Agia Varvara Park

The park covers an area of 60 acres and its name comes from Saint Barbara the Patroness of the city. The church of Agia Varvara is located inside the park and is largely related to the history of the city.

According to legend, when the Turks, during the Ottoman Empire, tried to demolish the church and build a mosque, the church was covered by the water of the lake and thus survived this unholy transformation. The citizens saw this as a miracle and celebrate Saint Barbara every year on December 4 by lighting candles and leaving them on small paper or wooden boats on the surface of the lake, creating a wonderful scene.

In the park the visitor can enjoy the tranquility of the natural environment, walk around various trees and bushes, relax with the sound of small rivers and observe many ducks and swans in the lakes. Last but not least one can sit and drink coffee in one of the park’s cafes.