...a journey in history, in culture, in natural beauty and in life...
Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai, Vergina, Imathia
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.
The Footsteps of St. Paul, Veria, Imathia
There are several important Macedonian Tombs also in the area of Leukadia in Naousa, where three significant monuments survive, the Tomb of Krisis, 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, Veria became the seat of "Macedonian Koino" (Macedonian Confederacy) and a religious centre. It was also here in Veria, where St. Paul preached the new faith from the Vima (tribune) that still survives to this day.
Traditional Balkan architecture, Veria, Imathia
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 allover the traditional neighbourhoods 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 the mountainous landscapes of the prefecture, where unique natural ecosystems meet. Panagia Soumela in Kastania, Grammeni in Vermio and Aghios Nicholaos in Naousa represent significant holiday and pilgrimage sites.
Wine Roads Naousa, Imathia
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…
Aliakmonas River, Veria, Imathia