Many people know Veria only from revani (traditional greek sweet). Oxymoron considering that we are talking about one of the oldest cities in Greece, with references to Thucydides from the classical era! A town rich in sights and history, natural beauty and Macedonian hospitality.
A few words about the city
Veria is located in Central Macedonia and is the capital of the Imathia Regional Unit. It is built at the foot of the Vermio mountain range and its name remains a mystery. The prevailing version, however, states that the suffix-ria is a derivative of the verb reo and is attributed to cities rich in water reserves, which is true for the region of Veria. According to mythology, Veria was the daughter of Oceanus and Thetis, or daughter of Adonis and Aphrodite. Today it has about 43,158 inhabitants in the city and about 60,000 in the wider metropolitan area, being the fifth largest metropolis in Macedonia! It is widely known for its industry, the traditional architecture in its old neighborhoods, the numerous Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches and, of course, the sweet revani. Let’s discover it together.
10) Seli Ski Center
A few kilometers outside Veria, at the foot of Mount Vermio and in the village of Seli, is the homonymous ski center. It is the first organized ski resort in Greece, which has been operating since 1934! There you will find nineteen slopes for both beginners and children as well as for the "expert" of the sport, while the ascent to the slopes is done with seven lifts of modern construction. If you are not a fan of skiing, you can relax in the ski chalet with the octagonal roof, which is a characteristic attraction of the center.
9) Monastery of Panagia Soumela
Another attraction located just outside Veria, in the village of Kastania and worth visiting is the Monastery of Panagia Soumela. This particular monastery was established in 1951 by refugees from Pontus, in an attempt to revive the Monastery of Panagia Soumela, on Mount Mela near Trabzon! In fact, in the monastery, you will find the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, which is rumored to have been illustrated by the Evangelist Luke himself! It was located in the homonymous Monastery of Trabzon, but was transferred to its new "home" along with other historical relics of Pontic Hellenism, which are kept there until today.
8) Vergina
Being in the prefecture of Imathia, it is impossible not to visit the most significant archaeological site in Northern Greece and one of the most historic in the entire country. I am, of course, referring to Vergina and more specifically to the Museum of the Royal Tombs. This particular town is located on the site of the ancient Aigai, i.e. it is believed that the capital of ancient Macedonia was there! It became world famous in 1977, when after excavations led by Manolis Andronikos, the burial places of the Macedonian kings were discovered. The most important find, however, was a burial monument which, according to the archaeologist's own argumentation, belonged to King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great! In addition to each of these impressive tombs, you will admire elaborate frescoes, such as that of the abduction of Persephone, impressive historical relics, such as the famous altarpiece with the sixteen-pointed sun of Vergina, gold jewelry and personal belongings of dead kings. Entrance costs 12e.
7) Step of Apostle Paul
And since we're done with all the surroundings, it's time to focus on the inner city. So I start with a world religious heritage monument, the step of the Apostle Paul. After the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, the Apostles poured out into the world with the sole aim of preaching the Gospel, faith in salvation and love! On a journey from Asia Minor to Greece, the Apostle Paul stopped at Veria, where he spoke to a large number of Jews and Vereotians who believed in the Olympian gods and other foreign cults. His sermon had a great impact and from his first visit to the Macedonian city he converted many Veriotians to the new religion. This specific event is considered to have played a major role in the subsequent spread and establishment of the Christian faith in the Greek area. So at the point where the first sermon was given, the step of the Apostle Paul was created, where Roman plates from the 1st century are preserved, on which he himself allegedly stood!
6) Panagia Dexia traditional district
The first of the traditional districts of Veria worth visiting is that of Panagia Dexia. It takes its name from the homonymous church, which was built at the beginning of the 19th century on the site of an older temple from the 14th century, from which part of the niche of the sanctuary and the eastern facade with frescoes are preserved! In addition there you will find other interesting churches, impressive houses and small winding streets along the Tripotamos river, next to the city's central market.
