NOMOS PIERIAS

KOLINDROS

Population (according to 2021 census): 4.401

History

Pydna, Kitros, Kolindros: Landmarks in the History of Macedonia

Historical Paths of Pieria: From Ancient Pydna to Byzantine Kitros and Macedonian Kolindros

Εντός του αρχαιολογικού χώρου της Πύδνας

-Pydna was one of the most important ancient cities of Macedonia. It was here, in 168 BC, that the famous Battle of Pydna took place, where the Romans defeated King Perseus, marking the subjugation of Macedonia to Rome. Kitros is mentioned from Byzantine times as an important administrative and ecclesiastical center. Kolindros played a role during the Ottoman period and in modern Greek history, particularly during the Revolution and the Macedonian Struggle. -Ancient Pydna: Ancient Pydna was a significant walled city on the western coast of the Thermaic Gulf. It was known for its strategic location and its role in the history of Macedonia. The famous Battle of Pydna took place here in 168 BC, when the last king of Macedonia, Perseus, was defeated by the Romans, marking the definitive subjugation of Greece to the Roman Empire. It was also in Pydna that Olympias, the mother of Alexander the Great, was assassinated. -Kitros: Kitros was founded during the Middle Ages and is considered an older city even than Katerini. During the Byzantine period, it was one of the four major urban centers of the region. Gradually, the name Pydna was replaced by Kitros. The area was destroyed in 1878. -Kolindros: The history of Kolindros dates back before the 14th century. Kolindros played a decisive role in the Macedonian uprising of 1878 and in the Macedonian Struggle. It served as the summer residence of the Bishop of Kitros during the 19th century. A Neolithic settlement has also been discovered in Kolindros.

Traditions

Culture and Traditions in Pydna, Kitros, and Kolindros

Cultural Heritage of Pieria: Traditions, Music, and Dances

-The region keeps alive customs such as the Anastenaria, the festivals (panigiria) of Agia Paraskevi (Saint Paraskevi), and local music and dance events. In Kolindros and Kitros, residents continue traditional Macedonian songs and dances, accompanied by lyras, zournas (shawms), and brass instruments. Distinctive features include the famous hospitality and the preservation of the local dialect. -Kolindros celebrates Agia Paraskevi (July 26th) with splendor, featuring music, dancing, and a festival that gathers residents and visitors. There are also references to older Carnival masquerades and fires ("fanoi"), which were associated with fertility and a good year. -In Kitros, Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, is honored with services and a traditional feast. -In Pydna, events are held for Saint Charalambos, connected with local festivals. -Music and Dance -Local associations maintain Macedonian dances, such as the Syrtos, Baidouska, and Zònaradikos. -Traditional instruments: lyra (Macedonian lyra), zournas (shawm), daouli (drum), and brass wind instruments. -The feasting is characterized by circular dances with a dynamic rhythm and the participation of all generations. -Cultural Associations -Today, cultural organizations in Kolindros, Kitros, and Pydna organize festivals, dance performances, and folklore evenings to keep the local identity alive.

Local products

Gastronomic Map: From the Wines of Kolindros to the Salt of Kitros

Flavors of the Macedonian Land: The Products of Pydna-Kolindros Municipality

Υλικό από τις Αλυκές Κίτρους

-The region of Pydna-Kolindros-Kitros, being an essentially agricultural area, is famous for its traditional products that highlight the richness of the Macedonian land. The variety of crops and local producers contribute to the production of exceptional quality goods. -Viticulture has a long history in the region, particularly in Kolindros, where the slopes of the Pierian Mountains offer ideal conditions for grape cultivation. The area is renowned for the production of white wines with rich aromas, as well as red wines. Some of the cultivated varieties include Xinomavro and Assyrtiko. -Kolindros has emerged as an important center for mushroom production, mainly the Pleurotus variety. Modern production units operate here, supplying fresh mushrooms to both the domestic and international markets. Kolindros mushrooms are distinguished by their chewy texture and distinct aroma. -Kitros has a tradition in kiwi cultivation and is one of the areas in Greece that pioneered this crop. Local producers focus on the production of high-quality fruits, such as the Hayward variety, which are famous for their taste and nutritional value. -Furthermore, the area is known for: -Olive oil and Pieria olives -Salt from the Kitros Salt Pans -Dairy products (feta cheese, yogurt) -Wine and tsipouro (pomace brandy) from the vineyards of the Macedonian land -Local baked sweets (sarikopita, revani) and traditional pies

Tourism

Attractions of Pydna-Kolindros Municipality: History, Ornithofauna, and Sea

Tourist Guide to Pydna-Kolindros: From History to Nature

-It is a fact that the Municipality of Pydna-Kolindros presents great tourist interest, combining historical monuments and natural beauty. -In Pydna, one can visit the archaeological site and the walls. -In Kitros, the Salt Pans of Kitros stand out—a protected wetland with rich ornithofauna. -Kolindros features a picturesque settlement with stone houses and a view of the Thermaic Gulf. -Archaeological Site of Ancient Pydna and Walls -The archaeological site is located on the shores of the Thermaic Gulf, south of Makrigialos. The city held a strategic position and had an important harbor. Although historical sources mention that the city had walls, excavations have revealed only fragments of them. The visible ruins mainly belong to the Byzantine era, when the city was known as Kitros. Excavations in the area have brought to light numerous tombs and findings from the prehistoric to the Roman period, confirming the area's timeless significance. Admission to the site is free. -The archaeological site is located south of modern Pydna (Kitros). Excavations have revealed: -Underwater Installations: Parts of the ancient harbor and shipyards, demonstrating Pydna's importance as a port. -Settlement: The foundations of houses, roads, and public buildings from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. -Acropolis: Ruins of the acropolis on the hill of the ancient city. -Necropolises: Extensive necropolises with rich grave goods, confirming the city's wealth. -Location: South of the village of the same name (Pydna, next to Kitros). -Access: The site is accessible and signposted. Informative signs are available. -The Walls of Pydna are an impressive monument that is preserved in good condition. -Description: These are the ruins of the defensive wall of the ancient city. They date from the 4th century BC and are built using the classic technique of the Hellenistic period. -Architecture: The wall features square, stone-built towers at regular intervals. Its good preservation offers a vivid image of Macedonian defensive architecture. -Location: The walls are situated on a hill between the village of Pydna and the sea and are easily visible from the main road. -Kitros Salt Pans -The Kitros Salt Pan is a significant wetland, included in the Axios-Loudias-Aliakmonas Delta National Park and the European Ecological Network Natura 2000. It operates as a salt production unit, making it the second largest salt pan in Greece. The area is particularly important for its ornithofauna, as it hosts approximately 200 different bird species, including impressive flamingos that can be found there throughout the year. A characteristic feature of the area is the sand dunes, which are considered among the widest in Northern Greece. Nature lovers who enjoy photography and walking can enjoy the area, while some visitors also bathe in the almost "hot" salt pan waters, reportedly for therapeutic reasons. -Nearby are also the beaches of Pieria (Makrigialos, Methoni) and Mount Olympus for nature lovers.