One of the oldest cities in Greece which is still inhabited is Thebes. It is 92 kilometers away from the capital and it is the biggest city in East Boeotia.
The modern city is built on the ruins of Ancient Thebes, the remains of which are obvious and reveal the rich history of the area. The ancient city, Kadmeia, was named after Cadmus, its founder. The city had been inhabited since the Neolithic period and the oldest monument is the Mycenaean Palace, Kadmeio. Very close to Thebes, there is the Sanctuary of Kaveiroi, devoted to the deities Kaveiros and Pais.
On the hill of Kadmeia there is the Archaeological Museum of Thebes, which presents the local history with exhibits from the Paleolithic to the Post Byzantine era. Every, at about the end of December, the Lap of Kadmeia is held, a running event around the gates of Kadmeia.
Thebes remains loyal to its local traditions, by following the custom of the Vlach Wedding, during the last days of the Carnival and on Clean Monday, with the participation of the whole city. Pindareia is also a very popular festival; it is organized every summer and exhibitions, theatrical performances as well as concerts with artists from the whole country take place.