5) Haliacmon Dam
In the middle of the list, I have placed one of the most charming places that can be found in Veria. The dam of the Haliacmon River is one of the most important green spaces in the whole of Imathia, and its beauty is difficult to capture in words. Around this artificial lake that has been created in the river, there are hundreds of pines and other trees, which reflect in the water, creating a natural spectacle. If the weather permits it is worth it to walk along it and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city!
4) The Museums
In Veria there are many interesting museums and art spaces that will attract your attention. In my opinion, it is worth starting from the Archaeological Museum which hosts various finds both from Veria and from other regions of the prefecture. Of particular interest are the exhibits from the excavation in New Nikomedia, where one of the oldest Neolithic settlements in Europe was found!
Also, don't miss a visit to the Byzantine Museum, housed in an old flour mill from the beginning of the 20th century (1911). Each floor of the museum occupies a diverse section of exhibits, such as sculptures, inscriptions, mosaic floors and frescoes from Byzantine temples.
Ultimately, other interesting museums of the city are the Polycentric Museum of Aigai, the Vlachoianneio, the Vlach Folklore Museum and the "Christos Tsolakis" Education Museum!
3) Kyriotissa traditional district
The second district that is worth walking while in Veria is the Christian quarter or as it is popularly known, Kyriotissa. It is a part of the city full of Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches, elegant mansions with courtyards and stone cobblestones, which usually end in dead ends. Among the dozens of buildings, the Sarafoglou mansion, one of the most historic mansions in Veria, the Vlachogianni mansion, with its strongly fortified look and its wooden vestibules, the imposing City Hall and the Old Metropolis stand out.
2) Monastery of Theotokos of Kallipetra
The Monastery of Theotokos of Kallipetra is a male monastery located in a wonderful location on the north side of the Haliacmon River. According to information this is a very historic sacred site, since it seems to have existed at this point before 1100! The name of the Kallipetra monastery, meaning beautiful stone, comes from the rain cloud that shadows it. The trademark of the monastery is the icon of the Virgin Mary of Kallipetra, a small-sized icon of the 18th century with a silver shirt from 1845.
Just before you reach this monastery, however, it is worth making a stop at my favorite part of the area. The bench. No, this is not an attraction or a fancy bench, but a place that will take your breath away. From there the view of Haliacmon and the surrounding mountains is dazzling and will set your mobile phone and camera on fire.
1) Barbuta Jewish Quarter
At the top of the list, could not be anything other than the District of Barbouta. It is one of the most important Jewish groups in the world and owes its name to a fountain in the area preserved to this day! The symbol of the district is, of course, the Jewish synagogue. A building, dating back to 1850, is the oldest synagogue in northern Greece and one of the oldest in Europe. The synagogue continues to function to this day as a place of worship, honoring at the same time the lively presence of Jews in the city. It is worth getting lost in the cobbled streets of the area, with its imposing mansions and colorful buildings in order to discover all the hidden treasures it has to offer.
Where to stay
Veria is a very lively city, which attracts tourists throughout the year, which means that there are many accommodation options. My opinion is that you should choose the area of Barbuta for your stay, which in my opinion is the most delightful place to stay in the city. So I recommend Boutique Hotel Kokkino Spiti. It is an old mansion of rare beauty, in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, which has been completely renovated offering all the comforts a traveler needs.
What to eat
Let's not hide behind our finger, one of the main reasons Veria is known is Revani. It is a syrupy sweet that has become synonymous with the city. You will eat the best revani at the Hochliourou Patisserie. In the city you will also taste very delicious pies, beans in many variations, fresh meats, local cheeses, syrupy donuts and spoon sweets. Good options in the city to taste the traditional delicacies are Ap' Allou, 12o Grada, Mavro Provato and Bistro 49. Plus, I recommend visiting Opws Palia in Koumaria, which uses the smoking technique in meats and it is unique in its kind, as well as Ekeimeros in Neos Prodromos, with its large and delicious portions! Finally, for coffee I recommend Kochlias, Vatrachos, Delante and Elvis.
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Mouzakidis Pantelis
