Greek city of Edessa. Waterfalls of Edessa: coordinates and photos, what to see and where is Waterfalls of Edessa
Waterfalls Edessa did not always exist, as today. At the end of the 14th century, the bulk of the water was collected in a small lowland west of the city. Then, suddenly, the water (probably, after geological or weather events) decided to cross the city and impressively plunged from the rocks, subsequently creating many small rivers, and the lake from which it flowed disappeared. Many travelers of the 17th and 18th centuries described the image of a city with a rock with many waterfalls. For visitors today it will be quite difficult to understand what happened just a few decades ago, when waterfalls were inaccessible. Some were hiding behind abundant vegetation, some were on the edge of the abyss, and it was very dangerous to make, perhaps, a little dangerous descent on steep paths to look at the waterfalls or take a couple of shots. Since 1942, the transformation of the area began and the Germans were the first to see this as a tourist destination. Every morning, the Gestapo Sergeant Fritz takes away certificates from the passers-by on the square and returns them back only when they finish their work at the waterfalls.
So, from nothing in the summer of 1942 two swimming pools, flower gardens of interesting architecture, fitting into the landscape, appeared. After the war, the place is transferred to the municipality, which gardeners provide for planting flowers and trees. Then a civil war happens, and waterfalls are temporarily forgotten, except, of course, farmers who enjoy bathing in them. People who have never seen the sea, dive into the cool green waters. In 1953, the work was completed, and a municipal restaurant called "Pineses" began to function, which entertained the inhabitants of Edessa with a waltz, tango, mambo and jazz. By the early 1960s, roads were created so that visitors could safely walk. The exception, of course, is the decision to build another power station, destroying part of the waterfall park and, of course, the waterfalls themselves. However, residents of the city began to resist this decision and after a long "struggle" they were able to save the park of waterfalls. Today, the waterfalls of Edessa are very famous not only in Greece but throughout the world. You can safely admire the large "Carano" waterfall, whose water falls from a height of about 70 meters, a double waterfall, and a cave with stalactites under the rock. The area is equipped and provides good conditions for visitors. The information kiosk, the Water Museum under the open sky and soon a 5-star hotel and other objects constantly function.
On the territory there is also an old plant for processing and obtaining ropes of hemp, which can be visited.
Greek Edessa became our final destination for a one-day motor rally in Greek Macedonia. We left the Halkidiki peninsula right after breakfast, visited the beautiful Petralona cave, then we found the old monastery of Sts. Anastasia ...
Already in the evening, full of impressions, but with empty stomachs, we reached the final destination of our chosen route - the city of Edessa. First, the name is very attractive to our ears, associative. Secondly, the city is famous for its parks of waterfalls, which always includes a tourist bus carrying tourists to the famous thermal springs of Loutra Pozar a Arie. We didn’t have time for the springs, so we decided to limit ourselves to waterfalls.
Edessa towers over the valley of Macedonia at an altitude of over 70 meters.
There is a pretty cliff, from which the water, originating from Mount Verminos, literally falls off a cliff, forming a complex of large and small waterfalls. Therefore, to climb into the city you can only drive a little far not to difficult serpentine.
We traveled without a navigator, but arrived very accurately. And not because they found pointers. Everything turned out to be much more logical. We knew that the river forms a waterfall. So, as soon as we crossed the river over the bridge, immediately turned right, to the precipice, and drove along the river until we found a convenient place for packing in the courtyard of the house.
Then we walked along the cultivated bed. Here is what I read about it:
"However, the city of Edessa was not always the way we see it now. Once there was a terrible earthquake. Water running from Mount Vaerminos and filling the lake away from the city, perched on the edge of a rock, spilled out and ran right along the streets. Much later, the river with its seven tributaries pacified, forcing quietly flow through the concrete channels. Only on the edge of the precipice the water again breaks free, forming a complex of large and small waterfalls falling from a height of 70 meters "
I will immediately note that descriptions of Edessa in RuNet are few. Rather, there are plenty of sites mentioning and describing the city, but the texts on them completely coincide. And who first published it is not possible to calculate. We visited the city without guides, because I can not provide any exclusive information, except about the cave I discovered, which is not mentioned in the sources I read.
It’s not uncommon to meet an Orthodox church in a Greek city, it would be more likely it would not even be surprising not to meet :))
But the appearance of the street with traditional souvenirs indicated that we were not mistaken, and intuition brought us to the most tourist place
But before walking through the Π? Ρκο Καταρρακτ? Ν waterfall park - the waterfall park in Edessa, we decided to have lunch at the Waterfalls restaurant (the name of the establishment is translated into Russian) Excellent food among and above the waterfalls
From the terrace of the restaurant there was a wonderful view of the valley, from which we arrived half an hour ago.
The main attraction of the city is still the waterfalls, which we went to see just after having dinner
Let me give you one more quote, which is reprinted by almost all the tourists in their reports about the visit to this city. Just very nicely said, why spoil ...
