#imathia

[gemsofgreece]

An elaborate pebble mosaic from Aegae Palace in Vergina, Macedonia, Greece. Built by Philip II (c. 359-336 BC), father of Alexander the Great, it is one of the largest and most spectacular Hellenistic mosaics known.

photocredit: 17th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, Greece

[unteriors]

Kopanos, Imathia, Greece.

[christmaswinter]

Veria town in winter

Capital town of the regional unit of Imathia,Macedonia,Northern Greece

[elladastinkardiamou]

Naoussa: The Greek Napa Valley - Greece Is

During the summer, the trees on the Plain of Imathia are laden with fresh fruit: cherries, plums and, of course, the aromatic peaches of the region are all in season. Those traveling through the region often stop at makeshift roadside stalls to buy baskets of these items picked only a few minutes earlier. This bountiful landscape, however, is renowned for a different fruit altogether, the one in its famed vineyards encircling the mountain slopes and the plain. This is where the Xinomavro grape variety is cultivated, the leading red variety of Greece. This is also where more than 20 notable wineries are located, a fact that explains why Naoussa is called Greece’s Napa Valley.

Paliokalias, Fyteia (or Fytia), Vrana Petra, Gastra, Ramnitsa, Karaoutsa, Strantza, and Polla Nera are place names that also indicate renowned vineyards and wineries; depending on location and microclimate, the grapes and, by extension, the wine are both endowed with particular characteristics. The more mountainous Fyteia gives finesse and acidic tones; Paliokalias produces wines that are suited to long ageing; and Vrana Petra, with its granite subsoil, provides finesse and a full body.

By prior arrangement, you can enjoy a guided tour, often led by the producers themselves, of these wineries (17 of which lie within the PDO region of Naoussa). You can enjoy sampling current or previous vintages as well as wine produced using different styles of vinification. Choose between rustic and robust Xinomavro varieties or more modern and easy-drinking options, accompanied by local delicacies such as batzio, a cheese from the dairies of Mt Vermion.

[itneverrainsforever]

Καμπος Ημαθιας απο την τοποθεσια Ελια στη Βεροια.

[gemsofgreece]

This is one of the most inaccessible ancient findings in Greece. It is believed to be the throne of Queen Eurydice I (c. 410–369 BC), wife of King Amyntas III of Macedon and grandmother of Alexander the Great. The throne was found inside her burial place in Vergina, discovered by archaeologist Manolis Andronikos in 1987. The importance of this ancient monument is great, because it is a rare case of a Greek throne and also a classical painting surviving to this day. The painting depicts Hades and Persephone riding in a chariot together. 

The monument is almost always closed to the public, due to the extreme fragility of the pigments. It needs steady temperature and humidity at all times. Hopefully they will work their way around this at some point. 

Under the cut there is a representation of what the throne would possibly look like back in the day, made with AI.

[gemsofgreece]

The view from Kallípetra to river Aliacmon, Véria, Greece by Ritsa Litsa.

[gemsofgreece]

The Carnival custom of Boules and Yenitsari. Your eyes do not deceive you, there is indeed a beard under the mask. Men wear both the female and male costumes of this particular custom. 

Photo by Φωτογραφικές Αναζητήσεις.