RESEARCH FIELD FOR HISTORIC MONUMENTS OF ALMOPIA MUNICIPALITY

www.lhilna.eu

The views which are expressed in this publication do not necessarily correspond with the views

(a) of the European Union, (b) the participating countries and (c) the Managing Authority.

This document constitutes the key part of 3.1 deliverable of the Act and it was implemented by

the contractor company Dotsoft SA, under the contract with the title : Emergence of Cultural

Monuments and Natural Heritage of Almopia Municipality, Through Research Field and Digital

Applications under the Act «Living History, Living Nature», from the Contractor (June 2015).

Responsible for the content:

Marina Velegraki,

Archeologist, MA

PhD candidate at the University of Cyprus

Paraskevopoulou 15, Heraklion Crete

Tel: 6974 586259

marinavelegraki@hotmail.com

CONTENTS

1. Introduction ..................................................................................

2. Methodology ..................................................................................

2.1 Research Field .........................................................................

2.2 Internet search and literature survey .......................................

3. Historical Heritage .......................................................................

3.1 The Almopia ............................................................................

3.2 Archaeological Mnuments ......................................................

3.2.1 Golden Castle……………………………………………….

3.2.2 Cave-gulch …………………………………………………..

3.2.3 Ancient settlement in Apsalo …………………………………

3.2.4 Ancient settlement in Aloro ……………………………………

3.2.5 Antiquities at Watermills ………………………………………

3.2.6 Tumuli Cemetery in Constantia …………………………………

3.2.7 Antiquities in Periclean …………………………………………

3.2.8 Bridge in Aloro ……………………………………………………

3.2.9 Old Mill in Sosandra …………………………………………………

3.3 Churches…………………………………………………………

3.3.1 Saint Ioannis in Upper Loutraki……………………………….

3.3.2 Saint Dimitrios in Aetochori ……………………………………

3.3.3 Saint Dimitrios in Xifiani ……………………………………….

3.3.4 Church of the Ascension in Theodoraki ……………………………

3.4 Museums ……………………………………………………………

3.4.1 Museum of Natural History………………………………………………

3.4.2 Folklore Museum ………………………………………………………

3.5 Holy Monasteries…………………………………………………

3.5.1 Monastery in Promachon …………………………………………….

3.5.2 Archangel Monastery ……………………………………………………

3.6. Institutional Framework For The Protection Of General Environment Of The

Places With Archaeological Interst ………………………………………………

4. List Of Articles And Audiovisual Material On The Internet ……………………….

5. Available Literature ……………………………………………………………….

1. Introduction

The act : Living history, Living nature with the acronym "Lhi-Lna", joined the CBC program

"Greece - FYROM 2007-2013", in the context of the second call. The collaborative scheme

includes Almopia Municipality and the Municipality of Novaci. The purpose of the Act is to

implement interventions for the protection and enhancement of cultural and natural heritage in

the CBC area, with a series of actions for the integration of selected points of interest and

presenting them with new media.

This deliverable document, presents the results of field research for the Historical Heritage of the

Almopia Municipality.

The survey is divided into four sections monuments. These are : the archaeological sites,

churches, museums and monasteries of Almopia.

The presentation of the results of the field research, into the specific features of these historical

monuments, is accompanied by proposals for exploitation within a broader development

planning for the promotion of the historical and natural heritage of Almopia municipality.

Map 1. Source: Study Group

2. Methodology

2.1 Research Field

In the fascinating and relatively unknown field of oral history and field of anthropological

research, basic source of information is the human being. Therefore, the quality and quantity of

information which will be collected, it largely depends on memory, experiences, subjectivism

source. It also depends on the quality and readiness of the receiver-researcher and on the

methodological tools that will be selected.

As a consequence of the research object, and the methodology used, there is a small

margin of historical and factual inaccuracy. Therefore, it seems reasonable, the existence of gaps

in information fields in each type of completion, correction, recommendation or creative idea.

The research team of the project contractor, proceeded (with the appropriate scientific

approach) to collection, cross-check and selection of suitable material resulting from the

research. The methodology of the field research was based on three basic methods :

• recording and collection of audiovisual material through photography and videography

• interviews

• questionnaires

On the spot collection of audiovisual material

As part of the fieldwork, we proceed to produce the relevant documentary material

photographing and recording each monument we visited, its surroundings, its interior, the view,

and any other elements of deterioration, flora or fauna tracks, the road network, signage etc.

Furthermore, in order to reflect in better way the current situation and the accessibility of each

monument (particularly natural sites), we held a fragmentary video, of our route until we arrived

at some monuments (the road network, filming points with incomplete signage, eg. junction of

the road).

Interviews

The interviews and personal contact with people who have relation to the collected and

documentation material, both in specific and general level, had as main purpose to collect

information on items that may not have been sufficiently documented or not at all, during the

stages of literature search and research online.

The types of interviews that were adopted were two :

Basically we used closed interviews (by way of questionnaire) which posed concrete and short

questions in the interviewee in order to obtain clear answers. This type of interview was used in

scheduled meetings. In other cases of unplanned discussions, we used the type of semi-structured

interview. In more spontaneous or short-lived meetings, the conversation was limited to be

simple and there was a brief discussion.

There were contacts :

with people of the organization, in order to clarify any matter relating to the process of

documentation.

with locals, knowledgeable of local history of the area.

with information carriers and accountable local institutions (educative associations,

mountaineering clubs, women's associations), in person or by telephone.

with the Archaeological Service of Pella

Specifically, interviews and discussions were made :

With Nikos Tsima and Maria Papaspyrou by the municipality of Almopia.

With the presidents or members of the following Educational / Cultural Associations:

Chrysanthi Papanikolaou - Educational Association (EA) of Promachon, Anna Mitanidou - EA

Pontian of Apsalo, Mimis Tsiros-Kechagias - Youth Club Loutraki, Maria Paliou – EA of

Archangel, Chrisoula Sousi – EA of Periclea, Marmaridis Christos – EA of Constantia, Anastasia

Tsantali – EA of Prodromylioton, Dimitra Nanos – EA of Sosandra '' St George '', Boftsaris

Nassos – EA of Loutraki, Vassilis Tzimas - Association of Vlachs Apsalo.

With the priest of the Church of St. Nicholas in Archangelos, the Father Timothy from

Archangel monastery, the Mother of the monastery of St. Hilarion and other people who were

present during our visit, Mr Staikos, a member of the ecclesiastical committee of the Church of

St. Demetrius in Aetochori and resident of the village, the priest of the Church of Ascension in

Theodoraki and the president of the local Cultural Association, Isidore Ioannidis ex Chairman of

Greek Mountaineering Club of Aridaia, Mr. Dimitris Nikolaidis, a member of the church

committee of the Church of St. Demetrios in Xifiani.

With a cafe owner in Upper Garefi, two farmers in the region of Constantia, residents-regulars

in the cafe of Pericleia, an employee in a company in Thermal Baths of Loutraki, a business-

shopkeeper in Aridaia, a photographer in Aridaia.

Questionnaires

The fieldwork was completed with the creation and sending of questionnaires via email

to local educational associations, youth clubs, Women's Associations. For the processing of the

questions and selection of recipients, it was established an initial group of individuals with

experience and knowledge of the subject, assisted by people who know the local peculiarities

and the region, in order to avoid initial crunches and wasting time at work. Then, we selected the

geographical areas (essentially the range of entities) which will cover the research, which was

was determined by both the villages directly related to the selected sites and the persons

participating in entities-targets (after the indication of people who know the local scene).

Unfortunately, this research did not have the expected results and the number of

questionnaires which was ultimately collected, was below expectations. Some representative

problems were :

The lack of a website and email communication operators.

The unfamiliarity of the presidents of some cultural associations with electronic media, the

inability to handle a computer or email.

The subfunction of several associations.

The lack of material relating to the subject of the field research.

Non response of most entities, both in telephone communication level and at the level of

completion of the questionnaires.

Recording Sheets

For more effective and better managed inventory data, the fieldwork was carried out using some

specially designed recording sheets, which record all data collected by the team during the visit

to the monument.

In recording sheets of historical monuments, we analyzed and described the current situation of

the monuments as :

• The particular historical and architectural characteristics

• The level of protection and maintenance

• The connection with other places and monuments in the region

• Accessibility (infrastructure, roads)

• The signage

• The relationship with the local identity and everyday life

• The visiting

• The interesting facts

• The prospects for exploitation

2.2 Internet research and literature survey

The research material was treated with the rules, which imposes the scientific deontology.

Having as a starting material, the elements which we derived from the field research, we sought

our documentary material in all available sources and with all available means :

(i). Thorough research on the internet

We sought and found websites with related content objects to documentation, as well as websites

with general information on the collected items for the region of Almopia. Central role, had the

websites of the Ministry of Culture and Religious Education: odysseus.culture.gr and

listedmonuments.culture.gr. Furthermore, a survey was conducted in electronic newspaper

archives and in online libraries and databases (eg ERT file) to find articles and photos. We

should note that both in the file of ERT and in newspaper archives as Daily, Nation, Vima,

News, Macedonia, Agelioforos, etc.,the related material we found was limited and with low

affinity to the research question. More specifically, we found only some reports on local issues

and suggestions for winter trips in the area.

(ii). Research in libraries, museums, universities

We visited (where possible) and investigated electronic libraries of the Aristotle University of

Thessaloniki, the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of the Macedonian

Struggle, the Society for Macedonian Studies, the Peninsula Institute for Balkan Studies

(IMXA), the Archaeological Museum of Pella, the German Archaeological Institute, the

Historical and Folklore Society of Giannitsa '' Philip ', the University of Crete in Rethymno,

Ephorate of Antiquities of Heraklion and the British School at Knossos, from where we collected

information and recorded the relevant literature.

3. Historical Heritage

3.1 Almopia

The Almopia was the land of Almopes. According to mythology, the region owes its name to its

founder named Almopa. Stephanus of Byzantium, in the 6th AD century in "National", by

referring to the origin of Almopes, transmitted to us their pedigree myth. According to this, the

founder is the Giant Almops, son of Poseidon and Ellis, daughter of Athamanta1.

