[BACK TO KATERINI]

Katerini

The capital of Pieria Prefecture, Katerini, lies between the plain of Pieria and Mt. Olympos. Some 32 kilometres southwest of Katerini, the village of Agios Dimitrios is built on a plateau where there are water and trees in abundance. The road to Stena tis Petras, the pass to Thessaly, is truly exciting, as is a walk up the impressive Olympos Gorge. At Dion, 17 kilometres south of Katerini, archaeologists have brought to light the extensive ruins of the Macedonians' sanctuary of the Gods.

Amidst the lush vegetation and springs of the Pierian plain, just before the ascent to Olympos begins, one can see the ruins of the sanctuary buildings, the temples, two theatres and a stadium, while next to them, to the north, the remains of the ancient city of Dion stretch out. It was closely associated to Dias (Zeus) as its name implies. Thousands of Macedonians used to flock to this place for the festivities and games dedicated to the God, which grew in importance after the 5th century B.C.

Among the sacred buildings, the following are the most notable - The sanctuary of Demeter, two temples dating to ca. 500 B.C., the Asklepieion, and the whole shrine dedicated to Isis, with its idols still standing on their bases. The city of Dion was well fortified by the wall erected in the 4th. century B.C., and has a splendid layout. The digs have exposed flagstone streets, public buildings, shops, workshops, and houses, as well as the orchestra, stage and lower seats of Dion's large theatre. In the vast cemetery, to the north and west of Dion, there are four subterranean, brick-roofed Macedonian tombs.

In the 5th century A.D. violent earthquakes brought an end to the city's prosperity. Nevertheless, enough remains of it to give today's visitor a good idea of the beauty of the town with its ample public spaces, theatre, numerous statues, and impressive fortifications.

To go back to the present, Leptokaria (23 km. from Katerini) has a lovely beach, long enough to attract crowds of Greek and foreign tourists each summer. Other seaside resorts are Methoni, Nea Agathoupoli with its splendid fishmarket, Agios Panteleimonas with its Venetian castle, Platamonas with its sandy beaches, and Makrigialos with the ruins of ancient Pydna. Finally, on the slopes of Olympos, is the small town of Litohoro (24 km. from Katerini), an old summer resort and the starting point for those wishing to climb the legendary mountain. The enchanting valley of Enipeas with its river flowing down from Olympos is worth visiting.

<click to go back>