1st Primary School of Alexandroupoli: The "School of Necessity" that Became History
About
Where: 28is Oktovriou 25 (City centre, just 2 minutes from the port)
Status: Listed historic building / Currently houses the 1st Experimental Primary School
In the heart of Alexandroupoli, just metres from the sea, stands one of the very few surviving public buildings from the 1920-1940 period. The 1st Primary School (which today shares its premises with the 8th Primary School) is not merely a place of education, but a living monument to the city's modern history, inseparably linked to the arrival and integration of the refugee Greek population.
From Fishing Village to Refugee Capital
To understand the building's significance, we need to look at the city at the moment of its birth. Until 1871, the settlement was a humble fishing village named Dedeagach. The arrival of the railway changed things, but the real demographic explosion came after 14 May 1920, with the liberation and integration of the city into the Greek state.
Immediately afterwards, thousands of refugees arrived in waves from Asia Minor and Eastern Thrace. The new Greek administration faced an enormous challenge: housing, caring for and educating these people. As part of this titanic effort, the state began building the first schools. The 1st Primary School is the oldest of them, opening its doors to students in 1928.
The Architecture of Survival
Unlike other cities, where schools of the period followed an imposing neoclassical style meant to inspire awe, the 1st Primary School was built with a different philosophy.
It is a plain, two-storey, stone building with a simple tiled roof. It has no ornate pediments or classical-style columns. It is a "school of necessity", built quickly and practically to shelter and educate the refugee children who had just arrived in their new homeland. It is precisely in this architectural humility that its immense historical value lies. It stands as a symbol of survival and the will to rebuild.
Today, it belongs to the same select list of the city's protected historic sites, alongside the Old Hospital and the Municipal Garden, making it one of the few architectural imprints of the interwar period to survive intact.
Historical Timeline (1920 - Today)
- 1920-1940 (The Refugee Years): The building is designed and operates as the first major hub of basic education for refugee children. It becomes the centre of social life for the new neighbourhood.
- 1941-1944 (Bulgarian Occupation): The school's darkest period. The occupying forces impose the Bulgarisation of the area, seize public buildings, and Greek-language education operates under enormous difficulty, often in secret or not at all.
- 1950-Today (From Reconstruction to Innovation): After the war, the building is repaired and continues its role without interruption. Today, it not only preserves its historical prestige but houses the 1st Experimental Primary School of Alexandroupoli, linking the story of a school of necessity with the cutting edge of modern educational innovation.
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- 28ης Οκτωβρίου 25, Αλεξανδρούπολη
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- historic-building
Weather in Alexandroupoli
LiveFrom April to June and from September to October you get warm days, calm sea, and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and busy along the seafront, while winters stay mild but rainy.
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Alexandroupoli's Prefecture Building, also known as the Evros Administration House, is one of the city's characteristic public buildings and a place of particular historical and cultural significance. Today's building stands on the same site as the historic Administration House, continuing the site's administrative and public presence. The history of the site is closely linked to the physician Alexandros Kritis, one of the people who left a significant mark on Alexandroupoli's history. Alexandros Kritis and the "Villa of Doctor Alexandros Kritis" Alexandros Kritis was a physician who settled in Alexandroupoli and became involved in the city's social and public life. His residence, referred to in historical sources as the "Villa of Doctor Alexandros Kritis", acquired particular importance. Kritis donated his residence to the Greek State so that it could be used for a public purpose. This donation was linked to the creation of the Administration House and is the main reason his name is still preserved in the history of the site today. Today, the memory of Alexandros Kritis is kept especially alive at the Prefecture Building. The hall on the second floor bears the name "Alexandros Kritis Hall", in honour of the great donor, while the space also hosts an excerpt of his will. The building's own historical presentation includes a permanent photo exhibition narrating the evolution of the site, starting from the Villa of Alexandros Kritis, continuing with the old Prefecture, and ending with today's building. The old Prefecture The historic Administration House that followed the donation was a distinctive two-storey wooden building in baroque style. According to historical records, the building had initially been used as the Russian Consulate, and after the city's liberation it was used as the Administration House. For many years it served as an important administrative centre of Alexandroupoli and housed services of the Evros Prefecture. The building was also linked to significant events in the city's modern history. Eleftherios Venizelos spoke to the residents of Alexandroupoli from its balcony during his visit to the city in 1930. The old wooden building no longer survives today. It was