The Almopes, (independent people), lived here since the Bronze Age until the 6th century BC,

when the Macedonians with Temenid, conquered the region with Pieria and Bottiaia and evicted

the Almopes in Paggaio2. Thucydides (II, 99, 5) states that Almopia was one of the areas that

make up the Lower Macedonia, as well as Bottiaia, Pieria, Eordaia, a division of Paeonia,

Mygdonia, Anthemounta, Kristonia and Visaltia. Of all these, Bottiaia and Pieria, formed the

original core of the Macedonian kingdom, before extending the limits of the west and east from

Archelaus and especially Philip II. In this rich (with full of plains and with mild climate) country

were developed the oldest and most important cities of the Macedonians, Aigai, Veria, Pella,

Mieza, Dion and of course Thessaloniki3. The geographical limits of ancient Almopia, almost

coincide with those of the current homonymous province4 and the most important settlements

was Aloros and Apsalo.

During the Byzantine period, the site gets the name Moglena (the country of fog). In this long

period, the place will lived the raids of Bulgarians and the Normans. From the 11th

century it will

be a matter of the Byzantine Empire, although the raids of Bulgarians and Serbs will be

continued. From 1385 (or 1389) will come under the ottoman empire, which is called

Karadzhova5. The Almopia will be released during the Balkan War in 1912.

1 Great Greek Encyclopedia, 1927-1929, Lemma: Almops.

2 Sakellariou, M., Macedonia. 4000 years of Greek history and culture, Athens, 1992, pp. 46-48 and Touratsoglou,

I., Macedonia: History-Monuments-Museums, Athens, 1997, p. 11. 3 Touratsoglou, I., Macedonia: History-Monuments-Museums, Athens, 1997, pp. 57-59.

4 Chrysostomou, A., '' Archaeological research in the area of Almopia in 1997, '' The archaeological work in

Macedonia and Thrace 11, 1997, p. 139.

5 Great Greek Encyclopedia, 1927-1929, Lemma: Almopia

Excavations and archaeological findings, can document the human habitation in the area, since

the Neolithic era. Prehistoric sites, of Neolithic and Bronze Age, have been found in Apsalo,in

the cavern of Loutraki, Monastiraki, Sosandra, Dorothea6, Polykarpi, Aloro and Exaplatanos

7.

The scattered cemeteries of tombs, substantiate the continuation of life until the 7th century BC.

We found them in almost every hill, on roads and near ancient settlements. Such cemeteries have

been found in Constantia, in the position Verpen of Apsalo, in Baptist, Aloro, Chrysi and Milia8.

In the subsequent periods, important settlements dating from the Hellenistic, Roman and

Byzantine times, that were identified in Apsalo, Aloro, Watermills, Chrysi and Periclean.

Excellent examples of local church architecture are the three-aisled basilica of the 18th and 19th

century in Loutraki, Theodoraki, Filoteia, Ida and the Monastery of the Archangel Michael.

6 The locations in Sosandra and Dorothea declared archaeological sites (MD Ministry of Culture/ GDAPK / ARC / A1

/ F43 / 56014/2795 / 05.25.2012 - GG 223 / AAP / 06.15.2012). 7 Chrysostomou, A., AD 48, B2 Chronicles, 1997, p. 376 (Sosandra, Polykarpi) · idem, AD 55, B2 Chronicles, 2000,

pp. 814-815 (Exaplatanos) Chrysostom, A., A.. Georgiadou Ch. Poloukidou & A. Prokopidou, 'Excavations in the provincial road unsung - Aridea in 2000,' 'the archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace 14, 2000, pp. 491-504. 8 Chrysostomou, A., “Archaeological research in the area of Almopia in 1997”, The archaeological work in

Macedonia and Thrace, 1997, pp. 139-141 · idem “The areas of North Bottiaia and Almopia in the Iron Age and

archaic period. Examples from burial types”, in Adam-Veleni P., Myrtos: Memory of Julia Vokotopoulou,

Thessaloniki, 2000, pp. 229-242.

3.2 Archaeological monuments

3.2.1 Chrysi Castle

Overview

The Castle of Chrysi is identified with the Moglena city, seat of the homonymous Byzantine

theme and of diocese, from the 11th century at least9. The earliest known bishop is Saint

Hilarion, in 1134 approximately, who dies and is buried in Moglena around 1164. Also,

according to the excursionist Delacoulonche, in the place of the fortress was the city Evropos.

This version, was then adopted by the archaeologist D. Eugenidou (Excavations 1985-1987).

However, until today has not yet found any evidence to confirm the existence of pre-Christian

antiquities in the area of the fortress10

. In contrast, N. Papadakis argued in 1913 that the city

Evropos was built on the site of the ancient settlement of Aloros11

.

The castle dates back to the 10th

-12th

century, but its defining and its construction was likely to

be placed on the older times. The south and southeast side of the castle are better preserved,

although the entire perimeter is detected.

The settlement inside occupied an area of about 40 acres, but it seems that, externally extending

to the east. Within the walls, there has been excavated a three aisled basilica with narthex. In the

niche there are traces of frescoes and mosaic flooring, and a throne. Sculpture fragments that

have been discovered, (though fragmentary), testify rich decoration. The above data, (and the

large dimensions of the basilica), suggesting that it is the Episcopal Cathedral of the town. The

Moglena was mentioned as bishopric since the 11th

century in “sigillia” of Basil II, defining the

dioceses of the Archdiocese of Ohrid. (Named signet (or sigillium, or singilio) was during the

Byzantine Empire the most important imperial official documents relating mainly foreign policy

issues that commonly used by the Byzantine diplomacy.)

9 Eugenidou, D., “Chrysi Castle and the Subject of Moglenon” in Amitos: Honorary Volume for Manolis

Andronikos, Thessaloniki, 1987, pp. 325-344 · idem, '' Excavations in Byzantine, Central and West Macedonia,

Servia and Moglena '' The archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace 1, 1987, pp. 63-68; See the website

http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/ gh352.jsp? obj_id = 19897

10 Chrysostomou, A., Ancient Almopia: from the prehistoric to the early Byzantine years, Thessaloniki, Pan-

Macedonian Association-Annex Almopia, 1994, p. 50. 11

Ibid.

Outside the castle was located the cemetery church, which is built in the type of free cross. Inside

the temple, there are traces of the painted decoration. Apart from the built cist tomb, in central

antenna internally, outside the temple has been excavated a total of 53 graves, of which 13 are

child-sized. To the east of Chrysi, at the place Theodoraki is located another fortification fortress

from the early Christian years, with a series of stone spaces inside12

.

Current situation

Access to the monument is smooth but the signage is poor. At a height of over 7 m. There are

two ellipsoids, one circular and one square tower, and the recess of the gate. The masonry

consists of stones and three rows of broken bricks in the vertical joints, while in the horizontal

joint there is an irregular order. The use of briquettes is denser in the towers and sparser in mid-

towers intervals. Around the walls there is dense vegetation that makes it difficult to access at the

top of the wall while the base of a large piece of the wall is 'corrupted' (possibly by human

intervention). The view from the castle is impressive – in the west we can see Kaimaktsalan and

Xifiani with the hill of St. Dimitrios. In the South, we see the Chrysi village, in the east we see

Exaplatanos and in north-east are the mountains of Jena- Pinovo.

Protection Status

The location is a listed archaeological site (MD Ministry of Culture and Science / ARC / B1 /

F36 / 68102/2652 / 04.12.1979 - GG 188 / B / 25.2.1980). Subordinate to the Antiquities Pella.

For each setting or intervention in the area of the monument and around it, it must have the

permission of the above institution, in accordance with the provisions of Law. 3028/2002

(Government Gazette 153 / 06.28.2002).

Connection with other monuments

The castle is directly connected with the fortresses in Mytaka Top in Constantia in Theodoraki,

as well as to the ancient settlements in the south, north and east Almopia, such as settlements of

Apsalo in areas 'Line', 'Node' and 'Verpen', the ancient settlement near the cemetery tombs in

Constantia, the ancient settlement on the hill Goritsa in watermills, the settlement of the

12 Chrysostomou, A., AD 48, B2 Time, p. 375 · idem, AD 56-59 (2001-2004), B2 Chronicles, 1993, pp. 359-360.

Hellenistic and Roman periods southeast of the modern settlement of Chrysi, the residential

facilities or rock-accommodation in the caverns of the thermal baths of Loutraki, the ancient

settlement in Aloro and Neolithic settlements in Sosandra, Dorothea, Polycarpi, Exaplatanos. It

is also associated with funerary monuments, such as those discovered in Apsalo, Constantia,

Baptist-Watermills, Chrysi, Milia.

3.2.2 Cavern-chasm

Overview

The cavern-chasm is one of the most important caverns of the cavern-park of the thermal baths.

Its length is 50 meters and it is drilled in limestone background. In the interior of it, have been

found pottery finds, dating to the Late Neolithic Period, while the deepest point of the chasm was

found a human skeleton of a man with an unknown 'absolute age' (historical period). Conversely,

research has shown that the biological age of the skeleton could be between 40 and 50 years13

.

Because of the skeleton, the cavern is of great anthropological interest. The interesting element

of the cavern is the chasm, which actually is illuminated from high above by a hole in the rock.

The cavern-formations of the area, appeared thousands of years ago when the water level

reached the level of the entrances of caverns before they formed the plain of Aridea14

. The

cavern-shelters dating from shells (ceramics fragments) at the end of the Neolithic Age and the

Bronze Age, and they were used either as permanent homes or as seasonal spaces living for

farmers in the area15

. The cluster of caverns discovered in the 90s. It consists of fifteen caverns

along the stream of St. Nicholas16

with great scientific interest.

The caverns are:

Gulf (Cavern-gulch)

Cavern A (Saint George): One of the largest caverns in the area. The great hall, was observing

a cult of unknown age.

13

Pitsios, Th., '' The human skeleton in the cave-precipice of the Baths of Loutraki Aridea ', 5th International

Congress, Athens-Crete, 7-11 / 11/1994,' Growth, development and environment caves' and Ministry of Culture ,

http://odysseus.culture.gr.

