Giannis Zarz, Author at The Mount Olympus | Greece

Katerini

Katerini, the capital of the prefecture, is a comparatively new city, which gradually became an urban centre after the exchange of populations in 1923 and the settlement of refugees from Asia Minor and Thrace. In the early 19th century, it only had 100 houses, while in 1912, the period of liberation, the city numbered 8,000 people.
It developed radically in the postwar years, 1950-1960, and developed into a modern city, a dynamic centre of the administrative, economic, and tourist activity of Pieria.
Concerning the origin of its name, it is believed to come from the church of Agia Aikaterini built by refugees, who settled in the early 18th century, coming from the Peninsula of Sinai. The name Aikaterini is used to refer to the city in relevant documents and maps of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Archaeologists and travelers, however, mention that the name Katerini is an alteration of the ancient city Atira (Katira, Kateri), which was located in the area and was still inhabited in Christian times.
Katerini is situated at a strategic point, along the road axis Athens-Thessaloniki. Presently, it is a modern densely constructed city with all the infrastructures of a major urban center that satisfy all contemporary needs. The central axis of the city is the pedestrian street, Megalou Alexandrou, with many cafes and shops. Some of the sights worth visiting include the central park, and the Municipal Gardens, with its rich flora, its tall trees and recreation areas. From Katerini of the mid-war years with its low houses only very few old buildings are extant, like the restored mansion of Tsalopoulos. Another attraction is the Folklore Museum of Katerini with relics of the refugees (costumes, homeware, icons, etc.) especially from Pontos.

Christos Kakalos Refuge

The Plateau of the Muses is dominated by the refuge “Christos Kakalos” at an altitude of 2,650 meters. Its name honours the first guide of Olympus and conqueror of the mythical mountain, Christos Kakalos. Kakalos accompanied the first conquerors of Olympus, the Swiss Frederic Boissonas, a famous photographer and publisher, and Daniel Baud-Bovy, author and art critic, who reached the highest peak of Olympus on August 2, 1913.

Livadi

The historical village Livadi is located on the slopes of Titaros at an altitude of 1181m and is surrounded by the mountainsides of Pieria, Olympus and Komvounia. It overlooks the peaks and slopes of Olympus to the east, while its horizon extends to Koziakas to the south and west. The landscape is enchanting and extensive reforestations have been made in the area around the small town. Livadi was founded in the 17th century and witnessed great economic and intellectual growth in the 18th century. Its people took part in all the revolutionary movements in the region of Olympus.

Profitis Elias peak

The highest worship place of Greece is the stone tabernacle of Profiti Elia on the so-called peak of Olympus, at 2.803m height. It is a small, one-space church which, according to the tradition, was built by St. Dionysus in the 16th century, and every July, on the celebration day of the Prophet, monks of the neighbouring monastery go up to the peak and have a Mass. Although no archaeological relics have been found, it is believed that the church was built on an ancient top sanctuary, as there was one on the opposite peak of St. Anthony.