demolished and the newer Prefecture building was built on its site. Today's Prefecture Building Today's Prefecture Building stands on the same site as the historic Administration House, at Vasileos Alexandrou 26. The Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace officially records it as the Prefecture Building, while documents of the Regional Unit of Evros refer to it separately from the central building of the Regional Unit of Evros at Karaoli & Dimitriou 40. The new building was erected on the site of the old Prefecture and represents the modern continuation of the site's administrative use. The history of the old building has not been lost, as it has been preserved in the new Prefecture Building through photographic and historical material. Of particular interest is the permanent photo exhibition that records the site's journey: from the original Villa of Doctor Alexandros Kritis, to the old Prefecture, and finally to today's building. Marble plaques bearing the names of appointed and elected local government officials have also been placed in the same space. A place of administration but also of culture The Prefecture Building is not exclusively an administrative space. Its halls and spaces have repeatedly been used for painting exhibitions, photographic and visual arts presentations, talks, conferences, lectures, cultural events and other public activities. Notably, in 2025 the Prefecture Building hosted a painting exhibition by the Alexandroupoli Visual Arts Association, while informational and social activities were also held in the same space. The Prefecture Building has also been used for lectures and educational activities. The "Alexandros Kritis" Hall, on the second floor, has repeatedly hosted lectures by the Region's Lifelong Learning Structure, as well as other public events. The building's courtyard has also been used for cultural events, among others within the framework of the Via Egnatia Festival. In the courtyard there is also a faithful replica of the Winged Victory of Samothrace, an element that symbolically connects the building and the city with neighbouring Samothrace and one of the most important works of ancient Greek art. From the Villa to the Administration House and today's Prefecture Building The history of the site can be seen as a journey through three stages: Villa of Doctor Alexandros Kritis → historic Administration House / old Prefecture → today's Prefecture Building. This makes the site particularly interesting for the history of Alexandroupoli. It is not simply a modern public building, but a place that reflects the city's transition from the early period of its development to its modern administrative identity. The presence of Alexandros Kritis, the history of the old Administration House, the visit of Eleftherios Venizelos, the permanent photo exhibition, and the site's present-day use for administrative as well as cultural activities together form a significant part of Alexandroupoli's historical memory. Information Name: Alexandroupoli Prefecture Building. Alternative name: Evros Administration House. Type: Historic site / Public building. Address: Vasileos Alexandrou 26, 681 32 Alexandroupoli. Contact The Prefecture Building hosts different services, so there is no single phone number for all of its functions. Office of the Deputy Regional Governor of the Regional Unit of Evros - Phone: 25513 50452 Directorate of Development of the Regional Unit of Evros - Phone: 25513 50509, Email: anaptixi.evrou@pamth.gov.gr Directorate of Transport & Communications of the Regional Unit of Evros - Phone: 25513 50556, Email: metaforonevrou@pamth.gov.gr Directorate of Rural Economy & Veterinary Affairs of the Regional Unit of Evros - Phone: 25513 57147, Email: papadakis@pamth.gov.gr Official website of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace: pamth.gov.gr Regional Unit of Evros: pamth.gov.gr/perifereiaki-enotita-evrou
0.24 km
NEWArchaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Alexandroupoli is the city's main museum for the archaeological history of Evros and wider Thrace. Its collections present the region's course from prehistoric times through to the Roman era, through archaeological finds from different parts of Evros. From Prehistory to Roman Times A visit to the museum helps visitors understand the region's archaeological continuity, long before the founding of modern Alexandroupoli. The exhibits are linked to important archaeological sites and settlements of Evros, presenting aspects of the daily life, economy, religion, art and burial customs of the people who lived in Thrace. Of particular interest are the finds from ancient Zone, one of the region's most important archaeological sites, as well as objects from other Evros locations. A Museum for the History of Thrace The museum has particular value because it doesn't simply present isolated archaeological objects. The finds are placed within Thrace's historical and geographical context, helping visitors understand the evolution of the societies that lived in the region. For a visitor to Alexandroupoli, it is therefore a good starting point before an excursion to archaeological sites in the wider area, such as Zone, Mesimvria and Traianoupoli. The Building The museum is housed in a modern building at Leoforos Makris 44, a short distance from the centre of Alexandroupoli. It isn't a historic building, but a purpose-built museum space hosting the region's archaeological collections. Is It Worth Visiting? Yes, especially if you want to get to know the region's ancient history and not just modern Alexandroupoli. It is also one of the sights that can serve as an introduction to the archaeological sites of Evros.