14 Karassavidis, P., Creating the Digital terrain of Loutra Pozar Pref. Pellas, in Environment ArcGIS, Master Thesis,

Department of Rural and Surveying Engineering, Department of Cadastre, Photogrammetry and Cartography,

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 2010, p. 24. 15

Chrysostomou, A., Ancient Almopia: from the prehistoric to the early Byzantine years, Thessaloniki, Pan-

Macedonian Association-Annex Almopia, 1994, p. 34.

16

Kambouroglou, Ev., I. Bassiakos & D. Bouzas, '' Paleontological - Sedimentological 2004 excavation research

and chronological studies of the cavern A in Loutraki Pozar '' AEMTH 18, 2004, pp. 573-589; Pappa, S., Study of

lactic teeth of bears from the Pleistocene from cavern-park of Almopia and from caverns in Europe. Systematic-

viostromatografia, 2010, graduate theses, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (http: //digital.lib.

Auth.gr/record/125389). See website http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/gh251.jsp?obj_id=19264.

Cavern B: The largest cavern of the cluster, with Neolithic findings, and with use evidence

from humans.

Cavern C: Small cavern near the chasm, in which in the entrance there is a rock inscription.

Cavern-shelter D: One of the largest of its kind. It has two entrances.

Cavern-shelter E: In the blackened walls, there are the most important paintings of the area.

Cavern-shelter Z: It is large. In it, there were found fossils of the brown bear and ceramics.

Cavern-shelter Za: It is very impressive and large. There are rock paintings and inscriptions.

Cavern H: On the outside rock, there are carvings (formerly found Roman coins)

Cavern TH: It is a huge vertical crack in the rock. The cavern is located at a height of 25m in

the slot.

Cavern I: It has an ornate small corridor, from pure white stalactites and material of

stalagmites.

Cave-chasm K: It is located in perpendicular rocks, 15m above the cavern A.

Cave-form L: It is a conduit with a slit form, penetrating the rock length 7m below the cavern

A.

Cave-form M: It is a large opening, with the form of entry to a cavern.

Cavernous Openings: The area (where there is erosion and weathering of rocks by water) are

cavernous openings, ducts, tunnels, karst cracks and possibly more cavities17

.

These are cavities of various dimensions and shapes, presenting paleoecology-paleontology

interest because of the abundance of skeletal elements belonging mainly to the prehistoric caves

Arktos (Ursus spelaeus) of the species Ursus Ingressus. The caves date back to the Pleistocene

and specifically in the last glacial period Würm (80.000 - 10.000 years ago). Today, the species

are now extinct. The caves have also bir archaeological interest. Based on the ceramic finds and

stone tools, which are found within them, it turns out that these were used by people occasionally

as shelters during the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age. These are the so called “rock-

shelters”.

17

Karassavidis, P., Creating the Digital terrain of Loutra Pozar Pref. Pellas, in Environment ArcGIS, Master Thesis,

Department of Rural and Surveying Engineering, Department of Cadastre, Photogrammetry and Cartography,

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 2010, p. 25-26.

The most important is the cavern of A, which is also called 'bear-cave'. The present entrance is

later, as its small size would prevent the sizeable bears to enter inside. It seems that Neolithic

man is associated with the opening of the bear cave, and a portion of it, is formed artificially.

Remarkable, mainly to archaeological discoveries, is the Cavern B, also known as the “Guerrilla

Store”. Superficially and throughout its length, is located a combustion layer and pottery of Late

Neolithic period. Other caverns are the 'Aura', the 'Ceramics' and the cave 'Plotsa'. The name of

the cave 'Aura', is due to the abandoned hotel 'Aura', which dates to the 19th

century18

. In these

three caverns, have been identified archaeological embankments. As we learn, sometime some of

the embankments removed, and thus destroyed a number of important elements19

.

Current situation

Although the cavern was developed for tourism in the past, the monument can not be visited at

present and the situation is particularly degraded (remarkable is that under Lhi-Lna II will be

financed studies to highlight it). The monument is of a great educational value because of its

history and together with other caverns of the thermal baths is perhaps the most important

monument of paleontological and anthropological interest in Almopia. Because of the thermal

baths, the visitor of the cave can find everything: accommodation, dining, walking routes etc.

The symbolic section for the local community is huge and it is one of the most popular

monuments in Almopia.

Protection Status

It is subordinated to Ephorate of Paleoanthropology - Speleology of Northern Greece. For each

setting or intervention in the area of the monument and around there must be permission of the

above institution, in accordance with the provisions of Law. 3028/2002 (Government Gazette

153 / 06.28.2002).

18

Source : http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/gh251.jsp?obj_id=19264 19

Vaxevanopoulos, M., Pennos, Ch., Gkarlaouni, Ch., Pechlivanidou, S., Zahariades, S., '' Prospects for improvement of tourist arranged caverns in Greece '', Proceedings of the 4th Pancretan Speleological Congress October 25-26, 2008 , p. 4. [https://www.academia.edu/3501641, renewal date 03/10/2015]

Connection with other monuments

Because of the residential role, that played the caverns of the thermal baths (as we learn from the

findings of the excavations, especially during the Late Neolithic period), the cavern-park of the

thermal baths (in its entirety) is related to the Neolithic and non Neolithic settlements in

southern, northern and eastern Almopia, such as the settlements of Apsalo in the 'Line', 'Node'

and 'Verpen', the ancient settlement near the cemetery tombs in Constantia, the ancient

settlement on the hill Goritsa in watermills, the settlement of the Hellenistic and Roman periods

southeast of the modern settlement of Chrysi, the ancient settlement of Aloro and Neolithic

settlements in Sosandra, Dorothea, Polycarpi, Exaplatanos. It is also associated with funerary

monuments such as those discovered in Apsalo, Constantia, Prodromos-watermills, Chrysi, Milia

and with the fortresses in Chrysi (Chrysi Castle), Mytaka Top in Constantia and Theodoraki. The

studies for the emergence of cavern-chasm, will be financed from the CBC program Greece-

FYROM, under the Act Lhi-Lna II.

Fig. 1. Source: Lazaridis, G.

3.2.3 Ancient settlement of Apsalo

Overview

The ancient settlement of Apsalo, is located just outside the village on the south Almopia. The

area was named Apsalo by the words “aptomai” (pertain) and “Als”, ie stands in the sea. The

name came from the terrain, because previously the area was coastal20

.

The geographer of the 2nd

century AD Claudius Ptolemy (G 13,24) mentions as important centers

of Almopia the cities Orma, Evropos and Apsalo. Habitation in Apsalo is timeless. The first

traces date from the 6th

millennium BC, while the archaeological findings confirm the (almost)

uninterrupted continuity until today.

In locations 'Komvos' and 'Line', the habitation dates back to the Neolithic period and detected

until the post Roman years21

, while in the 'Tuba Apsalo' (west village) dating from the Classical

period up to Early Byzantine22

. The settlement that was revealed to 'Line', is located northeast of

the village and dates back to the Middle Neolithic period (5800/5600 - 5400/5300 BC). It

belongs to the type of flat - widespread settlements and the houses that have been excavated

belong to the category of dug buildings. These are ashlar pits with dimensions to 5x4,20m with

walls and a roof made of poles and branches. Apart from the above formula, there were pile

dwellings, while in the settlement were excavated two large trenches in length over 13 m., a

width of 8 m and a depth of 5,30 m. (constructions that are known in the literature, as fed). The

findings were mainly pottery, stone and bone tools (blades, axes, pestles, millstones), a large

number of stone and earthen pillars denoting the extensive involvement of residents in hunting,

and there were found many loom weights, inductors, and spindle whorls, indicative of textile.

Finally, there were found beads and bracelets.

20

Salamani, B., History of Almopia and analysis of notable areas, Ionian University, Department of History. 21 Chrysostomou, A., A. Georgiadou Ch. Poloukidou & A. Prokopidou, 'Excavations in the provincial road Apsalos -

Aridea in 2000,' 'The archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace 14, 2000, pp. 491-504, Chrysostomou A. & A.

Georgiadou, '' Provincial road Apsalos - Aridea. The rescue excavation at the junction of Apsalo '' The

archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace 15, 2001, pp. 525-536, Chrysostom, A.., Ch. Poloukidou & A.

Prokopidou, '' Provincial road Apsalo - Aridea. The excavation of the Neolithic settlement in place Line '' The

archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace 15, 2001, pp. 511-523.

22 Chrysostomou, A., AD 47, Part II Chronicles 2, 1992, pp. 459.

In the settlement 'Komvos', there was found another Neolithic residential facility (pits of

underground houses and trenches fragmentary preserved), which dates back to the Early

Neolithic period (6500 - 5900/5800 BC). Important discovery here was a pottery kiln from the

Late Bronze Age (1600-1100 BC) and several waste pits. Apparently,these belong to the

industrial area of a neighboring village to the south, which has not yet been excavated. The

furnace is circular with a diameter of 1,15 m. and the pit of the heating chamber is located in a

natural ground. The grid over the pit is preserved intact. It is a furnace with advanced

technology, found in the Mediterranean region, but it is still rare in Macedonia23

. Besides the

above, there were found some road sections and tombs of Late Roman period.

Finally, to the location 'Verpen'24

(southeast of the Apsalo), was discovered an ancient settlement

which is dated from the Late Hellenistic until the Early Christian period. There were also found

tile graves and there was excavated a tomb of the Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age. This tomb

enclosure with a diameter of 15 m. The findings were limited, however, we distinguish an

amphora and an iron knife.

Current situation

In fact, the settlement is not open to visitors, as it is all covered with soil, for its protection and

maintenance. However the place is accessible and the dirt road is passable.

