Veria
The old city of Veria is situated in northern Greece, on the slopes of Mount Vermio and the shores of Aliakmon river. Entrenched in deep-rooted history dating back to ancient Macedonia, Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire, Veria offers a wealth of cultural experiences, from superb Byzantine churches and remarkable monuments, such as Apostle Paul’s Podium, to historical Macedonian and Ottoman architecture and winding stone-paved streets and squares.
Perhaps one of the city’s most intriguing features is its well-preserved old Jewish quarter and synagogue, the remnant of Veria’s prosperous Jewish community resident until the 1940s.
Veria serves as a convenient base to explore the picturesque monasteries and mountain villages scattered around in the area, and visit the famous archaeological site of Aeges, ancient Macedonia’s first capital.
Xanthi
Located in Thrace, on the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Xanthi is known as ‘the city with a thousand colors’ for its vivid, multicultural atmosphere.
Much of the city’s fame comes from the formerly bustling tobacco industry and its famous traditional carnival, which is held every February or March.
Xanthi’s old town looks like an open museum. It exhibits a fascinating fusion of architectural traditions that reflect the religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity of the people that lived and prospered in the city.
Much like its architecture, Xanthi’s culinary traditions represent an intriguing cosmopolitan mix, typical of the region.
