Feres

Feres is in Western Thrace. It has the most significant Byzantine monument in Thrace: the Monastery of Panagia Kosmosoteira.

Historically, the area formed part of a strategic frontier zone between Byzantium and later Ottoman territories. Today it remains lightly visited, with agriculture—especially crops and livestock—forming the backbone of the local economy.

Feres is located on the main road between Alexandroupolis (about 25 km west) and the Turkish border crossing at Kipi.

Feres is easily reached via the Egnatia Odos and regional roads.

Regular services connect Alexandroupolis with Feres and border villages.

The near airport is Alexandroupolis International Airport.

40.89398326.1704181 Monastery of Panagia Kosmosoteira. The main attraction is the Byzantine monastery of Panagia Kosmosoteira Monastery, founded in the 12th century by the sebastokrator Isaac Komnenos, a member of the imperial Komnenian dynasty. The katholikon is a large cross-in-square church with a dome and brick decorative detailing typical of middle Byzantine architecture. Inside, fragments of fresco decoration survive, along with reused architectural elements. The monastery once formed a major religious and administrative centre in Thrace and is one of the best-preserved Byzantine foundations in northern Greece. The surrounding monastic walls and later additions reflect centuries of continued use, although the complex is now quieter and partially restored.  (updated Jun 2026)