Protection Status

The ancient settlements in Apsalo have been declared archaeological sites [MD YPPOT / GDAH

(General Directorate of Antiquities and Heritage) / ARC / A1 / F 17/26707/1328 / 16-3-2012 -

GG 104 / SSOs / 04.03.2012 (positions "Line" and "Komvos”), MD Ministry of Culture / ARC /

A1 / F43 / 61249/3494 ee / 31.03.1999 - GG 425 / B / 22.4.1999 (position "Verpen") and MD

Ministry of Culture / ARC / A1 / F43 / 32 546 / 225 / 07.05.1996 - GG 572 / B / 16.7.1996, MD

23 Because of its excellent preservation, the furnace is detached and transferred to the Museum of Pella

[Chrysostomou, A. & A. Georgiadou, '' Provincial road Apsalo - Aridea. The rescue excavation at the junction of

Apsalo '' The archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace 15, 2001, p. 531].

24 Chrysostomou, A., '' Archaeological research in the area of Almopia in 1997, '' The archaeological work in

Macedonia and Thrace 11, 1997, pp. 141-143.

Ministry of Culture / ARC / A1 / F43 / 32546/225 / 07.05.1996 - GG 833 / B / 11.9.1996

(location "Toumba")]. These settlements belong to the Antiquities of Pella. For each setting or

intervention in the area of the monument and around it, there must be the permission of the

above institution, in accordance with the provisions of Law. 3028/2002 (Government Gazette

153 / 06.28.2002).

Connection with other monuments

The monument is connected with the ancient settlements in the south, north and east Almopia, as

the ancient settlement near the cemetery tombs in Constantia, the ancient settlement on the hill

Goritsa in Watermills, the settlement of the Hellenistic and Roman periods southeast of the

modern settlement of Chrysi, residential premises or rock-accommodation in the caves of the

thermal baths of Loutraki, the ancient settlement of Aloro and Neolithic settlements in Sosandra,

Dorothea, Polycarpi, Exaplatanos. It is also associated with funerary monuments such as those

discovered in Apsalo, Constantia, Prodromos-Watermills, Chrysi, Milia and fortresses in Chrysi

(Chrysi Castle,) Mytaka Top in Constantia, Theodoraki and Margarita.

Antiquities in Margarita

The fortress of Margarita is located just 3 km. southeast of the Apsalo, on the crossing leading

from Apsalo to Edessa and belongs to the municipality of Edessa25

. It is argued that Apsalo,

constitutes satellite village of countryside of Margarita26

. Furthermore, in Margarita village area

was discovered a Late Roman settlement and a cemetery, while in the same area (near the

Church of the Archangels) was revealed bathroom and a relief of Antigonus (votive in Hero

Horseman), which must be related to some ancient religious monument27

.

The Neolithic house in Sosandra

1 km southwest of Sosandra, among the hills Small and Big Korfoula, was discovered in 2007 a

Neolithic house, of a rare level of retention. As part of the excavations carried out in 2008, there

was revealed that this building is based on piles. At this point, there were founded contours from

25

Chrysostomou, A., Ancient Almopia: from the prehistoric to the early Byzantine years, Thessaloniki, Pan-Macedonian Association-Annex Almopia, 1994, p. 89. 26

Ibid. p. 56. 27

Ibid. p. 68.

vertical, circular piles, which were used to support the internal partition walls, the roof and the

outer wall, as well as ovens and various household items including millstones and pithoids. It is

noteworthy that the pottery is monochrome, while in large storage vessels was used red

roughcast. The house is rectangular with a tripartite division, total area of 58sqm. In the eastern

area, there was found a clay-oven with dimensions 80*56, with a vaulted celling, while very

close to the northern wall was discovered a second damaged oven.

Sosandra’s home, dating to the earliest Neolithic era and is considered to be (along with another

house that was discovered 50 meters west) residential unit of a village level, from a period that

lies in the valley between the Little and Great Korfoula. Beyond these findings, of paramount

importance is the very good level of maintenance of the findings (rare for the respective

excavation data)28

.

28

Georgiadou, A., '' The Neolithic house of Sosandra '' AEMTH 23 Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, Culture and Sport-Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 2009, p. 87-94.

3.2.4 Ancient settlement of Aloros

Overview

According to the Periplus of Pseudo-Scylax from Karyanda (verse 66) : Aloros is included in the

important cities of the state of the Macedonians. The first city of Macedonia is Heraklion

(Platamonas) followed by Dion, Pydna, city ellinios, Methoni, the river Aliakmon, the Aloros,

the river Loudias, the city of Pella where is the seat of the kingdom and where one arrives while

crossing the Loudias29

. The Aloros therefore is one of the important settlements of Almopia near

and northwest of Pella, the capital of the Macedonian state. It grows on a fortified hill,

surrounded by the Upper Loudias or Almopaio River offering the possibility of undertaking

surveillance of the entire valley and control communication with the southern and eastern

regions through the river30

. The leading Greek archaeologist N. Papadakis (who revealed the

settlement), argues that the settlement of Aloros is identified with Evropos, one of the three cities

of Almopia31

, and few kilometers away from the village, on the eastern bank of the Upper

Loudias there is the ancient city Meniida32

.

Although the ruins of the village had already been identified since 191333

, their research

excavation began only in 1996 and rather fragmentary, and today they have undergone

significant damage, mainly in the fortification of the settlement. According to the data of

excavation, the settlement was inhabited from the Late Bronze Age until the post Roman years

and there has been identified a cemetery tombs of the Iron Age. Warehouse with carvings for

supporting jars, workshop and a large number of clay objects discovered in the southwestern hill

inside the walls, which belong to the advanced Hellenistic period. The fortification wall dates to

the Early Christian period, but based on fortifications from earlier periods. It is made with stones,

roof tiles fragments and jars of the buildings of earlier periods and with binder plaster. The west

29

Tzifopoulos, G.Z, '' Historical chart of Methoni '' in Tzifopoulos G.Z., Methoni Pierria I: Signs, scratches and

trademarks in Geometric and Archaic pottery from the 'Underground' of Methoni Pieria in Macedonia, Thessaloniki,

2012, p. 16.

30 Chrysostomou, A., “Archaeological research in the area of Almopia in 1997”, The archaeological work in

Macedonia and Thrace 11, 1997, pp. 145-152 · idem, “The recent research on the western wall of the ancient

settlement, southeast of Aloros Almopia”, The archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace 15, 2001, 537-548 31

Chrysostomou, A., '' The recent research on the western wall of the ancient settlement, southeast of Aloros of

Almopia '' AEMTH 15, 2001, p. 537-538. 32

Chrysostomou P., AEMTH 14, 2000, p. 455-471. 33

Papadakis, N., On Upper Macedonia, Athens, 1913, pp. 454

wall has a length of 155 m and the width ( in the last period of post Roman years) is 2.10 m in

the south and 1.40 m in the north34

. In the western boundary, the fortification exceed 5m in

height35

. The portal has form of a double niche, with an elongated P with dimensions 7,00 x 7,80

m. On the gate and the northern part of the wall, there are walls of post Roman times and of the

Hellenistic period36

. In the southwestern corner of the gate, under the 'lime-buildings' parts, were

revealed parts made with blocks of limestone pellaio, travertine from Edessa, and from local

volcanic rock37

. From the settlement remains (intramural) recognized some parts dating back to

the Iron Age38

.

Although the exact date of the phases of the walls of the settlement of Aloros is difficult (such as

the work of dating when it is not accompanied by corresponding sources), we can assume that

the lime wall was constructed to meet immediate risks such as barbarian invasions (due that is a

very quick construction39

).

Current situation

The ruins of the ancient settlement located on a hill above the village Aloros. Access is easy with

the right vehicle, but needs attention as the winter months the soil is eroded and generates large

pits. The signage is sufficient, labels exist in Aloro, in Xifiani and to the road to the settlement.

On the positive side, we must add the special view of the valley.

Protection Status

The ancient settlement of Alorou has been declared as an archaeological site since 1998 (MD

Ministry of Culture / ARC / A1 / F43 / 58165/3458 ee / 19.06.1998 - GG 690 / B / 08.07.1998

and MD Ministry of Culture / ARC / A1 / F43 / 58165/3458 ee / 19.06.1998 - GG 1068 / B /

10.12.1998). Subordinate to the Archaeological Pella. For each setting or intervention in the area

34

Chrysostomou, A., '' The recent research on the western wall of the ancient settlement, southeast of Aloros of

Almopia '' AEMTH 15, 2001, p. 537-548. 35

Chrysostomou, A., Ancient Almopia: from the prehistoric to the early Byzantine years, Thessaloniki, Pan-

Macedonian Association-Annex Almopia, 1994 p. 50. 36

Chrysostomou, A., '' The recent research on the western wall of the ancient settlement, southeast of Aloros of

Almopia '' AEMTH 15, 2001, p. 537-548. 37

Ibid. p. 544. 38

Ibid. p. 537-548. 39

Ibid.

of the monument and around it, there must be permission of the particular organization,

according to the provisions of Law. 3028/2002 (Government Gazette 153 / 06.28.2002).

Connection with other monuments

The village is connected with the bridge of Alexander the Great in Aloro and the ancient

settlements in the south, north and east Almopia such as the settlements of the positions Apsalo

'Line', 'Komvos' and 'Verpen', the ancient settlement near the cemetery tombs in Constantia, the

ancient settlement on the hill Goritsa in Watermills, the settlement of the Hellenistic and Roman

periods southeast of the modern settlement of Golden, residential facilities or rock-

accommodation in the caves of Loutraki of thermal baths and the Neolithic settlements in

Sosandra, Dorothea, Polycarpi, Exaplatanos. It is also associated with funerary monuments such

as those discovered in Apsalo, Constantia, Prodromos-Watermills, Chrysi, Milia and fortresses in

Chrysi (Chrysi Castle) Mytaka Top in Constantia and Theodoraki.

3.2.5 Antiquities in the Watermills

Overview

The settlements, Watermills and Prodromos separated by a tributary of the river Almopaios or

Upper Loudias river, that until recently was the workhorse for many watermills in both villages.

The ancient site on the hill 'Goritsa' located between the two settlements40

. Many important finds

from the area (coins, pottery, figurines, etc.) and traditions such as the tombstone of Kassandra

and a votive relating to the dedication of an altar41

. The settlement of the watermill has

fortifications while some findings in the area show that there roofs, warehouses, workshops and

places of worship42

. Among the most interesting findings is a head female figurine, a bronze

buckle, a relief vessel, an intact oil lamp of the 3rd century eg, an earthen weights with signature,

a clay snake cult figurine, some inscribed roof-tiles sections and portion for producing embossed

Hellenistic vases43

.

