KOZANI

General Information

The prefecture of Kozani seems to be at the crossroads of Northern Greece. It borders with most of the prefectures of Western Macedonia, such as Pella and Florina to the north, Kastoria and Larissa to the west, Grevena to the south, and Pieria and Imathia to the east. Kozani, which is well known for its great contribution in the production and supply of electricity, encompasses an impressive complex of mountains, valleys, big bayous, lakes, and vast expanses with affluent flora and fauna. Its extensive mineral resources include an endless deposit of lignite in the area of Ptolemaida, rendering this city as one of the most prominent industrial centers of the country. Its population reaches 150000 residents, while its extent covers 3500 sq.km.

History - Culture

The first signs of human presence in the region are traced as far back as the Paleolithic Age, but most settlements of importance were created in the Neolithic period. The greatest of this time was the one found near Servia. The region followed the course of history through the Bronze Age to reach the Historic years, when much of the region was known as ancient Elimia, named after the legendary settler Elimos, whose son Aeanos established the celebrated city of Aeani. Rich findings originating from Aeani bear witness to the fact that it was a major urban, trading and cultural center whose inhabitants enjoyed a high standard of living and traded profitably with many other cities of the Greek world. Other kingdoms of this ancient era in Kozani were those of Eordaea and Orestida. Following the domination of Philip of Macedonia, Romans conquered the region in 168 BC. In the Byzantine years, Servia developed into a significant city, while Emperor Justinian fortified the region, which nevertheless suffered Bulgarian, Norman and Frankish attacks in the 10th century. In 1390 settlers from Kosdiani in Epirus built their first dwelling, and it is believed that the name of today"s capital originates from that very town. During the period of Turkish domination, the region thrived financially and culturally with Kozani, Siatista, Tsotili, Velvendos being some of the major cities. In 1665, the renowned Greek School of Kozani was founded, and both the school and the town of Kozani turned into a significant center of education for the enslaved Greek nation. Eventually, fearing that allowing their subjugates access to education would cause troubles, the Turks shut the school down, but it came into operation once again in 1745 under the name Stoa. Confirming the fears of the Turks, Kozani took an active part in the Greek War of Independence in 1821 and in the Macedonian Fight against the Bulgarians (1904-1908). The Greek army liberated the region in 1912, and Kozani was incorporated back into the Greek State.

Sights

Many monuments and historical sights are spread across this region of beauty. Centuries-old mansions and Byzantine churches are scattered throughout the prefecture, while the ruins of glorious ancient Aeani are situated in today"s village, along with Byzantine churches and chapels. In the capital, apart from the interesting post-Byzantine churches, there is the open air Museum of the Macedonian Fight. Velvendos is a living example of exquisite traditional Macedonian architecture, while traditional mansions can also be seen in Vlasti, Siatista and many other areas as well. The beautiful mountainous village of Pentalofos is worth visiting, while  many skeletons of prehistoric animals were discovered in Perdikkas. Ruins of a Neolithic settlement and the remains of a Medieval fortification can be seen near Servia, where there are also many interesting Byzantine (4th-15th century AD) and post-Byzantine (15th-19th century AD) churches and monasteries. The Bridge of Servia, with a length of 1372m, is one of the largest in Greece, and offers majestic viewpoints. The monuments and beauties of Kozani await those in search of alternative holidays in the land where, as legend has it, was once the home of fairies and elves.

Entertainment-Sports-Shopping

Though the inflow of tourists is somewhat limited, the infrastructure of the prefecture can readily accommodate and entertain travelers who wish to be acquainted with this charming region. A large number of the hotels, restaurants, taverns, coffee shops and bars are concentrated in the capital city of Kozani and in the major urban centers of Ptolemaida and Siatista. Nevertheless, taverns can be found in almost every village of the prefecture, bars and coffee shops can also be found even in the small towns, while the local markets are more than adequate. If visitors are to experience the true taste of the land, they should buy local dairy products, peaches and hazelnuts, as well as fur coats and hand-made textiles. Kozani is also the ideal place for tasting specially prepared meat dishes, legumes, local specialties such as "toukalakia" (a kind of stew), "giaprakia" (cabbage rolls stuffed with rice, meat pieces and spices) and the celebrated sun-dried wine. In Kozani there are basketball and volleyball courts, a gym, and a swimming pool. Basketball and volleyball courts can be found in Ptolemaida as well. Mountain climbers can venture the landscape freely, as there are four refuges to provide them with safety and warmth. There is one atop Mount Askio, another on Mount Vourino, and two more on the Pieria Mountains, offering both shelter and food. Local festivities are held throughout the region, their traditional and lively nature being principal attractions to many visitors, who eagerly participate in these events of freely offered fun and cultural insight.  

Access

Flights are carried out from Athens throughout the year. There are daily bus services from Athens and Thessaloniki. All year round trains depart from Athens to different destinations in Kozani.

Connections

There is frequent flight connection with Kastoria. Buses link daily Veria, Kastoria, Florina, Grevena, Larissa and Ioannina. Trains departing from Platy link Kozani, Ptolemaida, Edessa, Veria, Naoussa and Alexandria while trains from Amyntaio link Kozani and Florina. 

Museums

In Kozani there is the noted Public Library that houses about 70000 books and thousands of rare manuscripts and documents. An interesting archaeological collection is also housed in the same building, while the Historical and Folk Art Museum is definitely worth visiting. Archaeological collections are found in Aeani, Velvendos and Tsotili. A small museum in Perdikkas exhibits the skeletical remains of a prehistoric elephant and other paleontological findings. In Siatista, the Paleontological Museum and the Botanical Museum can be visited.

Alternative Tourism

Ecotourism, agrotourism, archaeology, gastronomy, sporting (trekking, mountain climbing, mountain bike).

Useful Telephone Numbers:

KOZANI AREA CODE:  24610-

MUNICIPALITY: 24610-50311

FILIPPOS AIRPORT: 24610-36463, 26864

BUS STATION: 24610-34454

POLICE STATION  : 24610-22001

RADIO TAXI STATION: 24610-40500, 40111

HOSPITAL: 24610-67600

PHARMACIES: 24610-31191, 34727, 34343

POST OFFICE: 24610-34500

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 24610-32699