7th Primary School of Kavala

Places

Lighthouse School

Between the church of Panagia and the sea, not far from the lighthouse, stands the 7th Primary School of Kavala—a building that carries the weight of history and the laughter of generations. Locals call it the “Lighthouse School” because of its proximity to the landmark. This school was born out of a period of rebuilding and hope.

Construction of the school began in 1928, after the big influx of population and infrastructure that followed the arrival of the refugees from Asia Minor. The building was designed and built by civil engineer Konstantinos Maniadakis and opened around 1930.

From the start the 7th Primary School was co-educational, an innovative and inclusive decision for the time. It became a safe and nurturing environment for children whose families had gone through displacement and hardship. More than a school it was a cornerstone of community rebuilding, offering not only education but also stability in a time of great uncertainty.

The school got its nickname the “Lighthouse School” because of its proximity to the famous Kavala Lighthouse. Its location in the historic Panagia district gave it not only physical prominence but also symbolic meaning: it was a light guiding the way for a whole generation of young learners.

History & Culture

The founding of the 7th Primary School is closely related to the broader historical narrative of Kavala during the interwar period. The influx of refugees changed the demographics of the city and created a big need for new public services, especially in education. This school was one of the first built to address that need.

During the Axis occupation of Greece (1941-1944) the building was forced to change its role. Like many public institutions at the time it was taken over by the German military, likely for administrative and strategic purposes. Despite this dark chapter the building endured and with the end of the war it went back to its original role as a place of learning.

The school’s endurance through war, displacement and reconstruction speaks to the resilience of the local community and the importance of education in social cohesion. It’s a tangible link to a period of hardship that shaped modern Kavala.

Local Interest

Today, the 7th Primary School continues to function, albeit more quietly than in its early years. Its nearness to the Kavala Lighthouse, Panagia Church, and other landmarks in the old town makes it an interesting stop for those exploring the district on foot.

Not a tourist site in the classical sense the school’s unassuming façade hides a rich and layered history. For those interested in refugee history, urban development or education in interwar Greece the Lighthouse School offers a poignant glimpse into how local institutions helped Kavala recover and grow during a critical period.