Khalkís (Khalkída), chief town and port of the nomos of Euboea (which also includes the Petali Islands and Skyros), is attractively situated on a number of hills around the strait of Évripos, to the west of the ancient city. Its situation at the closest point to the mainland led to the development of a harbor at a very early stage, and by 411 B.C. the town was also linked with the mainland by a timber bridge. At that time too the coastline was extended into the sea by the deposit of soil, thus further securing the vital connection with Boeotia against hostile attack.
A rocky islet, on which is the Turkish fort of Karábaba, divides the strait into a western arm, now landlocked, and the broader eastern arm, spanned by a traversing bridge.
The Évripos is noted for its alternating currents, which change at least four times a day, and sometimes up to 20 times. The phenomenon, which was remarked on in ancient times, is thought to be due to interaction between the tides and areas of stagnant water.
The Latin alphabet is based on the script of ancient Chalkis.
On a projecting spur of rock above Fylla, three km/two mi east of Khalkís, stands the well preserved 13th century Venetian castle of Lílanto, now known as the Kastélli.
At the east end of the bridge at Khalkís, almost surrounded by the sea, is the Kástro, the old Venetian and Turkish town, which still preserves remains of its walls. In the south of the old town is the church of Ayia Paraskeví (originally fifth-sixth C.) the principal church in Venetian times, which was rebuilt by the Crusaders in Gothic style (rare in Greece) in the 14th century. Part of aqueduct which brought water to the town from Mt Dírfys can still be traced in the suburban district.
The Chalkís Archaeological Museum contains the findings from ancient Evvoian sites. Exhibits include early Helladic items from Manika (3rd millenium B.C.), pottery, bronze figures, coins and other items.
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Greek National Day (March 25), May Day / Labor Day (May 1), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26), Easter - Christian
Tips: Admission is free on Sundays from November to March.
Adjoining the old town of Khalkís is the busy Proasteion (suburban district), with the town's main square, the Archeological Museum (material from Eretria), the Museum of Medieval Art (in a restored mosque which was converted in 1470 from the church of San Marco di Negroponte) and a beautiful Turkish fountain.
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