1.77 km
NEWCappadocian Folklore Museum
At the Cappadocian Hearth (Kappadokiki Estia), at Mitropoulou 1, the Folklore Museum of the Cappadocian Association of Evros operates. It is a small but especially interesting space that keeps alive the memory and cultural heritage of the Cappadocian refugees who settled in the area after being uprooted. The museum opened in 2008 and is housed in a basement space of about 150 sqm. The exhibition is designed in a reconstructive way, based on testimonies from people who lived in Cappadocia as well as historical records, so that visitors get a picture not just of objects but of life in Cappadocian communities. A Small Journey to Cappadocia The exhibition is distinctive because it isn't limited to display cases of objects. It creates reconstructions of spaces and everyday activities, transporting visitors into the atmosphere of a Cappadocian village. Among other things, it presents reconstructions of houses, interiors, courtyard gates and courtyards, as well as tools and objects linked to people's daily work. Refugee Heirlooms Of particular value are the objects that refugees brought with them from Cappadocia and that were preserved by later generations. The collection includes traditional costumes, quilts, rugs, furniture, jewellery, photographs, books in Karamanlidika script, and everyday objects. There are also church heirlooms, such as pectoral icons and Metropolitan bishops' crosses. A special place in the exhibition is held by a small chapel with icons saved during the uprooting from Cappadocia and carried by refugee families. These heirlooms carry not only folkloric value, but also stand as testimonies to the history of people forced to abandon their ancestral homes. Cappadocian Heritage in Evros The presence of Cappadocians in Evros is part of the wider history of refugee settlement that followed the forced population movements of the early 20th century. The museum thus functions as a space preserving a community's collective memory, presenting elements of Cappadocia's life, faith, family, work and customs. For a visitor to Alexandroupoli it is interesting precisely because it presents a different facet of the city's history: the refugee communities and traditions that were carried to Thrace and became part of local society. A Small Museum With Personal Stories Its size shouldn't give the impression that it is merely a small collection. The reconstructive presentation, and above all the families' personal objects, make the visit more experiential and human. It is a museum especially worthwhile for anyone interested in refugee history, folklore, Cappadocian tradition, and the history of the communities that settled in Evros.
