It is said that the name 'Drama' derives from the words 'Hydrama,' 'Dyrama,' or 'Hydor' (meaning 'water') due to the abundance of water in the region. The springs of the Agia Varvara park reinforce this theory, as they demonstrate that Drama is literally a city built on water. The main sources of these waters are found in Kipos and Agia Varvara. The lush Agia Varvara Park, with its towering plane trees, small lakes, and wooden bridges, certainly does not resemble a typical Greek city. It is Drama's signature landmark and has been included among the 60 most beautiful parks in Europe, as part of the Culture 2000 program. Here, the region's rich water resources and Drama's modern history are both on display. Water springs from various points, forming small lakes and waterfalls under the shade of ancient trees. The waters flow gently in some areas and noisily in others, branching out to cover the entire park. The crystal-clear waters of Agia Varvara are home to a diverse array of wildlife. In the evenings, one can spot crayfish and small minnows, while in the faster-moving streams, trout and chub thrive. The park takes its name from the Church of Agia Varvara, located within its grounds. Tradition holds that during the Ottoman occupation, when attempts were made to demolish the church to build a mosque in its place, the area was miraculously flooded by its flowing waters, saving the church from destruction. In remembrance of this miracle, on the eve of Agia Varvara’s feast day, December 3rd, the people of Drama light candles and place them on small boats that float on the lake, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Springs have always flowed in this area, and the renowned 17th-century Turkish traveller Evliya Çelebi described it vividly: 'There is no place like this, with springs and little lakes, neither in Rumelia, nor in Persia, Wallachia, Bukhara, Khorasan, or even Germany. From 100 springs, crystal-clear water gushes out, flowing into a large reservoir and from there into smaller ones. At least 100 springs pour into this basin, their waters as pure as crystal! From this main reservoir, the waters flow to others below, filling them as well. The water from these fairy-tale springs is delicious and cold, so cold that even in the height of summer, it freezes anyone who tries to drink it.' Even today, many springs still emerge in the area and flow southwest, exiting the city before emptying into the Aggitis River a few kilometres away. The park and its surrounding springs are home to numerous significant preserved buildings, a small open-air theatre, restaurants, and other recreational venues, as well as the Holocaust Memorial, dedicated to the memory of the Jewish population of Drama who were exterminated by the Nazis during World War II. 

Open: 24/7 Postal 

Code: 661 00 Drama