During excavations were uncovered houses rooms with clay-built or pebbled floors dating to the

3rd

century AD. The habitation, however, goes back to earlier periods. Already during the

Hellenistic period (late 4th-1st century B) there was a remarkable settlement and there have been

revealed evidence, dating to late Classical period (4th century BC). It seems therefore that it is an

important city in the region in late antiquity. This is something that is found from the first scholar

who understood the importance of area N. Papadakis in the article "On the Upper Macedonia", in

which ethe researcher xpressly states that there are traces, and pottery pieces dating back to the

5th century BC. However, it is observed that during the First World War, the French army chose

this location for a fortress. The army, used materials from the traces previously described by

scholar Papadakis. Consequently, there was not rescued a very large part of these relics.

Furthermore, most recently in 1994 there was a new outbreak of illicit trade of antiquities44

.

40

Chrysostomou, A.. & E. Stefani, “Salvage excavations in the Watermill - Prodromos community of Almopia in

1994”, The archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace 8, 1994, pp. 91-99.

41 Ibid. p. 92.

42 Chrysostomou, A., Ancient Almopia: from prehistoric times to the early Byzantine years, Thessaloniki, Pan-

Macedonian Association-Annex Almopia, 1994, p. 54. 43

Ibid 44

Chrysostomou, A. & E. Stefani, '' Salvage excavations in the community Watermill - Baptist of Almopia in 1994,

'' AEMTH 8, 1994, pp. 91-99.

Another interesting finding is the extensive tumuli cemetery of the Iron Age that has revealed the

the corresponding hill 'Goritsa' (west of Prodromos). The gravel mounds have a diameter ranging

from 13 to 16.50 m and a height of 1.30 to 1.50 m. Unfortunately they were looted. In the Tomb

III was detected an oval tomb, built with 11 pillars and a road to the east with length 1.80 m and

width 1.00 m. The two uprights excelled east of the tomb so that could work as a grave marker.

The finds, mainly pottery, jewelry and iron weapons, place the use of the cemetery in the 9th

century BC.

Current situation

To get to the ancient settlement, we pass the Ida and follow the relevant signs. The access to the

hill is easy by dirt road and the signage is adequate with signs outside the village and into the

watermills. The monument is not open to visitors. Interesting elements which could be used to

upgrade the traffic level are the rural areas around the hill Goritsa, olive groves, and the view

from the hill.

From the top of the hill Goritsa, we see the peaks of the Northern villages Pinovo and Jena and

villages Prodromos and Thiriopetra. On the east we see the mountain Paiko and on the west

section we see the plain of Almopia and to the depth there is the Kaimaktsalan. The hill is

surrounded by olive groves, pomegranates and peaches, while to the road to the village we meet

wild roses used as a decoction with very good qualities.

On the hill, the settlement is not obvious. It has lush vegetation which makes it difficult to move

up the hill and there is no path. The site suffered significant destruction during World War II,

and recently by granting land west of the hill to political refugees. Today, from the city walls

have survived little things and generally the place is characterized by complete degradation.

Protection Status

MD Ministry of Culture / ARC / A1 / F43 / 19178/931 / 06.22.1996 - GG 608 / B / 22.7.1996

and MD Ministry of Culture / ARC / A1 / F43 / 19178/931 / 05.22.1996 - GG 834 / B /

11.9.1996. Subordinate to the Archaeological Pella. For each setting or intervention in the area of

the monument and around it, we must have the permission of the above institution, in accordance

with the provisions of Law. 3028/2002 (GG 153 / 06.28.2002).

Connection with other monuments

The monument is directly connected with the funerary monuments that have come to light in

Apsalo, Baptist-Watermills, Chrysi and Milia and with the ancient settlements in the south, north

and east Almopia such as the settlements of the positions Apsalo 'Line', 'Komvos' and 'Verpen',

the ancient settlement near the cemetery tombs in Constantia, the ancient settlement on the hill

Gorica in Watermills, the settlement of the Hellenistic and Roman periods southeast of the

modern settlement of Chrysi, residential premises or rock-accommodation in the caves of the

thermal baths of Loutraki, the ancient settlement of Aloro and Neolithic settlements in Sosandra,

Dorothea, Polycarpi, Exaplatanos. It is also associated with funerary monuments, with the

fortresses in Chrysi (Chrysi Castle), Mytaka Top in Constantia and Theodoraki, and the Bridge

in Aloro.

3.2.6 Cemetery tumuli in Constantia

Overview

The settlement Constantia is about ten kilometers from Aridea. The ancient history evidenced by

the tumuli cemetery that is located at the foot of Mount Paiko, in a green landscape between

farms and animal housing areas.

The tumuli cemetery in Constantia, dates back on the findings from the Iron Age, its use

however reaches the Archaic and Classical period45

. East on the hillside, are the remains of the

modern settlement founded on the shortest ancient road, connecting Almopia with Votiaia46

. It is

the oldest settlement in the area (although not the last), and here have found remains of

settlements from the Hellenistic up to early Christian times. Also at the top Mytakas over the

cemetery there is a stone fortress, but uncertain dating.

The cemetery tombs amount to 40. They have a diameter ranging from 8 to 14m. and they are

made with large stones and gravel, held with larger stones in their region. In each tumulus there

was a tomb. This stone-built one-room cabin with entry barrier in the east and a short path length

up to 2,85m. The tomb with tumulus is used for successive family burials and its use could

exceed the time centuries. From funeral gifts of burials we distinguish the bronze, eight-shaped

and arched shoulder buckles and head, cotters, bracelets, the stone - glass and bronze small

stones, iron knives and whetstone, spindle whorls and pottery, such as the characteristics

kantharos or cantharus vessels.

Current situation

The level of maintenance and protection of tumuli is very low. In some tombs, we can

distinguish the stones that reveal the exact spot of the tomb but in others it is almost impossible

because of the dense vegetation. The road network is good, (even in the places we meet a dirt

road) and the signage is adequate, from the point of the cemetery and the road from Constantia

45

Chrysostomou, A., “The cemetery of tombs of the Iron Age in Constantia Almopia of Pella Prefecture”, The

archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace 9, 1995, pp. 155-163 · idem, “Constantia 1998-2000: the cemetery of

the tumuli and the surrounding area”, The archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace 14, 2000, pp. 503-518 (see

the website http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/gh352.jsp ? obj_id = 6364) 46

The area of Bottiaia, was extended in the area around the lake of Giannitsa, ie the plain between Loudias,

Aliakmonas and Axios. See. Talbert, RJA, Barrington Atlas of the Greek and Roman World, Princeton University

Press, 2000, Map 50, B3.

and Exaplatanos. From the on-the-spot discussions with the shepherds in the area, we realized

that the monument does not have a prominent role in the life of the local community, but this

should be investigated further.

Protection Status

Subordinate to the Archaeological Pella. For each setting or intervention in the area of the

monument and around it we must have the permission of the above institution, in accordance

with the provisions of Law. 3028/2002 (GG 153 / 06.28.2002).

Connection with other monuments

The monument is directly connected with the funerary monuments that have come to light in

Apsalo, Prodromos-Watermills, Chrysi and Milia and the ancient settlements in the south, north

and east Almopia such as settlements of Apsalo in areas 'Line', 'Komvos' and 'Verpen', the

ancient settlement near the cemetery tombs in Constantia, the ancient settlement on the hill

Goritsa in watermills, the settlement of the Hellenistic and Roman times southeast of the modern

village of Chrysi, residential premises or rock-accommodation in the caves of the thermal baths

of Loutraki, the ancient settlement of Aloro and Neolithic settlements in Sosandra, Dorothea,

Polycarpi, Exaplatanos. It is also associated with funerary monuments, the forts in Chrysi

(Chrysi Castle) Mytaka Top in Constantia and Theodoraki and Bridge in Aloro.

3.2.7 Antiquities in Periclean

Overview

The Periclean is a small village at an altitude of 580 meters between the mountains Jena and

Paiko, just 7.5 km from the border with FYROM. In Periclean and specifically the hill of St.

Athanasius, has been revealed important settlement and a cemetery of the Hellenistic period47

.

Current situation

The monument is difficult to trace. From the fieldwork, there are not many distinct traces of the

settlement or cemetery. It is not open to visitors and additionally few people (from the area)

knows where it is located. The road network is in good condition and there is no signage

anywhere.

Protection Status

MD Ministry of Culture / ARC / A1 / F43 / 46553/2884 / 11.19.1997 - GG 1080 / B / 12.5.1997.

Subordinate to the Archaeological Pella. For each setting or intervention in the area of the

monument and around it we must have the permission of the above institution, in accordance

with the provisions of Law. 3028/2002 (GG 153 / 06.28.2002).

Connection with other monuments

It is conncted with the church of Saint Paraskevi because of their close proximity and the ancient

settlements in the south, north and east Almopia such as settlements of Apsalo in areas 'Line',

'Komvos' and 'Verpen', the ancient settlement near the cemetery tombs in Constantia, the ancient

settlement on the hill Goritsa in Watermills, the settlement of the Hellenistic and Roman times

southeast of the modern village of Chrysi, residential premises or rock-accommodation in the

caves of the thermal baths of Loutraki, the ancient settlement of Aloro and Neolithic settlements

in Sosandra, Dorothea, Polycarpi, Exaplatanos. It is also associated with funerary monuments

such as those discovered in Apsalo, Constantia, Prodromos-Watermills, Chrysi and Milia and

fortresses in Chrysi (Chrysi Castle) Mytaka Top in Constantia and Theodoraki.

47 Chrysostomou, A., AD 52, B2 Chronicles, 1997, pp. 727-728 · idem, AD 56-59, B2 Chronicles, 2001-2004, p. 391.

3.2.8 Bridge in Aloro

Overview

On the south of the ancient settlement of Aloros, is the arched stone bridge that connected the

province of Almopia to that of Giannitsa. It has the name "Bridge of Alexander the Great ',

although chronologically is much later48

. It is a multi-arc bridge with three semicircular arches.

