Xanthi

OLD TOWN
The historic settlement of Old Town is located in the northern part of Xanthi and rises above the modern city centre. The remains of the Old Town’s boundaries create a green belt which closes the urban area of the city. The majority of its architectural substance dates back to late 18th century.
Old Town is a mixed area, in part residential, partly administrative and cultural centre. Northern borders are populated by low income residents; the area becomes more spacious, richer and better preserved as proceeding to the south.
This unique potential pole of attraction was derelict, isolated and threatened by complete abandon. When the tobacco industry gave up to decline, poor population and national minorities took over the area and, due to the lack of funds for the renovations and improvements, the Old Town reached high level of neglect.

TOBACCO MANUFACTURES
The old industrial centre is located in the southern part of the central sector, bordering contemporary city centre from the north, and is surrounded by residential areas, being a multifunctional area of residential, trade and light industry units.
The area is gifted with unique buildings of tobacco warehouses dating back to late 18th century, including the unique heritage of the retarded industrialization patterns.
Currently the area is used by private enterprises and as location for temporary and permanent services; partly neglected, remains in search for new functions. It suffers from the density of derelict constructions, influencing the general image of the city; new constructions are massive and degrade the aesthetics of the area. Suitable green, open spaces and parking lots are missing as well.

DROSERO
The informal, low quality settlement of Roma community, located at the south-eastern part of the city is surrounded by old industry and rural areas. The railway lines separate it from the rest of the city, enforcing the impression of separation of Drosero. It faces general difficulties connected to non-integrated immigrant community, illegal residential structures and missing infrastructure. The area lacks proper planning and control over individually demanded and introduced changes. The population is instable, due to the temporary job market fluctuations.