Imathia

General Information on Imathia

Veroia is the capital of Imathia Prefecture and a commercial centre of Macedonia. The city is built on the eastern slopes of Mt. Vernio, at an altitude of 50m. Most people merely pass through Veroia but the city is fascinating. It has more than 40 churches and a lovely old part, full of traditional houses. Most of them have extensive frescoes and some date back to the 11th century. Apart from the wonderful churches, one may also notice various examples of traditional Greek architecture.

Since the modern town of Veroia evolved around the centre of the old town, many parts of the old town have been destroyed. The ones that are almost intact till today are the Jewish quarters, the Kyriotissa area and the residences of Kontogeorgaki st., which are all protected by law. Mineral springs are located all around town and the local tap water is considered very good. The city is also known as the centre of a vast peach-growing industry, and wine made from grapes grown on the escarpment from Veroia to Edessa are among Greece’s most famous exports.

History of Imathia

The traces of Veroia are lost deep in time. The exact date of its founding is not yet known, but according to American archaeologists, who excavated the earliest European farming settlement dating to the 6th or 7th millennium B.C., just outside the town, Veroia can actually be one of the oldest towns on Earth. The modern city of Veroia is situated on the site of the ancient city of Beroea, which had been prominent since the 4th century B.C. and part of the Kingdom of Macedonia.

It became part of the Roman Empire in 168 B.C. During the 1st century A.D. the city had a fairly large Jewish community. The concern of some of these Jews for careful criticism in the study of the Christian scriptures was commended by Paul. Paul withdrew to Veroia with Silas and Timothy from the Jewish persecution at Thessaloniki. Later, Diocletian made Veroia one of the most popular cities and one of the two capitals of the Roman Province of Macedonia. The city was afterwards invaded by Slavs and in 1361, it was conquered by the Ottomans who named it Kara Ferye. It was incorporated into the Greek state in 1912 along with the rest of Macedonia.

How to Reach Imathia

Bus: There are frequent buses from the bus station of Veroia to Thessaloniki (1 ¼ hours), Athens (7 hours), Edessa (1 hour) and Vergina (20minutes). Buses to Kozani (1 ¼ hours) and Ioannina (6 hours), depart from a different bus station located 1km west of the town centre.

Train: There are several trains daily in both directions on the Thessaloniki-Kozani-Florina line. Additional intercity services to/from Kozani pass through Veroia daily.

Weather in Imathia

The climate of Veroia is very hot in the summer. During the winter it is rainy and occasionally snow falls.