Pella
Seat of the prefecture: Edessa Edessa, Kaimaktsalan, Aridea, Loutra Pozar, Yannitsa, Agios Athanassios, Arnissa.
The prefecture of Pella is one of the 13 prefectures of Macedonia. It is situated in the northwestern part of Central Macedonia, bordering to the north with Yugoslavia, to the east with the prefectures of Kilkis and Thessalonica, to the south with the prefectures of Imathia and Kozani, and to the west with the prefecture of Florina.
The prefecture owes its name to the ancient town of Pella, a powerful financial and administrative centre and capital of the Macedonian Kingdom after the 4th century B.C.
The prefecture has mainly a plain terrain. Its main plains are the ones of Aridea and Yannitsa . In the northern part, the mountain range of Voras Kaimaktsalan surrounds the low level plain of Aridea, while the mountain Paiko stretches to the south separating the Aridea plain from the valley of the river Axios .
The economy of the prefecture of Pella is mainly based on agriculture thanks to the various reclamation works and the large area of the plains. Main agricultural products are: various types of fruit, tobacco, corn, sugar beets, beans, rice, cotton, sesame, potatoes and animal feeding stuff products.
The area lends itself especially for winter holidays. The visitor can explore the picturesque mountain villages, visit the historical monuments and the archaeological sites and admire the natural points of interest in the prefecture.
Pella used to be the capital of the Macedonian state from the end of the 5th until the 4th century B.C., when the state flourished. In our days, there is considerable cultural activity in the city. Here, also, can be found ruins of the ancient town, Macedonian graves and, in the archaeological museum one can see interesting exhibits of sculptures of the classic and Hellenistic eras, magnificent mosaic floors, pottery, figurines and jewellery.
The city of Edessa Vermion Mountain with an excellent view to the plain until the Thermaikos Gulf. The picturesque character of the city is a result not only of the excellent view, but, also, of its gardens and flowers, the abundant waters flowing in the city itself, in the deep shaded ravines and its waterfalls.
You should not omit to visit the waterfalls , in the northeastern side of the city. At night, the waterfalls are nicely lighted, offering an excellent spectacle. Below the largest of the waterfalls, the one called Karanos , there is a tourist centre, a little cave with stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the little church of Analipsis (Ascension).
In the centre of the city stands the imposing tower of the clock, while in the city outskirts you can enjoy pleasant walks in the poplar tree grove. In the location called Kioupri , there is a stone-built arched Byzantine bridge , where it is said the famous road of the antiquity, Via Egnatia, was crossing.
You can explore the picturesque district of Varosi , with buildings of traditional architecture and visit the Folk Museum and the outdoors Water Museum .
In Skydra there are remnants of a prehistoric village, while in the area of Agra there is the monument of Tellos Agras , a fighter of the Macedonian Struggle.
In the points of natural beauty of the prefecture are included the Agra wetland habitat with exceptional ecological interest due to its amazing flora and fauna, the lake Vegoritida, one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Greece, also appropriate for swimming and water sports, the medicinal springs of Loutraki, known for their therapeutic properties, and the verdant Mavro Dasos (= Black forest) , one of the most beautiful in Greece.
The area is strewn with many churches and monasteries with exquisite murals and holy paintings. You should visit the Byzantine churches of Kimissi Theotokou (Annunciation of Virgin Mary) in Edessa and Agios Georgios (St. George) in Kato Grammatiko, as well as the monasteries of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity ) and of Archangelos Michail (Archangel Michael).
On the slopes of mountain Voras , at an altitude of 2480 m, on the majestic Kaimaktsalan , operates one of the best ski centres in Greece. There, the winter sports fans can enjoy the magnificent view and experience adrenaline heightening moments.
You should also visit the picturesque mountain village of Agios Athanasios , close to the ski centre, which is far enough from the large metropolitan regions of the area to retain its tranquillity and the traditional style. It is built at an altitude of 1200 m. among beech-tree forests on the foothills of the mountain Voras-Kaimaktsalan (2524 m) and the Piperitsa peak (1998 m). The village, also known as „Petrino Chorio“ (stone village), is considered of unique Macedonian architecture, with main building materials the stone and the wood, characteristic in the area.
The prefecture of Pella , with its remarkable archaeological sites, the historical treasures, the unique spots of natural beauty, as well as the options it offers for alternative forms of tourism, exercise and recreation, will surprise you pleasantly and it will surely enchant you.
By bus: There is frequent daily bus service with KTEL busses to and from Athens and Thessalonica.By car: You can get to Pella by car via the Athens-Thessalonica National Road.
The distance from Athens is 555 km.
By train: There is frequent daily train service to and from Athens and Thessalonica.
Municipality of Edessa
23810 22966
Thessalonica Train Station
2310 517517
Edessa Hospital
23810 27441
Edessa Bus Depot
2310 23511
Edessa Police Dept.
23810 23333
Athens Bus Depot
210 5152548
Edessa Traffic Police
23810 28888
Thessalonica Bus Depot
2310 525100
Edessa Fire Brigade
23810 22044
Radio Taxi
23810 23392, 22904
Tourist Information Office
23810 20300
Archaeological Collection of Edessa
23810 25125
Edessa Railway Station
23810 23581
Municipality Museum of Edessa
23810 28787
Athens Railway Station
210 8237741
Kaimaktsalan Ski Centre
23810 32000