1.75 km
NEWSaint Euplus
The chapel of Saint Euplus stands at the edge of Alexandroupoli's port, right next to the sea. It is a small but particularly distinctive chapel, directly linked to the maritime tradition of Thrace and the historical memory of Ainos in Eastern Thrace. Today's chapel was built in 1997-1998, on the initiative of the Hellenic Museum of Ainos of Alexandroupoli and in cooperation with the Municipality of Alexandroupoli. It is an identical replica of the historic chapel of Saint Euplus that stood at the port of Ainos, in Eastern Thrace. The choice of Saint Euplus is not accidental. Ainos was an important maritime centre and Saint Euplus was considered the patron saint of sailors. The old church stood at the edge of the port of Ainos and was symbolically linked to the departure of ships. The Greek phrase "ef plou" essentially means "safe voyage", "good sailing". Thus, creating a corresponding chapel in Alexandroupoli carries this maritime tradition from the old to the new homeland of the people of Ainos. Saint Euplus Saint Euplus was a deacon and martyr of the Church, who lived in Catania, Sicily, during the era of Emperor Diocletian. His memory is honoured on 11 August. His feast day at the Alexandroupoli chapel is a special moment every summer. A festive Vespers, Divine Liturgy and other religious events take place at the chapel. The feast also holds particular significance for the descendants of the people of Ainos who settled in Alexandroupoli after the population exchange. Indeed, during the 2025 celebration a memorial service was also held for the Ainiot ancestors, directly linking the saint's feast day with the memory of the old homeland. The connection with Ainos The relationship of Saint Euplus with Alexandroupoli therefore runs much deeper than the presence of a small church on the seafront. Many residents of Alexandroupoli have roots in Ainos, as families from Ainos settled in the area after the population exchange. Rebuilding the chapel at Alexandroupoli's port was a way of keeping alive the memory of the old homeland and its maritime tradition. Ainos was a significant maritime power and was also linked to the Greek Revolution of 1821. Shipowners and sailors from Ainos took part in the Struggle, contributing a large number of ships. Thus, the small chapel at the edge of the port today serves as a symbol of maritime tradition, refugee memory, and Alexandroupoli's historical relationship with Ainos. A distinctive spot on the seafront Its location is particularly beautiful, standing at the edge of the port zone, right next to the sea, and it is one of the small spots worth seeking out while walking along the city's seafront. In 2026 it was also used as an event location for Alexandroupoli Maritime Week, while the Municipality has recorded the chapel as a venue for cultural and traditional events.
0.7 km
NEWHistoric Post Office Building of Alexandroupoli
One of Alexandroupoli's important historic buildings is the old Post Office, at the junction of Megalou Alexandrou and Nikiforou Foka streets, very close to the seafront. It is an early 20th-century building, linked for decades to the operation of the city's postal services, and stands today as one of the listed buildings of historic Alexandroupoli. One of the City's Oldest Buildings The building was built with rendered masonry, a raised ground floor and a distinctive central entrance reached by an external staircase. The façade is symmetrically arranged, with rectangular corner stones, a tiled roof and a perimeter parapet as distinctive features. Its architecture belongs to the city's historic building stock from the period when Dedeagach was developing into an important administrative, commercial and transport centre of Thrace. A Building With an Important Historical Path The building's history isn't limited to its function as a post office. During the period of the Inter-Allied Administration of Thrace, the building was used as the city's administrative headquarters. This is also linked to a particularly significant event in Alexandroupoli's modern history: photographic records exist from May 1920, when the French flag was lowered and the Greek flag raised, shortly before Greek troops entered the city and it was incorporated into the Greek state. The building is thus not only an example of Alexandroupoli's architectural heritage, but also a witness to a critical period in the city's history. A Listed Monument The building's shell has been designated a listed monument, by a ministerial decision published in 2013, with special terms and restrictions for its protection. The protection concerns its architectural and historical value, and places the Post Office among the buildings that keep living elements of old Alexandroupoli alive. Worth Noticing on a Walk The building sits in a spot that can easily be included in a historic walk through central Alexandroupoli. A short distance away are several other important buildings and monuments of the city, such as the Metropolis, the Leontarideios Urban School, the Court House, the Zarifeios Pedagogical Academy and other buildings linked to the city's history and architecture. For visitors it is more a historic building worth observing on a walk than a sight visited from the inside, unless a specific access opportunity exists.