According to one version, it had five arches and a total length of over 50 meters49

. Dating back

probably to the post-Byzantine era, despite the name that is known50

. Unfortunately the bridge

has undergone major disasters, because it was blown up during the civil war. It is built with

lomestones while the slate has been little used. Today there is only one bow, the westernmost. Its

dimensions are: length - 12 m., width - 2 m., height – 4,70 m., and arc opening – 5,70 m. Its

maximum height is estimated that it must have been over 8 m. The pedestals of the arches are

hexagonal and have repairs of various chronological phases, which probably determine the

reconstruction of the 18th century51

.

Current situation

In terms of maintenance and protection, the degree of degradation is very high. Unfortunately the

monument decays and requires immediate intervention. Today, it survives only one of the three

arcs, while the support blocks is replaced with a cement construction. The road network is in

good condition but still requires a vehicle with all-wheel drive.

Protection Status

It is has not been declared as a monument.

48

Chrysostomou, A., “Archaeological research in the area of Almopia in 1997”, The archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace 11, 1997, p. 146 49

G.P Tsotsos (1997) Macedonian bridges. Topography, architecture, history, folklore, Thessaloniki, p. 117. 50

Chrysostomou A. (1997), "Archaeological research in the area of Almopia in 1997," The archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace 11, p. 146. 51

Tsotsos (1997) Macedonian bridges. Topography, architecture, history, folklore, Thessaloniki, p. 118.

Connection with other monuments

The bridge is directly connected with the village Aloro and the ancient settlements in the south,

north and east Almopia such as settlements of Apsalo in areas 'Line', 'Komvos' and 'Verpen', the

ancient settlement near the cemetery tombs in Constantia, the ancient settlement on the hill

Goritsa in Watermills, the settlement of the Hellenistic and Roman times southeast of the modern

village of Chrysi, residential premises or rock-accommodation in the caves of Loutraki thermal

baths and Neolithic settlements in Sosandra, Dorothea, Polycarpi, Exaplatanos. It is also

associated with funerary monuments such as those discovered in Apsalo, Constantia, Prodromos-

Watermills, Chrysi and Milia and fortresses in Chrysi (Chrysi Castle) Mytaka Top in Constantia

and Theodoraki.

3.2.9 Old Mill Sosandra

Overview

The watermills in Sosandra belong to a particular type, which is uncommon. There is a four-mill

and a six-mill, which date to the late 19th century and early 20th century. The presence of four

and six respectively couples querns, shows the rich production of flour and the robust economy

that was based on it. Although these are two important monuments (reference point) of past

cottage industry of the area, unfortunately today are deserted and covered by wild vegetation.

Both monuments have been declared historical monuments, as provide evidence for the

evolution of the local folk architecture and sample artisanal and industrial architecture that

preserved in the region.

Current situation

The Old Mill of Sosandra, is located ten minutes from Aridea. Road access is easy, but there is

no signage. The trees and lush vegetation make it difficult to detect. Although it has still water,

the monument is completely degraded, its largest part has been collapsed and as seen from the

fieldwork few people know its location and existence.

Protection Status

Both monuments have been declared historical monuments, MD Ministry of Culture /

Directorate of Popular Culture / C / 293/29 / 22.1.1988 - GG 90 / B / 19.2.1988. Subordinate to

the Ephorate of Modern Monuments of Central Macedonia. For each setting or intervention in

the area of the monument and around it we must have the permission of the above institution, in

accordance with the provisions of Law. 3028/2002 (GG 153 / 06.28.2002).

Connection with other monuments

It is connected with the watermills of Almopia (such as the traditional watermills in the area

Voreino - Neochori - Pefkoto), the thermal baths, the waterfalls of Almopia, the Bridge of Aloros

and other places of historical interest related to the water element, and it is fair to highlight the

architectural significance.

The role of water in Almopia

The river, Moglenitsas or Upper Loudias was literally a source of life for the residents of

Almopia both in the past and in modern times, as the economy of the region remains

predominantly rural. The area is characterized geographically from the fertile plains of Aridea

and the surrounding mountain peaks of Vora, Tzena and Paiko. This plain area, is a place with

high-value agricultural ecosystems. This is due to the low relief of the land and the presence of

water (which is offered with plenty from the river Moglenitsas and its tributaries).

The water, the mills and the culture of cereal

The local economy is based mainly today on rural culture. There are produced, many and varied

products, especially vegetables. Cereals are not grown on a large scale, in contrast with the past,

whose production appeared to be extensive and prosperous. This substantiates the presence of

two water mills, that survive today in Sossandra. Watermills, especially those for grinding grain,

are artisanal economy reference point not only in the Greek area but also in the wider

Mediterranean throughout the course of Byzantine and post-Byzantine period. Most mills that

survive nowadays, date from the second half of the 19th to the second half of the 20th century52

.

Although the water wheel is very old invention, as mentioned in inscriptions of the Sumerian53

,

the watermill is marked first by the name '' ydraletis '' by Stravona (1st century BC-1st century

AD)54

. Its invention was revolutionary, and allowed the grinding of large quantities of grain,

which until then was exclusively manually. Quickly it was spread to the known world. In Greece

was widely used, mainly for flour production, although it was also used for grinding special

materials useful in tanneries, gunpowder and mortar (masonry)55

. In Greece, functioned two

basic types: the oldest “Roman” with the upright external winged, and especially the younger

“Eastern or Greek-type” with horizontal internal56

. In mainland Greece and on the large islands

were built thousands of such small craft facilities. They were usually family businesses and even

when the mill was located near the village, here was the home of the miller.

52

M. Axiotis (1999), The streets of water. The water mills as cultural monuments in Lesvos, Lesvos, p. 10. 53

Chr. Agriantoni (2009), Open-air Water Power Museum, Guide, Athens, p. 14. 54

St.. Nomikos (1997) The Water Power in preindustrial Greece, Athens, p. 23. 55

Ibid 56

Ibid, Ch. Agriantoni (2009), Open-air Water Power Museum, Guide, Athens, pp. 18.

The watermills had usually a couple of millstones, and then called one-eyed. Rarely, when there

was a lot of water, they had two and were called binocular. They were often organized in clusters

along the ravine so that the exploitation of the water is sequentially. These are simple structures,

tailored to the local architecture. A simple rectangular room, had in one side the grinding

mechanism and on the other side was the point where customers were waiting. Under the

millstones was the kinetic mechanism (the water wheel, the impeller), where it led the bellows of

the cask (the wooden or later metallic water pipeline), or water tower, from where the water was

splashing on the blades of the waterwheel. In this way, the water rotated the waterwheel. This

movement was transmitted to the millstones with a vertical axis, which were used to grind the

fruit that fell on them57

.

Apart from the mill, infrastructure projects were equally important for both the transport of water

(wells, waterways, ditches, bridges, etc.) (especially when the water had to be transported from

afar) and that of the cereal initially and the flour later to the construction of cobblestone58

. There

were extremely important facilities for the local economy, so in many cases we meet some

fortifications59

.

The Water and the Bridges

In Almopia plain (which is surrounded by high mountains), the only “way” to the south is the

narrow region of Apsalo-Moglenitsas (region characterized by river valleys) and the hilly area

that offers easy pass. The gullies were (already from prehistoric times) accessible places and

passages, communication roads and migration roads.

The settlements were established primarily near water. Many times, the crossing from one side to

the other of a torrential river, it was difficult or dangerous. The construction of bridges was

therefore necessary in traditional societies of preindustrial era. Through them, people and goods

were moved (mainly between settlements). Thus, their construction has been an integral and

important part of a road, which was vital for the residential development of a place and now in

most cases no longer used. They are, however, characteristics and remarkable examples of local

architecture.

57

Ibid 58

St.. Nomikos (1997) The Water Power in preindustrial Greece, Athens, p. 27. 59

M. Axiotis (1999), The streets of water. The water mills as cultural monuments in Lesvos, Lesvos, p. 4-9.

The stone '' Bridge of Alexander the Great '' (Bridge in Aloro) is located on the southern edge of

the plain of Almopia, on the river Moglenitsa, near the village Aloros. Today it is outside of the

main street of the area (Pozar-Skydra) and in a position that is inaccessible, as there is no longer

communication from the crossing, forming from Moglenitsa. The bridge formerly connected the

villages Aloros and Xifiani with the opposite villages : Golden, Krania and Theodoraki at the

foot of Mount Paiko60

.

Unfortunately, there is no written information about the builders of Macedonian bridges. The

most, however, were built by Macedonians artisans of the building art, coming from the so-

called 'Mastorochoria' of Western Macedonia. The Macedonians masters along with people from

Epirus, considered to be the top of their kind in the Greek area61

.

The architecture of the stone bridges of Macedonia62

The architecture and construction technique of Macedonian stone bridges, is no different from

that of Continental or the rest of Greece. A key component of a bridge is the arc, which in most

cases is semicircular up to elliptic and very rarely pointed. Many of the bridges were multi-bows,

as the construction of arches, with large windows and to a large amount had largely

manufacturing difficulty.

The choice of location was the first important step in the commencement of work, which was

emphasized not only from the course of the road that connected, but also by the type of soil of

the river (the rock was preferred as it was fixed) and by the smaller width of the riverbed. In

some cases, it was taken into account the smaller depth of the river.

The construction of the piers, foundations ie, was naturally first. Usually, it was of rectangular

section (the bridge of Alexander the Great in Almopia is hexagonal) and stones were hewn.

Then, there were manufactured bows using wooden molds. The piers were built simultaneously

on both sides, from bottom to the top. The stone arches were carved in trapezium-shaped, so that

to be wedged together. The last stone of the arch that were placed on top, called "key". By

removing the wooden frame, the entire structure was shifted a few centimeters down and thereby

60

G.P Tsotsos (1997) Macedonian bridges. Topography, architecture, history, folklore, Thessaloniki, pp. 117. 61

Ibid, p. 26-27. 62

The data tha are presented, come from the book: G.P. Tsotsos, Macedonian bridges. Topography, architecture, history, folklore, Thessaloniki 1997, pp. 21-28, 115 and 117-118.

acquired a coherent structure and a stability. The type of masonry, that used by the masters of the

bridges, were varied. Usually, it was plaster or mortar or a variation of these species.

