The Perithori Fort of the Metaxas Line in Drama

The Perithori Fort is a defensive complex of the Metaxas Line in the Nevrokopi area, a short distance from the settlement of Perithori in Drama. It was built between 1937 and 1940, aiming to prevent enemy forces from moving towards the Kato Vrontou crossing, in conjunction with neighboring fortifications. Its main armament consisted of 18 artillery pieces, two machine gun nests, and three 37 mm anti-tank guns. The fort is historically significant for the resistance put up by its garrison during the German invasion of Greece in April 1941, as part of World War II. German forces began their assault on the fort on April 6, 1941, attempting to capture it with a large number of troops and inflicting disproportionate casualties. The climax of their effort occurred on April 7th, the second day of the German invasion, when an entire German company, specifically, the 5th Company of the 105th Regiment of the 72nd Division, managed to breach the fort’s tunnel of the battalion. Most of the men of that German company were killed both inside and outside the Perithori Fort. The company commander was also seriously injured within the fort and later died in its medical facility. Although the Perithori Fort was not overtaken by German forces, it was surrendered on April 10th, 1941, following the signing of the armistice between Greece and Germany after the fall of Thessaloniki. Pictured: A cemetery of German soldiers who were killed at the Perithori Fort and buried after April 10th. In the background, at the top of the hill, the Perithori Fort is visible. ©Municipal Photography Museum of Kalamaria ‘Christos Kalemkeris’.