PELLA HOTELS
|
|
Countryside of Pella. |
The capital of this prefecture is Edessa, built
in the foothills of Mt. Vennion, with a view over the plain, lush greenery, flower-filled
gardens and plenty of water. Edessa's celebrated waterfalls is to be found to the
northeast of town, in a thickly wooded area with á atunning view. Under the largest
cataract there is a small cave with a chapel dedicated to the Ascension (Analipsi). Five
kilometres 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.
Agios Athanasios village. |
Á town famed for its fruit and red peppers is Aridea, while Skidra is considered among the largest fruit- producing centres of Greece. Another town with an abundance of water is Amissa, 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 centre. The villages of Palia & Nea Pella lie just 4 kilometres 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 ÉÉ and Alexander the Great spent some time here.
By the 4th century BC, the new capital had become the most important potitica, economic and administrative centre in the Macedonian kingdom. Excavations here have unearthed parts of the walls, the palace, the sanctuaries of Aphrodite, Demeteô and Cybele, the agora, cemetery and several houses. Én two of these houses, which date to the late 4th century BC, mosaic iloors of exceptional quality have been found; they are perhaps the finest example of the art yet discovered (on display in the museum).
USEFUL INFORMATION Pella Archaeological site and Museum: tel.: (0382) 31.160, 32.752. Ìïunatain climbing: Ïn Mt. Paiko, where there is a small refuge. Information: tel.: (0382) 23.121. Ski Centre: At Kaimaktsalan, refuge. Information: (0381) 23.101. Swimming: Én Lake Vegoxitis. Specialties: Fresh peaches, apricots.
HOW TO GET THERE:
|
|
| PELLA | SPORTS & ADVENTURE | LAKES |
|
