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The
capital of this prefecture is Edessa, built in the foothills
of Mt. Vermion, with a view over the plain, lush greenery, flower-filled
gardens and plenty of water. Edessa's celebrated waterfalls
are to be found to the northeast of town, in a thickly wooded
area with a stunning view. Under the largest cataract there
is a small cave with a chapel dedicated to the Ascension (Analipsi).
Five kilometers from here is the village of Agras, which took
its name from the Macedonian freedom fighter Tellos Agras. One
of Greece's biggest hydroelectric plants is located here. The
lake that feeds the plant, which covers an area of 10,000 acres,
has become a habitat for wild ducks and swans.
A
town famed for its fruit and red peppers is Aridea,
while
Skidra is considered
among the largest fruit-producing centers of Greece.
Another
town with an abundance of water is Arnissa, built
on the lower slopes of Kaimaktsalan, in front of Lake Vegoritis.
Finally,
we have Giannitsa, the biggest city in the prefecture
and an important agricultural and animal breeding center.
The
villages of Palia & Nea Pella lie just 4 kilometers away,
with the ruins of ancient
Pella spead out between them. It was here that during the reign
of Archelaos (413-399 BC) that Pela became he capital of the
Macedonian kingdom. He built a new palace and invited Zeuxis,
the greatest painter of the day, to decorate it. Both Philip
II and Alexander the Great spent some time here.
By
the 4th century BC, the new capital had become the most important
political, economic and administrative center in the Macedonian
kingdom. Excavations here have unearthed parts of the walls,
the palace, the sanctuaries of Aphrodite, Demeter and Cybele,
the agora, cemetery and several houses. In two of these houses,
which date to the late 4th century BC, mosaic floors of exceptional
quality have been found; they are perhaps the finest examples
of the art yet discovered (on display in the museum).
USEFUL
INFORMATION:
Pella
Archaeological site and Museum: tel.:
(23820) 31.160, 32.752.
Mountain
Climbing:
On Mt. Paiko, where there is a small refuge. Information; tel.:
(23820) 23.121.
Ski
Center: At
Kaimaktsalan, refuge. Information: (23810) 23.101.
Swimming:
In Lake Vegoritis.
Specialties:
Fresh peaches, apricots.
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