Free Tour Negroponte: A Venetian, Ottoman and modern Greek city.

There are no other tours of Chalkida except the ones I have been doing during the last few years. I have a Ph.D. in ancient history and archaeology with over 40 years of experience in leading educational tours in various Mediterranean and Middle East countries.

I come from an old Chalkida family and live in our medieval house. Therefore I have a particularly good insight into the ancient and modern town.

We begin the tour with a brief background into the modern history of Chalkida which mirrors all of Greece. Although much has been demolished, architecture serves as the best indicator of its recent past. I explain the origins and significance of Neoclassical architecture but do not neglect vernacular buildings as well as remnants of medieval ones. Most important of which are the Gothic church (with its unique intact roof timbers), a 17th-century mosque (now exhibiting old engravings and maps of the city) and a synagogue (serving one of the oldest surviving Jewish communities). The medieval moat which surrounded the city was the biggest feature but only remains in one section which now houses a small but excellent folk museum.

Under the old Evripus Strait bridge, one can see currents changing precisely every six hours. This confounded Aristotle so much that legend has it he committed suicide there by jumping into the fast-moving waters.

Finally, we visit the imposing intact citadel of the city with its spectacular views (including the Aulis Bay where ancient Greek ships gathered on their way to the Trojan War) and a superb exhibition of medieval finds. By then refreshments in the adjacent cafe overlooking the Evripus Strait is a perfect way to end the tour, talk about it and relax.