Macedonia Attractions Makedonía
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Extending from the Albanian frontier in the west to the river Néstos in the east and from the Yugoslav frontier in the north to Mt Olympus in the south, Macedonia is the largest region in Greece, with an area of 30,000 sq.
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Chalcidice
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Kastoria, Greece
A highlight of the town of Kastoriá are the many churches and chapels, many of which have notable wall paintings. It is located on the western shore of Lake Orestiada and offers trout fishing opportunities.
Edessa, Greece
Édessa is on the Salonica-Flórina road.The Macedonian town of Édessa (formerly known as Vódena) lies 70km/43mi west of Salonica on a terrace in the foothills of Mt Vérmion, above the Macedonian plain. With its abundant supply of water (falls on the river Voda), it is a popular summer resort. Until the finding of the royal tomb at Vergína Édessa was thought to be the ancient city of Aigai, capital of Macedon before the foundation of Pella.
Church of Dormition
In Domosa, near the Metropolitan's (Archbishop's) Palace, from which there is a magnificent prospect of the plain, stands the church of the Dormition (Kímisis tis Panayías), built on the site of a pagan temple, with frescoes.
Ancient City
Remains of the ancient city of Édessa were brought to light in 1968 in the Lóngos area, below the town to the east; a signpost on the Salonica road points the way to the site. The remains include a stretch of the town walls, with towers and a gate leading into a colonnaded street (fourth century B.C.).
Kilkis, Greece
The town of Kilkís is the capital of a prefecture of the same name. The hill Ai-Georgis dominates the town, which is spread out at its feet. The post-Byzantine church of Ayios Yeoryios graces its summit. The church was built in 1832 and contains unusual wall paintings.On the hill there is a tourist pavilion, as well as an amphitheater, a hero's monument and a war museum commemorating the 1913 battle for liberation from the Turks.
Archeological Museum
The Archeological Museum of Kilkis was established in 1973 to house the finds from the local area. The collection has grown to such an extent that an extension has been deemed necessary to accommodate all the artifacts.Of particular significance are the finds from the Old Gynaikokastro excavation site.
Serrai, Greece
Sérrai, 100km/62mi northeast of Salonica, is a commercial town which was rebuilt in modern style after its destruction by the Bulgarians in 1913.Its main features of interest are the Mitrópolis church, a three-aisled basilica with a synthronon and remains of mosaics, and the ruined castle which crowns the hill formerly occupied by the acropolis.Station on the Salonica-Alexandroúpolis railroad line.
Sarrai - Alistratis Cave
The cave in Petroto is four km from the village of Alistrati and 50km from Serres. Sections of the cave so far explored cover an area of 25,000 sq. m while its main and secondary corridors are about 3,000 m long. There is, however, more to be explored. The size of the cave is surprising and its huge vaults are overwhelming. Its main vault is 100 m long, 65m wide and 35 m high. Its impressive decoration includes every kind of stalactite and stalagmite while it contains the largest disk in any cave in Europe, four m high.A 120 m long tunnel has been opened and there are plans to install a miniature train to carry visitors through the cave.
Sarakatsanoi Folklore Museum
The Sarakatsanoi Folklore Museum is dedicated to the life and art of the Sarakatsanoi. Visitors can see the Sarakatsanoi hut dwelling, the Shepherd's hut, school, Tsiatoura, a model of the tseligato which shows the settlement during the summer season, as well as costumes and other collections.
Negríta Spa
The Negríta Spa is recommended for obesity, disorders of stomach and intestines, dyspepsia. The method of treatment is bathing. There is also bottled water.
Archeological Museum
The Archeological Museum in Serres contains many locally excavated artifacts.
Folk Art Museum, Sidirokastro, Greece
Sidirokastro is located in northern Greece near the Bulgarian border, built along the Kroussovitis River. The local area is very lush with streams and waterfalls adding to the scenery. Of interest in the town is the Folk Art Museum.
Goumenissa, Greece
Picturesque Goumenissa is built on the slopes of Mt Paiko. It has a quaint, narrow alleyways and charming old houses.Just six km southwest of Goumenissa are the village and archeological site of Europos. The ancient kouros found here numbers among the most important finds of the visit. It is on display in the archeological museum.
Grevena, Greece
Grevéna town is the capital of the prefecture of the same name. It was built 543, above sea level on the banks of the Grevenitis river, a tributary of the Aliakmon.The town possesses restaurants, tavernas, an open-air theater and other attractions.Every summer the theater hosts concerts, plays performed by the State Theatre of Northern Greece and appearances by Greek and foreign folk ensembles.
Palioúria - Monasteries
At Paliouria, 47km from Grevena, there is the Byzantine monastery of the Virgin Evangelistria and the monastery of Ossios Nikanor founded 1534 not far from the Aliakmon river.The frescoes decorating its main church resemble those in the Varlaam Monastery at Meteora and are most probably the work of the same painter, the famous Frangos Kastelanos.
Perdikas, Greece
At Perdikas, near the town of Ptolemaida, the anthropologist Aris Poulianos discovered the bones of a prehistoric elephant. It lived in the region some three million years ago, making it one of the oldest specimens of the kind ever found in Europe.
Pindos National Park
The Pindos National Park was established in Valiakalda in 1966. It is 3,360 hectares/8,300 acres (including surrounding area 6,780 hectares/16,750 acres). Special features include Grevená Pinus leucodermis (Bosnian pine) as well as bears.
Doirani, Greece
At Lake Doirani visitors can enjoy beach lined hamlets. The village of Doirari is quite scenic and known for its lakeside restaurants.
Palio Ginekokastro, Greece
The village of Palio Ginekokastro is worth a visit for its ruined Byzantine fortress erected by Andronikos III Paleologos (1328-1341).
More Greece Resources
- Macedonia Travel Guide by iExplore
