The name "Edessa" of Phrygian origin means "city in the water" and is famous for its waterfalls.
The world-famous city of waterfalls occupied a significant place in the life of the region from ancient times. Edessa is located at an altitude of 320 meters above sea level in Central Macedonia and has about 20,000 inhabitants. The city is famous for its waterfalls, which appeared as a result of a strong earthquake in 1395. Because of the tremors, the river flowing from the eastern side of the city changed the direction of its current and rushed to the precipice. So 7 giant waterfalls formed, and only 2 have reached our days.
Historical facts of Edessa
Before the discovery of the tombs of the Macedonian kings in Virgina in 1977, Edessa was considered the first capital of the Macedonian kingdom. In the Roman era, Trade and crafts flourished in the city thanks to the proximity to the main transport artery of the Roman Empire "Via Egnatia". Edessa, along with eight other cities of Roman Macedonia, received the right to mint his own coin.
History knows very little about the medieval period of the city. But with the beginning of the raids of the Slavic tribes on the land of Macedonia, Edessa is known to be often found under their authority. For example, it becomes the capital of the Bulgarian kingdom for 10 years in 985 AD. At this time, the ancient name of the city is changed to "Vodena". Slavic "vod" perfectly characterize the city and its surroundings, rich in water sources, rivers and waterfalls. Vodena was under the Ottoman yoke from 1386 to 1912.
In the late XIX - early XX century, Edessa began to use the energy of water to produce electricity and build a railway line in Thessaloniki, Edessa. Thus it becomes a major industrial center of northern Greece. The post-war life in the city, half destroyed by the Italo-German invaders, was a rather sad sight. Most of the local population had to leave the city, moving to the larger cities of Greece.
Edessa today
Since the end of the 20th century, thanks to the development of domestic and incoming tourism, Edessa has blossomed again and attracts many lovers of natural beauty and Mountain View. The modern city is built on the site of the ancient Acropolis and preserves, partially discovered, the remains of ancient Edessa. A lot of tourists from all over the world come here today to admire the beauty of the local waterfalls. The largest of them is the Koranos. It continuously pours out the water cascade from the height during the last 600 years
Also, people are attracted by numerous water canals, large green parks (in honor of Alexander the Great, Cataracton, Kyupri), small bridges thrown across water city arteries. Most of the surviving buildings, which were built in the traditional local architectural style, were converted into hotels and restaurants. People who have already visited Edessa say that this is the most romantic city in all of Greece.
Close to the city is the settlement of Loutraki, famous for its contrasting waterfalls and thermal springs.
Despite the abundance of water, swimming is not accepted in the waterfalls in Edessa. But you can always enjoy the hot springs of Aridea. There is a huge bath complex with shared and private pools with hot water from the springs.
From Athens:
By plane: in airport "Macedonia" Thessaloniki; by train: from the railway station "Stafmos Larissis" to the station "Plati" and transfer to Edessa; by bus: from the bus station "KTEL Kifis" to Edessa; by car: on the highway E75 to the turn to Versia on the E90, exit from the road to Berea, continue along the signs for Edessa.
From Thessaloniki:
By train: direct train to Edessa from the railway station of Thessaloniki; by bus: from the bus station "KTELMacedonia" to Edessa; by car: on the highway E86 on the signs for Edessa.
