Veria

Veria, the capital of the Imathia regional unit, is built at the foothills of Mount Vermio, at an altitude of 170 meters, and is traversed by the Tripotamos River. Its natural location, combined with the preservation of traditional architecture in many parts of the city, creates an urban landscape of exceptional beauty, home to more than 40,000 permanent residents.

Veria has a historical trajectory spanning millennia, from the Hellenistic and Roman periods to the present day, retaining elements from every civilization that passed through it. In the city of Veria, the Apostle Paul preached the new religion of Christianity to the thriving Jewish community. Today, the Step of Apostle Paul is a modern monument that welcomes visitors from all over the world. The traditional Christian district of Kyriotissa, with its mansions and cobbled alleys, reflects the city's long history. Along with the 48 surviving Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches — such as the architectural masterpiece of the Old Metropolis, a three-aisled basilica — Veria is rightfully known as the “Little Jerusalem.” Just a few steps away, in the Barbouta district, stands the stone building of the Jewish Synagogue — the oldest in Northern Greece and one of the oldest in Europe.

The city’s two museums, the Archaeological Museum and the Byzantine Museum, testify to Veria's glorious past, as it was once the seat of the Koinon of the Macedonians and a regional metropolis of the Byzantine Empire.

Veria features two prominent squares: Elia Square, offering a magnificent view of the Imathia plain, and Clock Square (Orologiou) — both popular landmarks for visitors. At the same time, the city offers a vibrant cultural and social life, with culinary delights, local wines, and entertainment venues that leave a lasting impression on its guests.

On the way to Vergina, home to the archaeological site of Aigai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors can enjoy views of the Aliakmon Dam and the artificial lake, both of which are popular recreational spots in the region.

Just 25 kilometers from Veria lies the National Ski Center of Seli, a beloved destination for ski and winter sports enthusiasts.The city is approximately a 50-minute drive from downtown Thessaloniki and about one hour from the airport.