General Information
The prefecture of Serres has the privilege of the existence of an abundance of impressive attractions within its confines. It has rare natural beauties, such as the cave of Alistratis, the ravine of Aggitis, the lake Kerkini, the delta of the river Strymonas, and the thermal baths, and a long list of interesting monuments, which includes the archaeological site of Amphipolis and many Byzantine castles, abbeys and churches. Moreover, there is also the affluent folklore tradition, the snow center, as well as a full list of choices for sporting alternative tourism. With all of these, it is not difficult to reason why so many visitors travel to Serres at any time of the year. The prefecture of Serres covers the eastern part of Macedonia. To the south it forms a majestic coastline along the shores of the Strymonic gulf, while to the southeast it shares borders with the prefecture of Kavala, to the east with the prefecture of Drama, to the west with the prefectures of Thessaloniki and Kilkis, and to the north with Bulgaria. Its population numbers about 194000 residents, while its extent covers 4000 sq.km.
History - Culture
Though the region has been inhabited since prehistoric years, history finds Thracian tribes occupying it. A land of legend, it was believed that the God Dionysus frequented the forested slopes of Mount Paggaeon, accompanied by Orpheus, who played his lyre. Ancient Vasaltia used to lie in the area of today"s Nigrita, and according to Herodotus, its king blinded his sons for joining the Persians willingly. Ancient Sintiki lay in the area of today"s Sidirokastro, with Herakleia being its seat, while ancient Idoni, where bacchic ceremonies were held, was situated in the are of today"s Zichni and Alistrati. Serres is mentioned in the works of Herodotus as Siris or Paeonia. However, the most significant city of the time was Amphipolis, built on the delta of Strymonas River. It was established by the Athenians in 436 BC on an ideal location, on the banks of the river Strymonas, and at a strategic location controlling the route to the east. In the Peloponnesian War, the Spartans, seeking to get hold of the gold mines of Mount Paggaeon, occupied Serres despite the efforts of Thucydides. For the same reason, Romans held the region with utmost care. Throughout the periods of Byzantine rule, Frankish occupation, and Turkish domination, the region shared the same course through history with its capital. Accordingly, in the 10th century AD, the town of Serres served as a stronghold against the advance of the Bulgarians, who eventually conquered it in 1205 and in 1230. Next it came under Serbian occupation in 1345, and it became the capital of Stephen Dushan, Emperor of Serbia. Serres was under Turkish control from 1368 until the Balkan Wars (1912-13), while it was occupied by Bulgarians during the First and the Second World War. Serres was finally liberated in 1918, when it finally rejoined the Greek nation.
Sights
As mentioned in the preceding description, travelers are bound to be fascinated by this rich in natural beauties and monuments prefecture. In the capital of Serres, one can visit the ruins of the ancient acropolis and of the Byzantine fortress as well as the cave in the area of Epta Myloi (seven mills). Just outside town, there is the medieval monastery (built in 1275 or 1279), a number of beautiful traditional villages and the area of Lailias, overflowing with plane trees, beeches, cedars and running waters. One of the largest and most beautiful caves in Greece is the one situated in the area of Petrotos, in Alistrati, adorned with gargantuan stalactites and stalagmites, as well as with other, much more delicate natural formations. Today"s Amphipolis is situated on the site of the ancient city. First, visitors see the remarkable Leon, a tombstone of the 4th century, then the remnants of the ancient city (houses, temples, walls, gate, and more) and last but not least, the ruins of a Byzantine castle and its walls. In the tobacco-producing village of Gazoros, one can visit the pine-clad area of Aghios Athanasios, the ruins of a prehistoric settlement and its acropolis, as well as the female convent of Aghia Paraskevi. Furthermore, visitors can come across a great number of interesting churches scattered in many different areas of the prefecture. A chance to tour the gorgeous lake Kerkini, preferably by boat, should not be missed. Only 16km away from the village, a place of unparalleled beauty with unique flora and fauna offers majestic insight to the world of nature. There is also the beautiful town of Sidirokastro, built on the banks of Krousovitis River. Visitors here can see the church of Aghios Dimitrios, carved into solid rock, the ruins of the Byzantine castle and the bridges of the Krousovitis River. The monastery of St. John the Baptist, built within a deep gorge in 1270, is a spectacle as well as a place of worship.
Entertainment-Sports-Shopping
In addition to the capital city of Serres and the town of Sidirokastro, a variety of services is offered in most other resorts of the prefecture. The tourist infrastructure of the region is well developed. There are quality accommodation and entertainment facilities, including hotels, inns, rooms to let, camping sites, taverns, restaurants, bars, pubs, and night clubs, while the shopping places are ready to satisfy every visitor with a wide range of goods and services. In fact, while visiting Serres, some of the best buys are considered to be cooked pork meats, kidbutter, and traditional "loukoumia" (sweet), also called akanedes. As for the local dishes, some of the specialties that should not be missed are fried or roast fish, souvlaki, sausages, spinach-pie, yoghurt and various sweets made on traditional recipes. As far as sports are concerned, Serres offers track fields, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, while on Mount Vrontous there is a fully equipped ski resort and a refuge for mountain climbers. And though the region is obviously rich in spectacles of natural or human making, the cultural events that take place here can be far more interesting. Traditional festivals -all of ancient origin- are held in a unique atmosphere. Some of them are the following: In the village of Aghia Eleni, the noted festivities of Anastenaria are held on May 21st, the name day of Aghios Konstantinos (St. Constantine) and Aghia Eleni (St. Helen). They are reputedly of bacchic origin and include fascinating demonstrations of fire walking, as people walk on sizzling hot coals. In the village of Monokklisia the custom of gynaecocracy (domination of women) is represented on January 8th. Men have to deal with the household and women handle all the manly business. All things considered, the prefecture of Serres can captivate visitors in every aspect imaginable, offering attractions for any range of interests.
Access
All year round bus services are carried out from Athens and Thessaloniki to Serres. Trains depart from Athens to Thessaloniki and from there to Serres.
Connections
There is bus connection with Drama and Kavala. Trains departing from Athens and Thessaloniki link Serres, Kilkis, Drama, Xanthi, Komotini and Alexandroupolis.
Museums
There is a small museum in Serres, where findings dating from different periods are exhibited. An interesting Archaeological Museum can be visited in Amphipolis. There is a Folk Art collection in Nigrita, and another Folk Art Museum is located in Sidirokastro.
Alternative Tourism
Ecotourism, agrotourism, therapeutic, archaeology, speleology, spiritual, cultural, canyoning, sporting (ski, mountain climbing, mountain bike, trekking, river trekking, water sports).
Useful Telephone Numbers:
SERRES AREA CODE: 23210-
POLICE STATION : 23210-90800
TRAFFIC POLICE: 23210-90810
MUNICIPALITY: 23210-83600
POST OFFICE: 23210-71565
TAXI STATION: 23210-59444, 59422
HOSPITAL: 23210-94500
BUS STATION: 23210-22822
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