General Information
The Prefecture of Kilkis is located on the crossroads of the routes from the north to the south and from the west to the east, and vice versa. It is also placed on the motorway which connects Thessaloniki with Skopje in FYROM and with Belgrade in Yugoslavia. Its northern borders extend along the borderline of Greece with two of its neighboring nations, mostly with FYROM and partially with Bulgaria. To the east, Mount Mavrovouni forms a natural border with the prefecture of Serres. The natural beauties of Kilkis have always bewitched its visitors, but only lately has the fairness of this nature met with the development of a tourist infrastructure that enables their full enjoyment. The imposing mountains -Paiko, Beles (Kerkini) and Krousia ? and rivers -Axios and Gallikos- as well as lakes -Doirani and Pikrolimni- with the affluent flora and fauna, the archaeological sites, the picturesque villages, and the churches of monumental beauty, attract visitors from all over the world. Its population is 89056, while its extent covers 2519 sq.km.
History - Culture
Numerous settlements discovered in the Valley of the Axios River and in Pikrolimni, in Axiochori, in Pedino, and many other locations, prove that the region was first inhabited in the prehistoric years and densely populated throughout the Neolithic era. Entering historic years, two important cities flourished, Cristonia and Paeonia, both initially inhabited by Thracian tribes. However, towards the end of the Archaic Period Macedons conquered the area, and established Eidomeni as their major city. At that time Cristonia was annexed to the kingdom of Philip of Macedonia. In the following centuries, more or less Kilkis traced the same course with the rest of Macedonia. During the Byzantine era and the Turkish domination (when Kilkis was known as Kalkis and Koukousi), the prefecture didn"t have anything in particular to present. However, two major events that marked modern Greek history took place in the region of Kilkis. In June 1912, the Greek troops attacked the Bulgarians who had entrenched themselves in the town of Kilkis, thus preventing their advance to Thessaloniki. And in May 1918, the Greek army defeated the Germans and the Bulgarians in the villages of Skra and Ravine, situated close to the Greek-Serbian borders, within easy reach from the town of Kilkis. This finalized the liberation of the prefecture, which at last, after long centuries of foreign rule, rejoined the Greek nation.
Sights
Somehow, Kilkis has never enjoyed the fame of other regions of Greece for its beauty. Alas, though not widely acknowledged, this corner of Greece, with its beautiful natural surroundings, rewards richly those who are fortunate to get acquainted with its charms. To begin, there is the two-level cave, hidden within the hill of Aghios Georgios. It runs deep into the earth, covering an area of more than 1000 sq.m. It is most impressive, largely due to the countless stalactites and stalagmites that embellish it. Outside the cave, there is the church of Aghios Georgios, built in 1830 and adorned with magnificent frescoes and hand-worked wooden templar. A cemetery of the Early Iron Age has been discovered in the area of Tsaousitsa. Within the proximity of Axiochori, a settlement of the Bronze Age has been revealed; it seems that it was re-established on the foot of the mountain in the Iron Age. Goumenissa is a picturesque small town of traditional architecture situated on the foot of Mount Paiko. It is renowned for its wine and tsipouro (a strong traditional drink). In Goumenissa, there is the monastery of Panagia Goumenissa, part of which is built in the 11th century. There is also the church of Aghios Georgios (1862-1864), a cathedral with a marble icon stand. The central square with the huge plane trees is certainly most charming, while the traditional old village of Kastaneri on the verdant slopes of Paiko should be also be visited, along with the site of ancient Evropos, situated very close to the village. There are remains of the city walls, thresholds, and other structures, while excavations have occasionally revealed interesting findings such as tombs, inscriptions, coins, and more. Yet, the most impressive of all is the noted statue of Kouros. Only 3km away from the village of Drosato there is Lake Doirani, situated within lush natural environment, while the village of Mouries is another attraction that should not be missed. In addition, one can see the ruins of the castle lying close to the small town of Polykastro. It was built on the top of a steep hill during the Byzantine period. It is also know as Gynaikokastro (Women?s Castle) because it was believed to have so strong fortifications that even women could defend it with ease. Within the castle, foundations of buildings dating from the Byzantine years have been revealed. A cemetery of the Early Iron Age was discovered on the Gynaikokastro Hill. It is interesting to mention that the dead were found cremated, which is not representative of the practice followed in the rest Macedonian cemeteries of that period, but of much older traditions, used by the ancient Greek tribes. All things considered, the prefecture of Kilkis is a most interesting place that can undoubtedly fascinate those who decide make the acquaintance of its beautiful nature and its impressive monuments.
Entertainment-Sports-Shopping
A steady development of tourist infrastructure has finally enabled the prefecture of Kilkis to provide visitors with all the necessary facilities. Hotels, restaurants, taverns, coffee shops, cinemas, bars, pubs, and night clubs can be found in the urban centers of Kilkis, Goumenissa, Axioupoli and Polykastro, while the market of Kilkis in particular is complete and can cover the needs of every visitor. Local markets are also satisfactory in terms of quality, though with lesser options. The local traditional festivals are particularly welcoming and lively, while delicacies such as the well-known souvlaki, as prepared especially in the village of Phanos, fish in the villages situated by the Lake Doirani, and wine from Goumenissa, should definitely be tasted. Besides, visitors can easily tour around the region thanks to the existence of fine road network. As for sporting activities, there are basketball and volleyball courts and a football field in the capital of the prefecture, but most will prefer treading the paths across the mountains, along the rivers, beside the lakes, or row their boats and canoes within their tranquil waters.
Access
There is daily bus service from Athens and Thessaloniki. Trains depart from Athens and Piraeus to Thessaloniki and from there to Kilkis.
Connections
There is a daily railway connection with frequent routes (trains departing from Athens and Thessaloniki) with Kilkis, Serres, Drama, Xanthi, Komotini, Alexandroupolis, Evros, Bulgaria and the Eastern European countries.
Museums
In Kilkis, there is an Archaeological Museum where interesting findings are exhibited. The War Museum also houses remarkable findings originating from the noted battlefields of the area.
Alternative Tourism
Ecotourism, agrotourism, birdwatching, spiritual, sporting (mountain bike, trekking, river trekking, horse riding, canoe).
Useful Telephone Numbers:
KILKIS AREA CODE: 23410-
POLICE STATION : 23410-77032
MUNICIPALITY: 23410-23413, 52100
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 23410-36190
POST OFFICE: 23410-22418
TAXI STATION: 23410-22789
SOCIAL INSURANCES ORG.: 23410-77097
HOSPITAL: 23410-38400
BUS STATION: 23410-22311
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