General Information

Imathia prefecture is characterized by its fertile plain crossed by river Aliakmonas and by its verdurous mountains Vermio and Pieria.
Capital of the prefecture is the city of Veria built amphitheatrically at the foothill of mount Vermio. Veria is a beautiful and modern city and the centre of industries of processing the agricultural and livestock products produced in the rich plain.
Imathia has very important archaeological sites like Vergina, New Nikomidia and Lefkadia and also important religious pilgrimages like Virgin Mary Soumela and others.
Imathia has important tourist activity during the winter months in the organized ski centers on mount Vermio.

History

The region is inhabited from prehistoric times as it appears from discoveries in New Nicomedia, where one of the older rural Neolithic settlements of Europe (7.000 B.C.) was found.
Here settled the Macedonians making first capital of their kingdom the city Aigai, identified today with Vergina.
Royal Macedonian tombs were discovered, a palace, a theatre, the tombs of Judgment, the tomb of Flowers, the Kinch tomb, the “School of Aristotle” where the ancient philosopher teached Alexander the Great, etc.
Veria is developed a lot during the Hellenistic years. In Roman times it becomes the seat of the “Public of Macedonians” and centre of imperial adoration.
In the Byzantine years Veria was one of the most important cities of Macedonia and during the Ottoman domination Veria and Naoussa were economical centers.