Common feature was the rectangular openings with arched lintels, which eased the whole

construction (relievers), while operating as 'overflows', where the water level rose dangerously.

Also, on the pedestals manufactured triangular projections so as to direct the water to the arches

and to avoid (as possible) the lateral pressure from the flow of water. Finally, the roadway of the

bridge was covered with stone pavement (cobbled road), while often constructed parapet.

Although in general, all these describe how they constructed a stone arched bridge, it should be

noted that each of the bridges was distinguished for its particular characteristics, eg different

materials, different masonry etc. These differences are usually due to different periods of time in

which the bridges were constructed.

As regards, finally, the creators of Macedonian bridges, the builders ie and sponsors,

unfortunately have not been saved data. Most bridges, were built by masons who came from

western Macedonia, especially from the province Voio prefecture of Kozani. About the sponsors,

usually were local notables, priests, landowners or wealthy expatriates. It was indeed ordinary,

the bridge to take the name of the sponsor, (this habit over the years, disappeared).

3.3 Churches

3.3.1 Saint Ioannis in Upper Loutraki

Overview

According to tradition, the construction of the church is placed around 180063

, although most

evidence suggest a time in the mid-19th century. It is a three aisled basilica with gallery and a

loggia, on the west and south sides. It has three entrances, two in the south and one on the west

side, and the windows are small, iron-fences over the roof of the ambulatory. The pitched roof is

covered with tiles.

The zanana is located as usual in the western part of the church, with wooden parapet and trellis

and the roof are wooden 'ntampladoti' (Ntampladoti is called the door, which is above the

embossed designs) as in the case of St. Demetrius in Aetochori64

. The columns of the temple, is

of circular cross section, with square wooden core and lined “Baghdatis” (technical construction

of wooden walls of old houses), as in many other churches. The temple is less impressive than

the other churches in the area, with carved-wooden sanctuary doors of the Holy Door, and

valuable written and naturalistic sculptural decoration. Remarkable is the portable icon of

Archangel Michael dating in 187165

. On the lintel of the south entrance, there is a fresco of St.

Ioannis the Baptist, to whom the church is dedicated.

Although it has undergone later alterations, such as the demolition of the tower-like belfry

(independent building west of the church), interior has been preserved the original image of the

monument, the north and south wall and two topmasts of the colonnades, which is full of

paintings of the last decades of the last century. Characteristic is the abundance of sound vessels,

all along the side walls.

Current situation

The paintings are not in good condition, damaged by time and by people. According to

testimonies of residents and organizations in the area, people used to dig the walls of churches to

63

Moutsopoulos N., The churches of the prefecture of Pella, Thessaloniki, Society for Macedonian Studies / Peninsula Institute for Balkan Studies, 1973, p. 29. 64

Ibid. p. 30. 65

Ibid.

find pounds. The zenana is in poor condition (floor, railings, stairs). Finally, the church is

especially important for the local identity of the region and especially for those who come from

the old village of Upper Loutraki.

Protection Status

The monument because of its importance has been declared protected by the Ministry of Culture

MD / ARC / B1 / F36 / 11358/374 / 16.03.1999 - GG 312 / B / 05.04.1999. Subordinate to the

Archaeological Pella. For each setting or intervention in the area of the monument and around it

we must have the permission of the above institution, in accordance with the provisions of Law.

3028/2002 (Government Gazette 153 / 06.28.2002).

3.3.2 Saint Dimitrios in Aetochori

Overview

The Church of St. Demetrius is a few meters away from the square of the traditional settlement

of Aetochori. The church belongs to the type of three-aisled basilica with a gallery, like most

churches of the 19th century, in the region and with a closed ambulatory. The temple is dated (by

an inscription) in 1842, while a second inscription informs us that the wall painting was made in

1866, from a family of folk artists coming from the village Krousovo, like the painting in the

churches of Upper Almopia of that season (see Monastery of Archangel Michael). The church

has two entrances. On the south side, there is a very low church door that protected the church

from the raids on horseback Turks. The opening of small doors was a common practice to build

churches of Almopia during the Turkish occupation (see Assumption Church of the the Virgin in

Garefi, Ascension Church in Thodoraki etc). The pitched roof is covered with slate, while the

bell tower is located outside of the church, adjoining the north side of the peristyle. Unlike the

case of St. Demetrios in Xifiani, the spire here is contemporary to the church66

. The zenana

consists of wooden parapet and trellis and has a shape of the Greek letter P (Π). The roof is

wooden with simple decor, the sides have aisles, and the iconostasis has carved wooden

sanctuary doors of the Holy Door and the Crucified. The temple is also rich in large-scale

murals. On the northern wall, there are some frescos, which are divided into two zones: the upper

zone shows the cycle of passions and the under zone shows a series of saints67

. The sanctuary

apse, shows the mural of Platytera. Finally, on the roof we will find signs of slugs.

Current situation

The church's protection level is quite low. The signs of chronic deterioration are apparent in the

covered courtyard of the church, in the roof of the courtyard space (somewhere substituted with

sheet metal), the murals, the zenana and the famous four-storey bell tower that has now

collapsed68

. As regards the belfry, it is necessary to direct the intervention and restoration of it.

66

Moutsopoulos N., The churches of the prefecture of Pella, Thessaloniki, Society for Macedonian Studies / Peninsula Institute for Balkan Studies, 1973, p. 29. 67

Ibid. 68 Here you can see the bell tower before collapsing

The church as a whole, requiring immediate and extensive maintenance and mounting

operations, which should be done in consultation with the Archaeological Pella.

Connection with other monuments

The Aetochori is about 20 km. Away from the town of Aridea. Located at the foot of Pinovo and

is among the five traditional villages of Almopia (Aetochori, Upper Garefi, Archangelos, Notia,

Periclean69

). Our visit to the village, can be combined with a visit to the villages and historical

sites such as the Archangel monastery, the church of Saint Anargyroi in Langadhia, various

historical places in Periclean (ancient settlement, cemetery Hellenistic old church St. Paraskevi)

and the other religious monuments in Almopia: Monastery of Archangel Michael, St. Ioannis

Church in Upper Loutraki, Ascension Church in Theodoraki, Saint Dimitrios in Xifiani, three-

aisled basilica to 'Monastiraki' of Xifianis, Church of St. Nicholas in Ida, Church of Saint

Dimitrios in Filoteias, Church of Saint Athanasios at Apsalo, Assumption Church in Upper

Garefi, Church of St. Anargyroi in Langadhia, the Old Church of St. Paraskevi in Periclean and

three-aisled basilica with narthex that discovered inside the Chrysi Castle.

The Church of St. Demetrius is a few meters away from Piazza of Aetochori (there is signage

around the square and outside of the church) from where starts the hiking trails to the peaks

'Korfoula', 'Monk', 'Visogkrant' of Pinovo Mount (you will find relevant sign on the square). On

the square, there is a parking place where we can leave our car.

Today, the church continues to be a vibrant part of local everyday life. Every Saturday, there is

normally liturgy by the priest of the Notia. For residents of the village, the Church of St.

Demetrius is the jewel of the place and is inextricably linked to the historical memory and local

identity of the region.

Protection Status

It is not a declared monument.

http://lyk-exapl.pel.sch.gr/PhotoGal/topos_mas/aetoxori/slides/DSC_0185.html, while today's figure can be seen

in photos 38, 39 and 42 of the relevant file for St. Dimitrios Aetochori, in audiovisual log file.

69 GG 691B15 / 07/1992 and PD 6.19.92 for traditional villages

3.3.3 Saint Dimitrios in Xifiani

Overview

The church of St. Demetrios on the hill of Xifiani is established (as an inscription informs us), in

1857-1858 in the architectural style of the three-aisled basilica with loggia, vestibule and

external open arcade on the south side. One of the most striking parts of the church is the pitched

roof, covered with slate, which was recently renovated with the mobilization of local people.

Inside the church, stands the wooden iconostasis with carved motifs of flowers, branches and

leaves, the polygonal pulpit with carved wooden borders, and the zenana with special wooden

parapet and trellis, which (as is common in churches of Pella) is located in the western part of the

church70

. The frescoes of the church depict Christ, Platitera (sanctuary apse) and a number of

saints, while the portable icons depict Saint Kyriaki (generation year 1870) and Saint Nikolaos

(year of creation 1860)71

. The middle aisle of the church is covered by semi-cylindrical roof,

while the side aisles are covered by flat and wooden. Finally, the bell tower is a separate building

in the outer space of the temple (southeast) and is dated to 1919, as indicated on the inscription.

More broadly, the area of Xifiani has provided important information to research on the

habitation here in early Christian years72

. Remarkable was the revelation of a cemetery section,

in a short distance west of the Byzantine castle of Chrysi. The 45 tombs that were investigated

belonged to various architectural types, but mostly on tile “Kalyvites” and cist, formulas used

since Roman times, especially for economically disadvantaged people. A single tomb praised for

its monumental structure. It is an underground part with a built box-like construction, coated

internally and a narrow passage in the northeast. This formula dates from the 4th century AD.

Generally the burials are mixed (ie buried here Christians and Gentiles), are individual, and

sometimes they are multiple (a popular phenomenon in the Christian world). Funeral gifts were

few, mainly pottery and just three female burials simply brought earrings-rings and wire annulet.

70

Moutsopoulos N., The churches of the prefecture of Pella, Thessaloniki, Society for Macedonian Studies / Peninsula Institute for Balkan Studies, 1973, p. 85. 71

Ibid. p. 20. 72

Paisidou, M., “About the percent departed Committed”. Excavation of the cemetery of the 4th century AD, in Xifiani Almopia. The archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace 17, 2003, pp. 517-531. See the website http://www.yppo.gr/5/g5111.jsp?obj_id=1580).

