NOMOS EYVOIAS

CHALKIDA

Population (according to 2021 census): 64.490

History

The Diachronic History of Euboea and Chalkis: From the Abantes to the "Mad Waters" of the Euripus

Chalkis and Euboea: A Crossroads of Cultures at the Strait of Euripus

-Euboea, the second largest island in Greece, and its capital, Chalkis, are regions with a rich history, unique natural beauty, and an interesting tradition. -The history of Euboea and Chalkis is exceptionally rich and spans thousands of years. The strategic position of the island, and especially that of the Euripus Strait in Chalkis, made it a center of culture, trade, and conflict. -During the Bronze Age, Euboea was inhabited by the Abantes, who are mentioned by Homer as participants in the Trojan War, with King Elephenor. The Abantes are said to have founded the first cities, among them Chalkis and Eretria. -In the Geometric and Archaic periods (approximately 9th – 7th centuries BC), Chalkis and Eretria evolved into powerful naval and commercial forces. They were pioneers in the Great Greek Colonization, establishing the first Greek colonies in the West, such as Pithecussae (in Naples) and Cumae in Lower Italy. It is believed that the Euboean or Chalcidian alphabet, which they transmitted to the region, formed the basis for the Latin alphabet. -The development of the two city-states, Chalkis and Eretria, was interrupted by the Lelantine War, a long conflict for control of the fertile plain of the Lelas River. -With the rise of Athenian power, Chalkis was defeated (510 BC) and placed under its hegemony, with the settlement of Athenian cleruchs (colonists). In 323 BC, the philosopher Aristotle came to Chalkis, where he died a year later. The city was ultimately destroyed by the Romans in 200 BC, ushering in the period of Roman rule on the island. -During the Byzantine era, Chalkis was fortified and was often referred to as "Euripos." It served as the seat of the administrator (strategos) of the Theme of Hellas. -After the Fourth Crusade (1204), Euboea passed to the Franks and then to the Venetians, who named it "Negroponte." Chalkis became one of the most important commercial and military centers of the Venetian domain. From this period, among other monuments, the House of the Bailo (Venetian governor) and the Gothic church of Agia Paraskevi are preserved. -In 1470, after a long siege, the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II captured Chalkis (Negroponte). Euboea became part of the Ottoman Empire, with Chalkis (Egriboz) as the capital of the Pashalik of Egribos. The city acquired a strong oriental character, preserving monuments such as the Emir Zade Mosque and the Ottoman Fountain. -In Euboea, a revolution was organized by chieftains such as Angelis Govios and Nikolaos Kriezotis, but the strong Ottoman garrison in Chalkis made liberation difficult. -Chalkis was surrendered to the Greek army on April 7, 1833, and was incorporated into the newly established Greek state. In 1885, a large part of the Venetian walls of Chalkis was demolished to allow the city to expand. Today, Chalkis is the capital of the regional unit of Euboeia and remains a point of reference due to the tidal movement of the waters of the Euripus (the "mad waters").

Traditions

The Folklore of Euboea: Easter, Rain-Making, and Carnival Customs

From "Piperia" to the "Little Lanterns of Easter": The Living Customs of Euboea

-Euboea maintains some very distinct and interesting customs, while religious and cultural events are also organized across the island. -"Piperia" is a very ancient custom with a rain-making character, whose main purpose is to invoke natural forces for rain and a good harvest. It is revived in various parts of Euboea (Chalkis, Kerasia, Rovies, etc.) on May Day or, in the past, during the summer for the thirsty corn crops. -During the custom, a man dresses as "Piperos" with ferns from head to toe, so that he is invisible, and together with the "Farmer" and others, they go from house to house singing rain-invoking songs to ask God for rain and a good harvest. It is characteristic that the songs often have "spicy" (satirical and/or bawdy) content, which mainly concerns gender relations, thus linking the custom to ancient fertility festivals. At each house, the homeowner sprinkles the "Piperia" with water (symbolizing rain). Then, they treat them kindly, and they leave for the next house. -The "Little Lanterns of Easter" (Fanarakia tis Lambris) is one of the most impressive Easter customs of Euboea, revived every Easter Sunday in the village of Agios Aedipsos, in Northern Euboea. -The residents (of all ages) begin constructing the lantern-kites during Holy Week, using simple materials (paper, glue, wire). The goal is for the sky to be filled with "their own stars," offering a unique spectacle. The custom is a way for the residents to make "a wish to the Saint." -"Lazarakia" is a custom found in various villages of Northern Euboea (as well as in other regions of Greece) on Lazarus Saturday. -During the custom, young girls (the "Lazarines" or "Lazarakia") take two sticks, tie them crosswise, and form a doll, the "Lazaraki." Holding the doll and little baskets decorated with wildflowers, they go from house to house and sing the Lazarus carols, which speak of his Resurrection. The housewives give them eggs, money, or other food items as treats. On the same day, the housewives also prepare Lenten, slightly sweet breads in the shape of a person (symbolizing the resurrection of Lazarus). -A unique and particularly bold event in Northern Euboea, in Agia Anna, which has its roots in ancient Dionysian rituals, is the Bawdy Carnival. -It takes place on Clean Monday in the village square and dates back to the festivals of Dionysus, which were dominated by drunkenness, frenzied dances, and the satyrical, ribald songs of Agianna, full of obscenities and shamelessness (a fact that makes it unique in Greece). -It is a wild party where the boundaries of decency are non-existent, marking the end of meat-eating and the beginning of Lent.

