General Information
Once the first capital of the Macedon kings, the Prefecture of Imathia is one of the most prominent prefectures of Macedonia. To the south it shares borders with the prefecture of Pella, to the east with the prefecture of Thessaloniki, to the west with the prefecture of Kozani, and to the southeast with the prefecture of Pieria. Imathia holds its charms all seasons of the year. There are two organized skiing resorts atop Mount Vermion, both of the highest standards. The joys of skiing are available here for everyone, as organized pistes operate for all levels of skill, from novice to pro. Those who seek unique adventuring in the mountains can find it within the fabulous cedar and fir forests. The ancient city of Vergina is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Greece. The population of the prefecture reaches is about 140000 residents, while its extent covers 1700 sq.km.
History - Culture
As related in ancient tradition, the legendary king of Macedonia Veris had three children, who were Mieza, Veria and Olganos. The two most significant centers of the prefecture, Veria and Naoussa, were named after his two daughters (due to the extensive ruins situated among Naoussa and Lefkadia archaeologists tend to believe that Naoussa and the ancient city of Mieza are one and the same. The area has been inhabited since the prehistoric times, but it began to flourish early into the Iron Age, and continued to do so in the Macedonian Years. The first capital of Macedon, ancient Aeges is believed to be situated within or near the archaeological site of Vergina, and the splendid findings of its royal tombs are brilliant remnants of that time. Among others, king Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great, was buried here. As Greece fell into decline, the age of Rome came, and all through this period and thereafter, the history of the region was directly related to the history of the city of Veria, which also was the first Macedonian city conquered by the Romans (168 BC). In the following years, Veria became a major Macedonian city, second in importance only to Thessaloniki, while in 54 AD St. Paul visited it, delivering his Holy Word. Veria developed into a even more significant center during the Byzantine period, and its prosperity was not affected by the Bulgarian and Frankish attacks. Unfortunately, in the 15th century it fell to the Turks, along with the rest of Greece and the last remnants of the once admired Byzantine Empire. Its inhabitants took an active part in the Greek War of Independence in 1821, and fought constantly ever since, until October 1912, when Veria was finally liberated and incorporated into the Greek State.
Sights
The prefecture of Imathia combines ideally fascinating landscapes and archaeological monuments of great significance. In Veria, there are remains of the walls which held off invaders in ancient times, and the Macedonian tomb of the 3rd century BC next to the bridge of the Aliakmonas river. Visitors can also see no less than 51 Byzantine (3rd-15th century) and post-Byzantine (15th-18th century) churches, the Jewish Quarter with the beautiful mansions of the 18th and 19th century, and the picturesque old marketplace, situated near the old cathedral. The Monastery of Panagia Soumela, a noted place of pilgrimage, is situated in the mountainous village of Kastania. In Kato Vermion, an ideal winter resort, the Gorge of Seli, 5km long, is definitely worth visiting, and so are the caves in the areas of Siambali and Prionia. Lefkadia is situated in an area of great archaeological interest. The site of ancient Mieza is believed to be located between Lefkadia, Naoussa and Kopanos, while visitors can admire the impressive findings of the Macedonian tombs. Naoussa is built in a beautiful natural environment and visitors can see the Stoumbanoi Waterfall, where the women of Naoussa ceremonially drowned in suicide in order to save themselves from the tender mercies of the Turks, the Park, the mineral water spring and the green-clad area with the church of Aghios Nikolaos. There is also a cave with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, the remains of Roman structures, charming chapels and the wine factory of the noted Boutaris family, one of the greatest wine producers in Greece. The site of the most ancient known agricultural settlement in Europe (dating as far back as 7000 BC), along with Sesklon in Thessaly, is in Nea Nikomidia. In Rodochori, one can see the Monastery of Aghios Georgios and the Neolithic cave discovered in 1963. But what really stands out is the famous site of ancient Vergina, an archaeological site with great fame worldwide. Visitors are advised to see the extensive remains of the royal ancient city of Aeges with the acropolis, the theatre, the mosaics (only one has been fully preserved) and the magnificent Macedonian royal tombs. Much of the area has not been excavated yet, and every year new magnificent items come back into the light. There are still some who believe that the tomb of Alexander the Great must be in this area, near the tomb of his father and his ancestry, though others find this impossible, and seek the resting place of the greatest conqueror in the history of mankind in the east.
Entertainment-Sports-Shopping
Imathia offers fine services to its visitors, supported by an adequately developed infrastructure. In addition to the cities of Naoussa and Veria, accommodation, entertainment and shopping facilities can be found in many other places of the prefecture, such as in Vergina, Alexandria, and in the winter resorts. The region is renowned for its hand-made rugs, carpets, and blankets, while it is also well known for its excellent wine and fruits. Visitors should taste at least once some of the local specialties, which are fried trout, bean soup, pies and ravani (a delicious sweet doused in syrup). Yet, we should not fail to mention the traditional festivities held in Imathia, as they are particularly colorful and attract many visitors. There are a lot of festivals held throughout the region but the most celebrated ones are those realized in Meliki and Naoussa during the Carnival. They are representations of traditional customs dating from ancient times and the years of Turkish occupation. It is believed that they reflect ancient customs with remarkable accuracy, offering cultural insights rarely available. As for a successful combination of exercise and amusement, there are tennis courts in Veria, while winter sports are very popular and fully available. There are two well organized and equipped ski resorts on Mount Vermion and four refuges for mountain climbers, offering protection from heavy weather or a pleasant stay in the heart of the mountain.
Access
There are frequent bus services from Athens and Thessaloniki to Veria and Naoussa all year round. Trains depart daily from Athens and Thessaloniki to Veria.
Connections
Frequent bus services link Veria, Edessa, Kozani on a daily basis. There is a railway connection with Edessa, Kozani and Florina, trains departing from Veria and Naoussa.
Museums
In Veria there is an interesting Archaeological Museum and in Naoussa the Folk Art Museum can be visited. The archaeological site of Vergina also operates as a museum, hosting one of the richest collections of golden items ever found in ancient tombs on a worldwide basis.
Alternative Tourism
Cultural, archaeology, canyoning, ecotourism, agrotourism, sporting (mountain climbing, mountain bike, trekking, ski).
Useful Telephone Numbers:
VEROIA AREA CODE: 23310-
POLICE STATION: 23310-76643
MUNICIPALITY: 23310-59520
TAXI STATION: 23310- 62555, 62666, 24343
HOSPITAL: 23310-59100
MUSEUM: 23310-24972
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 23310-36153
POST OFFICE: 23310-20664
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