Imathia

Imathia - Macedonia (Greece)

Prefecture Imathia is located in the west of the prefecture of Thessaloniki in the district of Macedonia. River Aliakmonas flows through Imathia and divides the area in two – in the west the Vermio Mountains, and in the east the Pieria Mountains.

Imathia lies adjacent to the prefectures of Thessaloniki, Pella, Pieria and Kozani. A large part of the prefecture belongs to the large Macedonian plain, an area that is very fertile, ideal for agriculture. Imathia is an area that is very diverse. In the forested mountains of Vermio, for example, there is skiing. There are three ski resorts: the ski center of Seli (1,500 –1,900m/5,000 – 6,200 ft), the ski center of Tria Pente Pigadia (1,400 – 2,000m/4,600 – 6,700 ft) and the ski center Chrisso Elafi (Golden Stag) (1,500 – 1,600 m/5,000 – 5,200 ft).

Mountain hiking is also possible on the mountain of Vermio. Along the mountain runs the E4 path, one of a series of long distance international walking paths that traverse the continent. Imathia is a region with a very rich history, including many important archaeological places of interest.

The main site is Vergina. It is suggested that this ancient city was Aiges, the capital of the Macedonian empire in the period from 650 BC to 413 BC. Here are located the palace, ancient theatre and royal tombs of Vergina. The tombs of Philippos the 2nd (father of Alexander the Great - 336 BC) and of Alexander the 4th (son of Alexander the Great - 310 BC) are found here.

Capital of Imathia is the town of Veria, a modern Greek town at the foot of the mountain Vermio. In the center of the town is the park of Elia (Olive Tree), which was completely renovated in March, 2014. This park is also called the balcony of Veria because from here you have a fantastic view over the plain of Imathia. The park contains many traditional mansions, now transformed into modern cafes.

In Veria stands a monument in honor of the apostle Paul who, in the year 50 AD, preached Christianity here. On June 29 each year, at a large outdoor place, many activities commemorate the Apostle.

Another important city is Naousa (not to be confused with Naoussa Paros) in the northwest of Veria. Naousa is situated on the slopes of Mount Vermio. Like Veria, Naousa is a modern town with traditional neighborhoods where the authentic and old style of the houses and alleyways is still well preserved. Areas of Naousa include the districts of Alonia, Batania and Pouliana. Naousa is also known for its waterfalls (from the river Arapitsa), wine that is produced here, the production of fruits (peaches, apples) and the carnival that is celebrated here every year.

Sights and tips prefecture of Imathia

• The villages in the Pieria Mountains
• The forest and park of Agios Nikolaos in Naousa where the Arapitsa river flows
• The various wine routes in the region
• The Neolithic settlement of Nea Nikomidia from the year 7000 BC. This lies 13 kilometers (8 mi) north of Veria. Here were found 24 wooden cabins, houses, a sanctuary, ceramic kilns, and more.
• The Byzantine Museum of Veria
• The Byzantine churches of Veria. There are 48 of them.
• The Monastery of Timios Prodromos
• The Monastery of the Holy Mother Soumela
• The School of Aristotle at Mieza. Here, the young Alexander the Great was given private lessons by the philosopher Aristotle.
  

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  Η Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Ημαθίας συστάθηκε το 2011 ως αποτέλεσμα του Προγράμματος Καλλικράτης και αντικατέστησε την προηγούμενη διοικητική μονάδα του Νομού Ημαθίας.  Είναι μία από τις 74 περιφερειακές ενότητες της τοπικής αυτοδιοίκησης, οι οποίες αποτελούν υποδιαιρέσεις των περιφερειών. Υπάγεται διοικητικά στην Περιφέρεια Κεντρικής Μακεδονίας.

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