0.15 km
NEWAlexandroupoli Fish Market
At the port of Alexandroupoli, next to where the fishing boats moor, stands the Alexandroupoli Fish Market (Ichthyoskala), one of the places that most directly connects the city to its fishing tradition. The facility serves fishermen and fish merchants from the wider area and is part of the city's port and fishing activity. From Fishing to the Market Fishing has been part of Alexandroupoli's history since the city's earliest years. The fish market was created to organise the gathering, trading and distribution of the catch arriving from the area's fishing boats. Its operation is therefore directly linked to fishermen, fishing boats and fish merchants, forming a space where fishing output becomes commercial activity. The Alexandroupoli Port Authority notes that the fish market's service building lies north of the seafront quay of the fishing boat marina, and serves fishermen and fish merchants of the wider area. A Different Side of the City The fish market is not a conventional sight, nor a touristy fish market designed for visitors. It is a space of professional fishing activity. This is exactly what makes it interesting. It shows a side of Alexandroupoli that visitors often don't see when they stick to the seafront, the cafés and the restaurants. Here lies a piece of the city's living economic and maritime life: fishing boats, fishermen, unloading the catch, and the commercial trading of fish. The Fish Market Today Alexandroupoli's fish market remains an official facility in the fish-market network of the Organisation of Central Markets and Fisheries (OKAA). OKAA lists the facility at the Port of Alexandroupoli and provides its contact details. However, the area's fishing activity has changed significantly compared to the past. An ERT3 report had already recorded, back in 2017, the decline in fishing output and the efforts of professionals to keep the activity alive. The same source recalls that fishing was among Alexandroupoli's earliest and most important activities. Can a Tourist Visit It? An important clarification is worth making here: this isn't a place where visitors can simply walk in and buy fish as at a municipal market. The fish market is a professional facility, and its operation concerns fishing production and wholesale trade. For visitors, it therefore makes more sense as a point of interest for getting to know the city's fishing side and seeing the fishing harbour area, without access to the working areas or a specific visiting schedule. A Piece of Authentic Alexandroupoli It isn't a monument or an impressive building. It is a place that shows how the city actually works, and where part of its relationship with the sea comes from. It can even be combined with a walk around the port area, where visitors can see up close the seafront zone, the fishing boats and the port's overall activity.
1.18 km
NEWSaint John the Theologian (Astochori)
A church in the village of Astochori, another point of the religious heritage of the countryside around Alexandroupoli.
13.72 km
NEWProskopon Park of Alexandroupoli
One of Alexandroupoli's most beautiful green spaces, ideal for a walk and coffee in the shade of the pines. Proskopon Park is one of the city's most beloved green spaces and a pleasant spot for a walk, relaxation and coffee under the trees. It is a short distance from the centre and a good choice when you want to step away from the city's bustle for a while without leaving it. A Green Space Within the City The park stands out for its dense vegetation, and especially for its tall pines, which provide shade and make the space pleasant even in the hot summer months. It's one of the places Alexandroupoli's residents go for a walk, some rest, or a coffee in a cooler, quieter setting. Oxygono Inside the park operates Oxygono, a popular dining and coffee spot that has become synonymous with the Proskopon Park experience. Especially in summer, the tables under the trees offer a different experience from the city's seafront cafés. It's a good choice for an afternoon or evening coffee, especially when you want some coolness and greenery. More Than a Park Proskopon Park has been linked for years to Alexandroupoli's social and cultural life. The space periodically hosts events, activities and gatherings, while its large size and natural setting make it one of the most important outdoor recreation spots near the centre. Its location is also especially convenient. It can easily be combined with a walk to the seafront avenue and the Lighthouse, creating a route that passes through greenery, the city, and finally the sea. When It's Worth It Most Summer is perhaps the best season to get to know the park. On hot days, the shade of the pines offers a pleasant alternative to the beach, while in the afternoon hours the park takes on a particularly beautiful atmosphere. For a relaxed stop: coffee at Oxygono under the pines. For a walk: strolling through the park and then heading towards the seafront and the Lighthouse. For families: the open space and greenery offer a calmer spot for some rest within the city. One of the Places Worth Getting to Know Proskopon Park isn't a sight in the classic sense. But it is a distinctive piece of everyday Alexandroupoli, and one of the places where you can see how residents enjoy their city.
