density | 426.1/km2 (1,104/sq mi) |
| • Community | 58,760 |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Postal code | 67100, 67131, 67132, 67132 |
| Area code | 2541 |
| Vehicle registration | AH |
| Website | www.cityofxanthi.gr |
Xanthi (Greek: Ξάνθη, Xánthi [ˈksanθi]) is a city in the region of Western Thrace in northeastern Greece. It is the capital of the Xanthi regional unit of the region of East Macedonia and Thrace.
Amphitheatrically built on the foot of Rhodope mountain chain, the city is divided by the Kosynthos River, into the west part, where the old and the modern town are located, and the east part that boasts a rich natural environment. The old part of town ("Palia Poli") is known throughout Greece for its distinctive architecture, combining many Byzantine Greek churches with neoclassical mansions of Greek merchants from the 18th and 19th centuries and Ottoman-Era mosques. Other landmarks in Xanthi include the Archaeological Museum of Abdera and the Folklore and Historical Museum. Because of the beauty that characterizes both the city and the wider region, Xanthi is often called "the Lady and Noblewoman of Thrace",
Xanthi is famous throughout Greece (especially Macedonia and Thrace) for its annual spring carnival (Greek: καρναβάλι) which has a significant role in the city's economy. Over 40 cultural associations from around Greece participate in the carnival program. The festivities which take place during the period include concerts, theatre plays, music and dance nights, exhibitions, a cycling event, games on the streets, and re-enactments of old customs.