Local products

Tastes of Euboea: A Variety from Mountain and Sea

The Secrets of the Island's Cuisine and Traditional Products

-Euboea, due to its large size and variety of landscapes (mountain and sea), possesses a rich gastronomic wealth and many traditional products of excellent quality. -Kymi Figs, recognized with the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), the dried figs from the areas of Taxiarchis and Kymi are perhaps the most famous product of the island. They are renowned for their exceptional taste and nutritional value. -Euboea is one of the largest beekeeping destinations in Greece. Mainly fir and pine honey (characteristic of northern Euboea) are produced, but also thyme honey. Royal jelly is also a significant product. -High-quality olive oil is produced all over the island, with areas such as Rovies being famous for their organic olives and olive products. -Livestock farming is developed, offering excellent cheeses, such as spicy Touloumisio cheese and various other local cheeses and myzithras (whey cheese). Also, from this product comes Tyropitari, a characteristic, fried pie with thin filo pastry and a rich filling, popular all over the island. -The area of Karystos is famous for its sun-dried wine, while in various parts of Euboea, modern wineries operate, producing award-winning wines. -The cuisine of Euboea is simple and relies on the quality of the ingredients. Due to the long coastline, fresh shellfish and fish are a staple, especially in coastal areas like Chalkis, Nea Artaki, and Rovies. Also, stuffed kid goat from Karystos and grilled meats (lamb, goat) are popular in the mountain villages.

Tourism

Euboea: A Bridge of History and Nature

Euboea: The Island of Contrasts

-Euboea, as the second largest island in Greece, boasts a huge variety of tourist destinations, combining mountain and sea. -Chalkis, as the capital of Euboea and the city separated from the mainland by the unique Euripus Strait, offers a rich combination of historical, cultural, and natural sights. -The unique tidal phenomenon of the "mad waters" in the Euripus Strait is the hallmark of Chalkis. The currents change direction with remarkable periodicity, usually every approximately 6 hours, flowing once towards the North and once towards the South. -The best vantage point to observe the phenomenon is the Old Sliding Bridge of Chalkis, which connects the city to the island and opens at regular intervals for the passage of ships. -The Karababa Castle dominates the hill of Kanithos on the opposite (Boeotian) coast. It was built by the Ottomans in the 17th century, based on designs by the Venetian architect Gerolimo Galopo. -The only surviving secular building in the city from the period of Latin rule (most likely the seat of the Venetian governor) is the House of the Bailo. -One of the oldest and most important monuments of the city is the Sacred Church of Agia Paraskevi. It is a large three-aisled basilica, with many Gothic elements from the period of Frankish rule. -The Emir Zade Mosque is an Ottoman mosque located in the square of Pesonton Opliton (Fallen Soldiers). It now operates as an exhibition space and hosts the print collection of Ioannis Karakostas. -The "Arethusa" Archaeological Museum of Chalkis is housed in a renovated industrial building (an old distillery). It presents the diachronic history of Euboea from prehistory to the modern era, with an emphasis on colonization, the dissemination of the Euboean alphabet, Negroponte, and the phenomenon of the Euripus. Additionally, the Folklore Museum of Chalkis is housed in one of the remaining bastions of the city's medieval castle, next to the Infantry School. -Northern Euboea is known for its rich, verdant nature and its thermal spring tourism. A central attraction is the Loutra Aedipso (Aedipsos Spa), a world-renowned spa town with therapeutic hot springs that attract visitors for wellness. At the same time, the area hosts landscapes of exotic beauty, such as the Lichadonisia, a complex of small islands with turquoise waters, often called the "Seychelles of Greece." The natural beauty is complemented by the Drymona Waterfalls within a dense forest, while picturesque towns like Limni Evias offer tranquility and a traditional atmosphere. -Southern Euboea is characterized by the wild beauty of the Aegean, its dramatic coastlines, and its ideal position for water sports. In the area of Marmari and Karystos, there are organized beaches that attract windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts, thanks to the strong winds. Beaches with clear waters, such as Korasida and Mourteri, offer views of the Aegean Sea, while the area around Cape Cavo D'Oro is popular for its rugged beauty and isolated beaches. Furthermore, the Dimosaris Gorge offers one of the most popular hiking trails on the island.