1.12 km
NEWPanagia tou Evrou (Makri)
A church in Makri, one of the religious landmarks of the wider Alexandroupoli area, a worthwhile stop for those exploring Evros' small churches.
19.49 km
NEWCourthouse of Alexandroupoli
In Alexandroupoli's seafront zone stands the historic Court House, one of the distinctive buildings that preserve the image of the older city. The building stands out for its neoclassical form, symmetrical façade and tall columns, and today still houses judicial services. A Building With Over a Century of History The building's current form is not entirely from the same period. The ground floor was built in the 1910s, while the first floor was added in 1958. The building's present appearance is thus the result of different construction phases. There is also an important detail worth noting: the Court House was not the first building used for the city's judicial function. After Thrace's incorporation into Greece, the courts were initially housed in the old Ottoman courthouse, opposite the Academy, on the site of today's Magistrate's Court and near today's Independence Park. The need for a new court building had already become clear by the late 1920s, as the old Ottoman building had serious problems. Alexandroupoli's Judicial History The organised judicial presence in the city is directly linked to Thrace's incorporation into the Greek state. The 1920 legislative framework provided for courts to operate in the annexed areas, and in 1923 the Court of First Instance of Evros was established, seated in Alexandroupoli, along with the corresponding Magistrate's Courts of the region. The Court House is therefore part of the city's institutional history, not just an old building on the seafront. One of the Seafront's Distinctive Buildings Architecturally, the building belongs to Alexandroupoli's historic building stock. The symmetrical composition, columns and decorative elements of its façade give it a distinctive neoclassical appearance. The building itself has been recognised as one of the city's important architectural and historic buildings. Despite its age, it continues to be used for the administration of justice. The Alexandroupoli Bar Association is also headquartered at the Court House. A Building Worth Noticing on a Walk For visitors, it isn't a sight in the sense of a museum or a place visited from the inside. Its value lies mainly in its architectural and historical presence. It sits along the seafront route and can be part of a historic walk together with other distinctive buildings of old Alexandroupoli, such as the Historic Post Office, the Zarifeios Pedagogical Academy, the Leontarideios Urban School, the old National Bank building, and other buildings of the historic city.
0.28 km
NEWEcclesiastical Museum of Alexandroupoli
In the heart of Alexandroupoli, on the Metropolis square, stands the Ecclesiastical Museum of the Holy Metropolis of Alexandroupoli, one of the most important places to learn about the ecclesiastical and refugee history of Thrace. Since 1982 the museum has been housed in the Leontarideios School, a historic neoclassical building next to the Metropolitan Church of Agios Nikolaos, which has been designated a listed monument. The museum was founded in 1976, and its collection comprises more than 400 items of ecclesiastical art, gathered mainly from churches and monasteries of the ecclesiastical province of Alexandroupoli. Icons and Ecclesiastical Art At the core of the collection are portable icons, representing different categories and iconographic types of the Orthodox tradition. There are icons of Christ, the Virgin Mary and saints, iconostasis icons, pilgrimage icons, as well as post-Byzantine works. Most of the works date to the 18th and 19th centuries, with some older pieces reaching back to the 15th century. Of particular interest are the dedicatory inscriptions that preserve the names of painters, donors and sponsors, offering valuable information on the history and artistic output of the region. More Than Icons The collection is not limited to icons. It includes sacred vessels, priestly vestments, woodcarvings, liturgical books and early printed books, as well as other objects linked to the region's religious life and ecclesiastical tradition of Thrace. The exhibition is organised across eight rooms, each presenting a different facet of ecclesiastical art and heritage. Of special value are also the heirlooms brought by refugees from Eastern Thrace and other parts of wider Thrace, preserving not only the ecclesiastical but also the personal history of the communities that settled in the Alexandroupoli area. The Leontarideios School The