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...an old city; a blessed land...
Veria, a centuries-old city; a blessed land, where history and nature joined forces thousands of years ago. Nestled at the feet of imposing Mt. Vermion, next to the legendary Pieria Mountains, the hospitable capital of Imathia Prefecture unfolds its discreet beauty. The verdant Campania valley takes off from here to meet the blue waters of River Aliakmon, which functions as a natural boundary between the forested masses of Vermion and Pieria mountains. Mt. Vermio and its villages offer rich natural heritage. The development of mountainous paths with special places for bird watching and animal oversrvation attract a growing number of visitors.
It is here, where the remnants of Ancient Veria – near the city of Vergina, the ancient Macedonian sacred city of Aeges and centre of the ancient Macedonian civilization – revive the region’s glorious history. A melting pot of peoples and cultures, Veria has woven in a multitude of mores and customs, traditions and religions in the canvas of its culturally rich past.
The plethora of Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches, the traditional quarters of Kyriotissa and Barbouta, the impressive neoclassic mansions, they all coexist harmoniously in today’s city, a contemporary commercial, historical and cultural centre in Macedonia. This is the place from where the Apostle of all Nations Paul addressed on 50 to 51 AD to the citizens, introducing the Christian Religion. This is the site of universal importance for all Christians and every year Veria hosts Palia’s venue commemorating its speeches.
The city of Veria has the required infrastructure to support cultural events and festivals and has a distinguished tradition in the organization of cultural activities. Veria’s Cultural House is a modern conference center able to accommodate major events. Within the city of Veria there are two areas of great ecological importance, Tripotamos river and Tripotamos forest. On this privileged Macedonian land, the thick forests and the imposing peaks on Mt. Vermion, the Ski Centre at Seliou, the natural beauty of the rivers, the remarkable Byzantine churches and monasteries, as well as a broad range of cultural activities offer the ingredients for a beguiling destination. This is the land where visitors have the opportunity to experience the charm of nature and history, taste the local products and discover the original cultural life of the region.