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Lost in the mist of time. the history of
Imathia
is linked to each and every stage of the Hellenic history.One of Europe's
oldest Neolithic settlements (6,000 BC) has been unearthed at Nea Nicomedia.
Built at the feet of the Pieria
mountain-range, Aiges, including the Royal necropolis, laid the ancient
capital of Macedonia, at the same location with present-day Vergina.
The Royal Tombs of Vergina, the
Tomb of Phillip, their unique exhibits, are undoubtedly world-class
monuments.
There are several important
Macedonian Tombs also in the area of Leukadia in Naousa. where three
significant monuments survive, the Tomb of Krjsis. the Tomb of Lyson and
Kalliklefs and the Tomb of Anthemion-Ancient Mieza is also located in the
same region and so is the School of Aristotle, where Alexander the Great
studied with the great philosopher.
In the Roman era, Veroia became
the seat of "Macedonian Koino" (Macedonian Confederacy) and a religious
centre. It was also here in Veroia. where St. Paul pro ached the new faith
from the Vima (tribune) that stilt survives to this day. The region
flourished during Byzantine times. Adorned with stunning murals and
religious paintings, a great number of churches survive from that era.
Several samples of the
Macedonian popular art have also survived and can be seen ached the
traditional neighborhoods of the city. Flourishing also at the same time,
Naousa became an artisan centre and later an industrial centre, with
significant evidence from both eras still surviving.
With its fertile plain and
fruit-tree plantations irrigated with the waters of Aliakmon River,
contemporary Imathia is a region with intense agricultural and industrial
growth. Of particular interest are she mountainous landscapes of the
prefecture, where unique natural ecosystems meet. Panagia Soumela in
Kastania, Gramment in Vermio and Aghios Nicholaos in Naousa represent
significant holiday and pilgrimage sites.
The mountain masses of Pieria
and Vermio give the opportunity to nature-lovers to trek along mountain
paths of great beauty, spend the night at splendid agrotourism lodges or
visit quaint wine-producing units along the Wine Roads.
The ski installations and
slopes at Seli and Tria-Pente Pigadia offer comfortable facilities to a
multitude of guests.
A number of year-round cultural
and artistic events attract great interest and create feelings of admiration
to visitors for Imathia and its hospitable people, this centre of Macedonia
and of Hellenic History.
A journey that you will want to
start all over again, as soon as it is over... |