We stay one day extra in Chalkis to have a better look at this old town. Already in ancient times the place was important for the narrow gap between the mainland and the Evia Island. Only 37 m. The first record of a bridge is from BC 411. Byzantine had a bridge built and the Ventians called the town Negroponte (Black bridge). The Ottomans captured the town in 1470 and it remained there till 1870. Today little is left of the old cultures and the town is modern. But we set out to find out to learn what old treasures had been.
The capping, turbans, of the Chalkis cemetary have an artistic quality but the main aim was to show the hierarchy in the ottoman society. These are the turbans on the graves. The one in the far right, in the middle, showed that there was a woman in the grave.
The lions of St Marcus. Flying lion with the bible in his hands.
Another view of the turbans on the graves.
The Ottomans built the Castle on top of a hill on the mainland.
View of the South Harbour seen from the Castle.
The archaeological museum. We entered a building which we thought was the museum but turned out to be the court house. We were stopped by a female police officer who asked us what we were looking for. This is a court with criminals she said. Next question, where do you come from. Sweden we said. How is the crises? She asked. We answered, is there a crises in Sweden, thinking something had happened. No, she said, only crises in Stupid Greece! Small encounters with locals are often most fun!
To celebrate Alex and John's third wedding anniversary we had some super sweet Greek cakes and coffee. When Alex turns 30 on the 4th it will be champagne!
Chalkis, Khalkis Halkis, call it what you may, it is a great town!
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