The panorama of a city that was and still is a meeting place for different customs and experiences – From the lifestyle of its residents, the enchanting nature, and the economy to its history, monuments, and modern culture.
We live in Preveza! So, what characterizes this city and what makes it stand out? Preveza, the capital of the regional unit and municipality of the same name, is located in the southwestern tip of Epirus. The population of the city exceeds 20,000 inhabitants, while the total population of the municipality is over 30,000, according to the latest census of 2021. The widely accepted view on the etymology of the word is that Preveza means passage and has Slavic origins. Indeed, it is a passage for people, cultures, experiences, customs, and traditions, with each group that has historically passed through here, and some of them made this place their home. The people of Preveza have been joined by those from Lefkada, Asia Minor, Pontus, Syrrako, Sarakatsani, those who came from nearby villages or chose to live in the city, all together creating a colorful ribbon that has a story to tell with each of its strands.

The place and the people

The relaxed pace of life, the quiet everyday routine, the short distances, and the easy transportation are the characteristics of our city that pleasantly surprise visitors who arrive here for the first time, especially those coming from large urban centers. These same features make it an ideal place for permanent residence for families with young children or for older individuals. Of course, these are just one aspect of the city. Preveza is also blessed with beautiful landscapes, lush nature, enchanting beaches, rich history, and monuments. The port, the historic center with its beautiful traditional buildings, the coastal promenade, and the picturesque tavernas and cafes in the cobblestone streets are some of the places that enchant visitors but are also enjoyed daily by its residents, who are themselves one of the city's advantages! Exceptionally hospitable, optimistic, and with a keen sense of humor, they are always willing to help you and make you feel at home.

the economy

As the capital of the regional unit, the city hosts the corresponding public services where a significant portion of the population is employed. In the private sector, we find workers in city businesses, the fish farming and hatchery sector in the Ambracian Gulf, fishermen, laborers in the industrial zone, and a significant number of farmers primarily engaged in tomato cultivation as well as other vegetables. The effects of the economic crisis that began in the previous decade are still evident in the city, with many closed shops remaining unleased and unemployment being a reality, especially during the winter months. However, there are encouraging signs from tourism, which has started to grow significantly in recent years. The increase in tourism businesses provides jobs for a significant portion of our city's residents, albeit during the summer months. Restaurants, entertainment venues, and the operation of the marina with activities developing in and around it create new jobs and offer professional opportunities and choices, helping to reduce the exodus of primarily young people to foreign countries or other cities in Greece.

Road connection

The fact that Preveza is becoming a favorite vacation spot for people coming from other regions of our country or from abroad raises the issue of their easy access to the area. Regarding air connectivity, Aktion Airport serves a large number of tourists coming from other countries, but it does not adequately meet the residents' needs for travel to other areas, especially in winter. However, the road connection with the rest of the country is also problematic, as the roads that would connect it with the main transportation axes of Western Greece have not been constructed or completed. This connection is a longstanding demand of not only the city's residents but also the entire regional unit. Another longstanding demand is the improvement of the hospital's building infrastructure and equipment, and addressing its understaffing in medical and nursing personnel, so that it can fully meet the needs of the local community.

The support of its university departments and, of course, our music school and the resolution of its housing issue.

Culture

Cultural creation is important nowadays, as both the Municipality of Preveza and cultural associations, as well as other organizations and individuals, are active in this field.

Among the events organized by the Municipality, we highlight the summer Festival of Prevezawith a variety of events that embrace all forms of art and cater to both amateurs and professionals. The Municipal Conservatory "Spyros Dimas" and our choir also have a particularly significant presence in the cultural activities. Many of the cultural events held in the city are complemented by the Municipality's dance groups, which also participate in numerous events outside of Preveza.

We couldn't fail to mention the Preveza Jazz Festival, an institution that celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. It takes place annually, usually at the end of May, and has hosted dozens of artists from the Greek and international music scene. The city also enjoys a touch of multiculturalism every summer with the international dance festival, which gathers dance groups from all over the world. This festival, organized by the Preveza Dance Club, is also celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The Preveza Film Club also plays a significant role in shaping the city's cultural identity, as does the Preveza Philharmonic "Orpheus," the oldest club in Epirus, which celebrated its centenary in 2022.

This tribute to the culture of our city would be incomplete without mentioning the "Preveza Women's Carnival," with a history of over 50 years, and the traditional "Koulouma" celebrated at Saitan Pazar in the city center, as well as the Sardine Festival, the great folk festival held at the end of summer.

SEESIGHTS

Numerous monuments adorn the wider area and the city of Preveza, spanning all historical periods. From the Necromanteion and Ancient Kassopi (near the village of Kamarina, where the monument for the Souliot women with the distinctive sculpture by George Zongolopoulos is located) in the region, to Ancient Nicopolis next to us, from Despo’s Castle to the Castle of Pantokrator and the other castles in the city (Saint George, Saint Andrew), from the early Christian churches of Nicopolis to the beautiful churches in the city, such as that of Saint Athanasios, there is always a monument to visit. If we add to these the city baths, the beach and the grove of Kyani Akti which is a breath away from the center, the picturesque alleys with the central Saitan Pazar, the Diavolopazaro, or the city beach with the Ambracian Gulf in front of it, then we gather many of the pieces of the puzzle that make up the image of today's Preveza.

So, this is our city! Beautiful, colorful, hospitable, embraced by the sea. Sometimes it may sadden us and send us away, sometimes we may hurt it and not take care of it as we should, but we always keep it in our hearts! We believe the verse from our great poet Yannis Ritsos perfectly expresses our relationship with our city: "This place is loved very much with patience and pride" (G. Ritsos, Our Land). Ο τόπος μας).

By Marianthi Kalli, Elena Kyrgiaki -tovima.gr