"Born out of the smallest splashes of water and light, she appears every evening on the crest of a waterfall. In the rumble of powerful streams rushing from a cliff, not everyone will hear her whisper. Still, it’s worth a try. Edessa is believed that the mythical king Midas, about whom Herodot wrote, broke the legendary rose gardens here, but his love for gold turned out to be stronger than his love for flowers: everything his hands touched turned into precious metal. but also his daughter. "
And we, we are witnessing the largest cascade of the waterfall of Edessa. Karanos Waterfall is the business card of the Greek Edessa.
Here you can walk along wooden bridges over a stream of waterfalls.
and, to be attentive enough, to visit a small, but very interesting cave for only 50 euro cents (just for which for some reason they are not mentioned anywhere) Compact and unexpected cave Kattarakton
well, after the cave, go for the stream anyway
If you have time, you can take advantage of the possibilities to walk to the very bottom of the cascades, look into the water museum in the same park ... But it was time for us to return to the hotel. The distance to Cassandra is not small, three hours drive ...
Already at home, I learned that waterfalls are not limited to the list of attractions of the city. I will not add anything about them, I’ll just give below, in order to understand that Edessa may well be the object of a separate visit:
- High Mountain with a magnificent, breathtaking view of central Macedonia and Thessaloniki.
- place "Kyupri", located at the western entrance to the city, with a wooden bridge, park, pool and gym. English writer Mary Walker called this place ideal for travel lovers.
- Stone city clock (1905)
- The Church of St. Sophia (Agias Sophias) of the 14th century.
- the area of Varos, where there are old houses (mainly buildings of the early 19th century)
small waterfalls in the city center, which used to be the engines of a water mill.
- Geni Tzami (1875) - the archaeological museum of the city, and other equally interesting places ...
Well, we leave Edessa. On the way, I took a few pictures in the windshield of the car.
Such pictures can be made in every city of Greece. Nothing exclusive, just to fill a photo album. And yet...
All, good bye Edessa, but something tells me that not forever :)
Tour Description: Edessa and the Sources of Aridea
An exciting journey begins with a visit to one of the most beautiful and majestic cities of Greece - Edessa, which amazes with its stormy waters, loud waterfalls and magnificent historical buildings, enlivening the memories of days gone by. In ancient times, Edessa was named Egi, and was most directly related to the royal family of Macedonia - here was located the tomb of monarchs. Today, this ancient connection is clearly hinted at by one of the main decorations of the city, the sculpture of Alexander the Great. Not far from Edessa is another attraction of the region. Speech on the thermal baths Loutra Pozar near the city of Aridea. You can visit the well-known hot healing springs in the open from the time of Alexander the Great, whose water temperature reaches +37 degrees. Water from these sources is collected in a special pool where you can take hydrocarbonate baths throughout the year. In addition to physical recovery, in this place you can relax and soul. During the excursion you will have enough free time to enjoy the delightful beauty of nature, the life-giving moisture of the mountain river and feel the healing power of the thermal springs. At the end of relaxing water treatments, we recommend you try Mediterranean dishes in order to achieve a complete picture of this magnificent journey.
Cost of
The cost of the tour on the type of movement:
| Type of transport | Number of people | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 1-30 people | € 50 per person | Request |
| Car comfort | 1-3 people | € 350 per excursion | Request |
| Car business class | 1-3 people | € 500 per excursion | Request |
| MiniVan Business Class | 1-6 people | € 500 per excursion | Request |
| MiniVan Mercedes V-Class | 1-6 people | € 750 per excursion | Request |
| MiniBus Business Class | 1-15 people | € 950 per excursion | Request |
| MiniBus V.I.P. | 1-11 people | € 1050 per excursion | Request |
Included in cost
- Moving around the program
- Driver and support
Not included in the price
- Entrance fees for the program
- Food according to the program
Program
During the tour you will visit:
Karanos Waterfall. Edessa
Thermal baths Loutra Pozar. Aridea
Thermal baths Loutra Pozar is one of the oldest health complexes in Greece. The resort’s wellness orientation is also indicated by its name - Pozar (“Po” + “Zar”) literally translated from Greek as “Under Fire”. The resort is 100 km. from the city of Thessaloniki and just 13 km. from the town of Arideas. The spa resort is spread over 72 hectares and consists not only of a health complex with natural ponds and thermal pools created by human hands, but also a vast park area with lush forests, steep ravines, neolithic caves, steep mountains and historical and cultural monuments of antiquity.
Created on the basis of thermal springs, the hydrotherapy complex includes indoor and outdoor pools with healing water, treatment rooms with individual baths, artificial waterfalls, beauty and relaxation salons, as well as several variations of steam baths. Hydropathic equipments are equipped with the most modern technologies that allow using the healing properties of mineral water with maximum efficiency throughout the year.
Made an invaluable contribution to European culture. Literature, architecture, philosophy, history, other sciences, statehood, laws, art and myths of ancient Greece laid the foundation of modern European civilization. Greek gods known worldwide.