|
 The
Prefecture of Kilkis
is located among the prefectures of Thessaloniki, Serres, and Pella,
spreading around the verdant plain of the Axios River - the earth's widest
and most beautiful river, according to Homer.
There are traces of human
presence in the region going back to the Copper and Iron Ages, while
prehistoric settlements have provided significant finds dating back to the
second millennium BC.
Among the natural beauties of
Kilkis is the Doirani Lake, the Axios River, the mountain hills of Paeikos
and Krousion, the natural waterfalls of Skra, the Mine Lake of Axioupolis,
the Kilkis Cave, while the archaeological sites of Evropou, Palatianou and
Gynaikokastrou are a challenge for a journey to the past. The museums one
can visit are the Archaeological Museum of Kilkis, the Natural Museum of
Axioupolis and the War Museum at Skra. Other sites of significant interest
are all the churches -especially the ones dating back to the i8th and i9th
centuries- as well as the monasteries and a plethora of monuments that
pilgrims visit yearly.
Fully reconstructed economically
and culturally, the region today gladly embraces visitors to its splendid
areas endowed with unique natural beauty. Capital Kilkis spreads out at the
feet of a hill crowned by the post-Byzantine church of St. George with its
unusual murals.
 Lake Doirani in the northern
part of the prefecture is one of the region's gems and a natural wonderland
with idyllic hamlets built along its sandy shores, where local taverns serve
a wide range of delicacies freshly fished from the lake.
South from the city of Kilkis,
Lake Pikrolimni is an area of special tourist interest, featuring the
Balkan's first organised mud-bathing therapy centre on its shores. Local
people are creative, hardworking and very hospitable. They are mostly
occupied in agriculture, animal husbandry, industry and increasingly with
tourism.
 Crops such as cereals, cotton,
sugar-beet, tomatoes, superior quality wine, cherries, peaches, apples,
walnuts and chestnuts are just some of the products of this blessed land.
Situated at a small distance
from the northern Greek port-city of Thessaloniki, Kilkis has easy access to
the international airport and harbour. A good road network provides for
quick and comfortable travel from place to place. Due to its vicinity to
other Balkan states and the border stations of Evzoni, Idomeni, Doirani and
Koula - near Bulgaria - the region has been called the "northern gate of
Greece". |
