All roads lead to Rome. Because in the 1^st century AD, Emperor Augustus raised the Golden Milestone monument in the Roman Forum, marking the origin of all roads.

The Roman Empire’s most strategic road, the Via Appia in Italy becomes the Via Egnatia upon crossing the Adriatic Sea.

The Via Egnatia runs the entire length of the Balkans. It connects Rome to the great cities of Thessaloniki and Constantinople – the “New Rome” founded by Emperor Constantine, now modern Istanbul. And everywhere in-between.

Today, traces of the original Via Egnatia still remain in the bustling Greek city of Kavala, the ancient Neapolis where the Apostle Paul once preached.

However, the Via Egnatia’s cobblestones aren’t quite as easy to find as another Roman inspiration here: the Old Aqueduct of Kavala.

Or as the locals simply call it, “the Arches.”

First built by the Romans, later renovated by the Byzantines, the restored stone aqueduct dates from the Ottoman centuries.

The impressive expanse curves 919 feet (280 m) long and rises 82 feet (25 m) high. Sixty arches enhance the elegance.

Although the aqueduct no longer functions as a water bridge, pedestrians and vehicles still flow through it daily.

Located in Greece’s most remote region, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Kavala is far off the tourist track.

Yet for us, uncovering gems like these ancient traces in modern places is well worth wandering off the beaten path.

Reader, here’s to discovering treasures that inspire and delight, in travel and in life.

Until next time,

Travel on, sparkle on, meaningfully✨

Marilee + Paul Kostadimas
Spotlight Sojourns | Slow Travel
​with the Hidden Gemologists®

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PS: If you’d like to learn more, click HERE to read our article “Bridges in Greece: Famous Spans and Historic Hidden Gems.”​

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