PREVEZA Preveza is situated in the western part of Greece, at the entrance of the Amvrakikos Gulf. Preveza resembles an island, as it is surrounded by sea on its three sides. The Amvrakikos Gulf has left its imprint on the city as an ecosystem with exceptional biological, ecologic and aesthetic value. At this location, between Preveza and Aktion – which in ancient times called Actium – in 31 B.C. one of the most thrilling naval battles of the ancient world took place. It was this naval battle between Octavian and Mark Antony which consolidated Octavian’s power over the Roman Empire. In memory of this victory, Octavian founded Nikopolis, a new, sensational city, which flourished in the following centuries and its population grew and exceeded 300,000 inhabitants. The devastation of Nicopolis, nearly ten centuries later, caused Preveza to see the light of day. The historic continuity has been manifested ever since the fourteenth century, when the area where the ruins of Nicopolis lay was first referred to as Palaia Preveza (Old Preveza). The new city constituted part of the renowned Despotate of Epirus until the latter’s collapse. The leading sea power Venice, foreseeing the significance of Preveza, grabbed the city from the Turks and fortified it with its famous Venecian castles. Subsequently, due to its strategic position, the city became the apple of discord between the French and the Ali Pasha of Ioannina. Preveza was liberated from the Ottomans and joined the new Greece State in 1912. Today our municipality has 30,000 inhabitants. In its picturesque alleys, one can still see old manor houses, gardens and courtyards and on its edges olive groves and beaches. In the summer, the waterfront is a natural marina for the hundreds of yachts that go in and out and give life to town, market place, taverns and cafes that line all the pavements of the historic town center. There, memories and history remain alive in the house that belonged to the poet of the mid-war period Konstantinos Kariotakis and in the historic Seytan Pazar. Walking through the narrow streets in the surrounding the central market the visitor can admire the architecture of traditional Preveza homes and the splendid clock tower housed by the Metropolitan Church of Saint Haralampos. In the coastal area, with the Amvrakikos Gulf in the background, visitors can enjoy unique trails, either by bicycle or on foot, towards Kyani Akti, Saint George Castle and Pantokratoras Castle or towards picturesque Margarona and fishing village of Agios (Saint) Thomas. A cruise on the Amvrakikos Gulf is an incredible experience. Preveza is a town with intense cultural activity all year especially during summer. Preveza offers the opportunity for relaxation and entertainment with cultural events such as: “The International Choir Festival”, “The Nikopolia”, “The Sardine Festival”, “The Women’s Carnival”, “The Ethnic & Jazz Festival”. NICOPOLIS In a rich green area just 8 kilometers north of the town center are the ruins of Ancient Nicopolis, a town founded by Octavian Augustus in memory of his victory in the battle of Actium (31 B.C.) against Antony and Cleopatra. The walls, Odeon, necropolis, theatre, stadium, monument of Octavian Augustus, bath and houses, Nymphaeon and early Christians basilicas from the 5th and 6th centuries with their unparalleled mosaics have all been preserved. Historical memory is resurrected in the new archeological museum of Nicopolis. Kassopi The remains of ancient Kassopi (4th century BC) have been preserved on mount Zaloggo, with a fantastic view over the Amvrakikos Gulf and the Ionian Sea. Zaloggo Higher up the slopes, beside the monastery of Agios Dimitrios, begin the 410 steps that lead to the imposing peak of mound Zaloggo with its impressive monument to the sacrifice of the Souliot women. Nekromanteio In the village of Mesopotamos is the most famous Nekromanteion of antiquity, the Nekromanteion of Acheron. According to the ancients, here lay the gates of the Underworld, which led to the Kingdom of Hades. The area was first described in Homer’s Odyssey during Odysseus descent into Hades. Beaches Along the coastal route from Preveza to Parga are sixty kilometers of stunning beaches, where the perfectly clear turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea alternate with pine forests that touch the sea, giving visitors a variety of places to stay and relax. Kyani Akti, Alonaki, Monolithi, Kanali, Kastrosykia, Artolithia, Riza, Lygia, Vrachos, Loutsa, Alonaki, Skala, Odysseas Bay, Ammoudia will satisfy all tastes and desires. .