Religious Monuments
The city of Drama and its area received the word of the Gospel very early, since it is adjacent to Philippi, where the Apostle Paul in 49 AD founded the first Christian Church on European soil. For about nine centuries, ecclesiastically, Drama was subject to the Metropolis of Philippi, governed by the "arch pope" of the Metropolitan of Philippi, until 900 AD. The historical changes in the region, from time to time brought about significant changes in the geographical area and the title of the present Metropolis of Drama.
Several religious monuments are preserved in the area, with most still functioning today, despite their antiquity. The Holy Church of Saint Sophia is the oldest surviving building in Drama, with an age that already exceeds a thousand years. Other important churches of the city are that of the patron saint, Saint Barbara, located in the homonymous park, Holy Church of Supreme Brigadier Generals, located in the old town. Also, the Baptistery of Saint Lydia of Philippi which is located within walking distance of Drama and almost next to the archaeological site of Philippi. In the Museum of Ecclesiastical Art, you can see important exhibits of the metropolis.
The Monasteries of Drama are located at a short distance from the city and each one has an important history. In Monastery of Ascension of the Savior, the cell of Saint Georgios Karslides the Confessor is preserved, while Monastery of Eikosifonissa is the oldest active monastery in Europe.
