Naoussa is one of the greatest historical and most beautiful cities of Macedonia, built on the eastern foots of the imposing mountain of Vermion.
In 1955, Naoussa was described as a heroic city for its fights and sacrifices for the liberation of the nation.
Thanks to its peculiar natural relief and the abundant local waters of the area, there are areas of great natural beauty in the city of Naoussa, which have been exploited through the development of two poles for attracting tourists: that of Agios Nikolaos park and that of the 3-5 Wells ski resort. At the same time, the area possesses significant archaeological riches (The Aristotle School, Macedonian tombs, ancient Miesa).
During the Byzantine era, untill the 19th century Naoussa developed to be a center of handicraft and later on to an industrial textile center.
Today the city keeps the traditional macedonian architecture. You can walk to stone alleys, to see the old buildings and neighbourhoods, the parks and the waterfalls, and to feel the warm welcome of the people.
Sights
The Historical and Folklore Museum of Naoussa, the city park, the place of sacrifice "Stoubanoi", the old city.
The wonderfull evergreen city park "Kioski" with a large variety of plants and flowers, with small lakes and bridges, with swans and ducks, with squirrels up on the trees is the best place to relax from the city noice.
In the Historical and Folklore Museum of Naoussa, near the park, you can find traditional authentic exhibits.
"Stoubanoi" is the name of the famous bridge from where, almost 200 years ago, a lot of women with their children prefer the suicide, than to fall to the hands of the turkish army. Don't miss to visit it.
Agios Nikolaos Park
Agios Nikolaos park is a Panhellenic Tourist Recreation Center just 4 kilometers away from the city of Naoussa. An earthly paradise in the heart of the Prefecture of Imathia. A breath of life against ecological downgrading.
An overall of 15 acres of the most beautiful land draw life from the springs of the historical and, in many ways, precious river of Arapitsa. The park of perennial plane trees, which is unique in Greece, impresses the visitor at all seasons.
Timios Prodromos monastery
Located few kiliometers away from the city. Old women monastery with long history.
Aristoteles' school
In the region of Naoussa there are also important Macedonian graves at a village named Lefkadia, where 3 very important tomb monuments are situated. In proximity to this area you can find ancient Mieza and Aristoteles' school, who was Alexander the Great's teacher.
The Sanctuary of the Nymphs lies in a magnificent landscape, rich in water and vegetation, at the site called Isvoria, in the vicinity of Naoussa. Shortly after the middle of the 4th century B.C., the whole area was properly arranged to house the School where the famous philosopher Aristotle gave lessons of Philosophy, Arts and Mathematics to young Alexander, son of the Macedonian king. In an area between two natural caves, the rock was carved in a rectangle and an Ionic colonnade was added to form a roofed, L-shaped stoa
3-5 Pigadia Snow center
The 3-5 Pigadia (3-5 Wells) ski resort belongs to the Municipality of Naoussa and is located on the western side of Vermion, at an altitude of 1,430-2,005 meters. The roads leading to the resort are paved with asphalt. It has tracks for tourist and sports skiing, tracks for cross country skiing, hiking paths, climbing paths and excellent quality of snow.
Naoussa's wines and winemakers
Naoussa is one of Greece's best-known regions for it's wines. Xinomavro of Naoussa is a superior quality designation of origin wine. You can visit winemakers of Naoussa and buy local wines direct from the producer.
Events - Celebrations
The traditional carnival festivities of Naoussa, marked with the characteristic custom called "Genitsari and Boules", date back to the 18th century and maintain the old typical revelry in the streets that make it a renowned special occasion.
Festivities start on Pancake Day and end on Ash Monday, running a period of 12 days during which people revel in dancing and wine drinking. The traditional musical instruments –Daouli and Zournas- can be heard in every neighbourhood accompanying folk dancers, called Genitsari, with slow Macedonian strains.
The festivities of the Carnival possess all the traditional elements, and the old ritual is believed to draw its origin from the Antiquities and the worship of Dionysos.