building housing the museum is itself worth noting. The Leontarideios School is an important part of the city's history and has been a listed monument since 1978. The museum moved in in 1982 and reopened in 2000, following conservation work on the building and its exhibits and a new museological presentation. Combine Your Visit A visit to the Ecclesiastical Museum can easily be combined with the Metropolitan Church of Agios Nikolaos, right next door. The church was founded in 1892 and inaugurated in 1901, and is one of Alexandroupoli's most important historical and religious monuments. The church also houses the important carved wooden icon of Panagia Trifotissa, brought to Alexandroupoli by refugees from Ainos and dating to the late 13th century. A visit to the Metropolis square can thus become a small cultural walk combining the Metropolitan Church of Agios Nikolaos, the Ecclesiastical Museum, and the history of Thrace's refugee communities. Why It's Worth Visiting The Ecclesiastical Museum is particularly interesting for those who want to learn about the history of Thrace through objects preserved from churches, monasteries and refugee families. The icons, vestments, liturgical objects and early printed books are not merely works of art, but testimonies to the religious life and historical journey of the region's communities.
0.79 km
NEWThe House of Antoinette
One of Alexandroupoli's distinctive historic houses is home to the Greek-French Friendship Association "La Maison d'Antoinette", a space dedicated to the French language, French culture, and bringing the two cultures together. The house belonged to Antoinette Demtzian (Demtsan), one of Alexandroupoli's most notable French language teachers. In her will she bequeathed her residence to the Municipality of Alexandroupoli, wishing it to be used for foreign language learning and as a library. Antoinette Demtzian Antoinette Demtzian lived in Alexandroupoli and was especially associated with teaching French. The Association's own sources describe her as the city's first, and especially beloved, French teacher. Her residence is therefore more than just an old building. It is linked to a specific figure in local history and to the city's educational and cultural life. After her death, the Municipality of Alexandroupoli accepted the bequest, and the house took on the role she had envisioned in her will. The current address is Tsimiski 20, though older documents refer to it as Tsimiski 14, due to later renumbering. For Antoinette Demtsian's full biography and her connection to the city's other great benefactors, see the feature Antoinette Demtsian: the first French teacher . The Greek-French Friendship Association The Greek-French Friendship Association "La Maison d'Antoinette" was founded on 9 June 2002 and has been headquartered in Antoinette's residence ever since. Its goal is to promote Greek-French friendship and spread the French language and culture in Alexandroupoli and the wider Evros region. The house thus functions as a small cultural and educational hub within the city. What Happens Today The Association organises activities throughout the year for children, young people and adults. Its activities include creative workshops on French language and culture, educational programmes for children, classes and introductory activities for French, seminars and workshops, book presentations, events for the Francophonie, French cinema, theatrical and cultural activities, and events around French gastronomy and tradition, such as the Galette des Rois and the Beaujolais Nouveau festival. These activities continue today. For example, in 2026 the space hosted educational workshops for children, and the Association also took part in Alexandroupoli's French School Festival. A Historic House With Living Use The interest of "La Maison d'Antoinette" lies precisely in the combination of history and contemporary cultural activity. It isn't a building preserved merely as a memory of another era. The residence of a significant educator of the city continues to be used for the purpose she envisioned: language, education, culture and communication between people. The building itself is also cited in records of Alexandroupoli's architectural heritage as a residence of historic and architectural value. A Different Kind of Alexandroupoli Sight Visitors don't go there for a classic museum exhibition, but to get to know a historic house linked to a figure from the city, which continues to be an active cultural space. It is also centrally located and can easily be included in a walk covering the historic buildings and sights of central Alexandroupoli.
0.8 km