In short distance south of the cemetery, which stretches north and east the plain of Chrysi, it have

been identified residential facilities, which probably refer to an occupation of the rural

population of the region under a common management organization in the 4th and 5th century

AD.

A possible early Christian three aisled basilica with narthex or “triclinium” was revealed to

'Monastiraki' of Xifiani, two kilometers southwest of the cemetery. It is a quadrangular, apsidal

building, which is divided into three main areas, parallel to each other. The so-called central area

or central aisle is encrusted with clay tablets, one of which has an engraved cross. At the same

time, it owned a building rectangular section with at least three places, masonry walls, floors

from quadrangular clay plates and wooden roof.

Current situation

Due to rehabilitation works and frequent care of local people (as we learn from residents of

Xifiani), the temple's maintenance level is high. It has been restored the stone roof and the yard

(wooden balusters) with materials that blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, such

as stone and wood.

We should note here that the church has great symbolic importance for the local community of

Xifiani especially for older people who saw the church, destroyed and recently restored. From

the field research, we learned that the oldest temple and the yard often hosted many events and

played an important role in everyday life of the community. Today, in the temple is performed

Divine Liturgy. We can therefore say with confidence, that the church of St. Demetrius is an

integral part of the local identity of Xifiani. Access to the hill made by asphalt road, while for

those who prefer trekking, there is a path that leads to the village.

Protection Status

It is not a declared monument.

3.3.4 Church of the Ascension in Theodoraki

Overview

According to tradition, the church was built in 1878 on the ruins of an older church that burned

down twice73

. It is a remarkable three aisled basilica of the 19th century with an open loft on the

west and south side, and murals inside. As observed in other temples of the region, the main

temple of the door is low in order to protect the church from raids on horseback Turks. The roof

is pitched and the spire as in other cases, is along the west side of the church. Inside, in the

middle aisle, the ceiling is vaulted and in the lateral side the aisles are flat. The wood-temple is

particularly impressive and it has been painted by the painter Emmanuel Stamatiadis in 1878.

The wooden parapet of the zenana of the church is very impressive. It was decorated by a monk

from Mount Athos and it shows scenes from the Akathistos Hymn, centrally the Assumption74

.

The frescoes of the church, depict images of Abbot Zosima and Mary of Egypt, dated in 1884. It

must however be noted, that in another idol, is recorded as the year of 187875

. Finally, next to the

old church, there is a new church since 1989 with the same priest since then.

Current situation

As for the decoration and hagiographies, there is poor maintenance. In some images, it has been

cleaned a small part, on the initiative of special investigator, as we learn from the priest. The

church is in the village, so the access is easy. From what we learn from the priest and the

president of the local cultural association, the church has an active role in local everyday life.

The festival which is associated with the temple, is the Qurbani as throughout Almopia. This

festival takes place on January 18.

Protection Status

Due to the importance of the monument, it has been declared a landmark and artwork by special

state protection (MD Ministry of Culture / ARC / B1 / F36 / 50245/1183 / 07.01.1987 - GG 271 /

B / 02.06.1987). Subordinate to the Archaeological Pella. For each setting or intervention in the

73

Moutsopoulos N., The churches of the prefecture of Pella, Thessaloniki, Society for Macedonian Studies / Peninsula Institute for Balkan Studies, 1973, p. 21-22. 74

See Website Almopia Municipality 75

Ibid.

area of the monument and around it we must have the permission of the above institution, in

accordance with the provisions of Law. 3028/2002 (GG 153 / 06.28.2002).

Other churches of Almopia

Church of St. Nicholas in Ida

Saint Nikolaos is located in the village of Ida. The church seems to be built in 1885, a date which

we find in murals inside. It belongs to a three-aisled basilica and has two entrances on the west

and south side. The roof is pitched, covered with slate by excision in western and eastern top. As

in the case of St. Demetrios in Xifiani, the bell tower is later than the temple. The roof of the

church is a wooden "ntampladoti" (ntampladoti is called the door, which is above the embossed

designs), while in the central aisle is illustrated Pantokrator. The icon screen is wooden with

painted decoration and the interior of the church is full of wall paintings, even within the arches

of the topmast. Among the church's frescoes, we see the Last Supper, the prayer of Christ, the

Betrayal, the sawing of the Prophet Isaiah and the houses of the Akathistos, the raising of

Lazarus, the Virgin Mary, etc. In some frescoes stated that the date of creation, is in 1885.76

.

Saint Nikolaos in Archangelos

The church of St. Nicholas is located in the center of Archangelos village. According to the

inscription, the church was built in 1836, belongs to the three-aisled basilica and has a loggia on

the west and south side. It has two entrances on the west and south side (as usual), while its

windows are opened subsequently. The roof is pitched with slate and the spire is later from the

church, as in the case of St. Demetrios in Xifiani and Saint Nikolaos in Ida. The roof of the

church is “ntampladoti” and painted, like the temple. (Ntampladoti is called the door, which is

above the embossed designs). It boasts the zenana, with quirky pleated parapet and trellis. The

frescoes of the church are divided into three zones and among them we find the depiction of

military saints such as Saint Christopher, the scene of the Deposition and the idol of Saint Mary

the Egyptian, and the idol of Abbot Zosima. The church also has an old picture of the

Archangels, which seems to date from the time when the church was painted in 1842. This date

is indicated in the inscription on the northern wall of the temple adjoining the temple77

.

76

Moutsopoulos N., The churches of the prefecture of Pella, Thessaloniki, Society for Macedonian Studies / Peninsula Institute for Balkan Studies, 1973, p. 23. 77

Moutsopoulos N., The churches of the prefecture of Pella, Thessaloniki, Society for Macedonian Studies / Peninsula Institute for Balkan Studies, 1973, p. 25.

Saints Anargyroi in Lagkadia

The church of St. Anargyroi is located outside the village, in the area Seleste. According to an

inscription, it was erected in 1863. It belongs to a three-aisled basilica, has two entrances on the

southern side while at the same spot there is the loggia. The roof is pitched with slate and the

spire is castellated, southeast of the old ambulatory. On the east side of the bell tower, it was

found the inscription of the Roman era, and a few meters away from the church it was found a

marble body of a man of the same age. Inside the church, both the ceiling and the temple is made

of wood, while the zenana has particular anthropological interest, which serves as an ossuary.

Among the frescoes of the church are distinguished: Paradise, the martyrdom of St. Chrysi, St

Chrysi, Abbot Zosimas, the Blessed Mary the Egyptian, the death of fair and sinful person, the

crisis of Pilate, the hanging of Judas, the flagellation of Christ78

.

78

Ibid. p. 28.

3.3 Museums

3.4.1 Natural History Museum

Overview

The building of the old railway station in Aridea, known as "train of the Karatzova" was built

during the First World War, when the allies of the Entente built in Macedonia narrow lines with

width 1,60m. named Decauville (from the name of the French engineer inventor Paul Decauville

/ 1846-1922), to serve the needs of war. One of these was the line Skydras - Aridea in length

28km, which operated from 1916 until 193679

. The Decauville system was used extensively in

the 1st World War and widespread use seen during the 50s, especially to meet the transport needs

in shipyards, quarries and other industrial units. During the war, base stations which were

connected via the Decauville, were Skydra, Aridea, Xifiani, Polykarpi, Apsalo and Orma. From

there, the supplies were leaving with trucks to Promachon, Lykostomo, Down Loutraki and then

transported by carriage up to the front80

. The importance of the rail network, appeared in the

great battle of Moglenitsa in September 1918 which led to the collapse of the German-Bulgarian

front81

. Due to flexibility and capacity of Decauville in unfavorable geomorphological

conditions, the supply speed multiplied. So the planned (from the French General Franchet

d'Esperey) surprise attack of the German-Bulgarian troops was feasible82

.

Today the building of the station has been declared a historical monument, as it is one of the few

remaining buildings stations (DECAUVILLE), and one of the few monuments that bear witness

to the light of the Greek community in the recent liberation period.

In 2002 the station was converted into a Museum of Natural History and hosts a variety of

exhibits from archaeological remains to artworks, inspired by the natural heritage of Almopia.

On the ground floor, there is the part of the environment where the visitor can be informed in

detail about the rich flora of the mountains of Pella, the paleontology section in which there are

79 Papadimitriou, D., '' The train in northern Greece. The development of the railway network by construction of

the first line to date”, Seven Days (Daily), October 15, 1995, pp. 8-9.

80 Astranidis, G., A small train, a great story, Aridaia, 2013, p. 49.

81 Ibid. p. 30-31

82 Ibid. p. 46-47.

exposed important finds from the caverns of Loutraki thermal baths (like bones from the bear

cave-precipice, Ursus Speleaus and fossils of plant and animal organisms). Finally upstairs is

housed the library of the museum and a folkloric place where exposed traditional costumes of

Almopia.

Current situation

The museum building is in excellent condition with no degradation data. During the field

research, it is not open to the public but it can be visited. It has special interest, particularly in the

field of pedagogic value for the local community and youth in the region.

Protection Status - Legislative framework

The building of the station, which hosts the Natural History Museum of Aridea has been declared

a historical monument (MD Ministry of Culture / Directorate Of Popular Culture / C /

1711/31933 / 06.23.1992 - GG 461 / B / 15.7.1992). Subordinate to the Ephorate of Modern

Monuments of Central Macedonia. For each setting or intervention in the area of the monument

and around it we must have the permission of the above institution, in accordance with the

provisions of Law 3028/2002 (GG 153 / 06.28.2002).

3.4.2 Folklore Museum

Overview

The Folklore Museum is accommodated today in a new stone house beside the river of the

Thermal Baths and hosts a rich collection of folk art and collecting rocks. Among the exhibits of

folkloric interest, we find old scales, irons, sewing machines, utensils and tools for household

handicrafts while great interest has the collection of traditional costumes of the region. In the

collection of rocks, we will find samples of rocks, which are detected in various regions of

Almopia and other areas of Greece such as Cyclades:

Hornblende (volcanic rock)

Tuff (volcanic rock, Xifiani)

Calcite (mineral, Polykarpi)

Travertine (sedimentary rock, Orma)

Gneiss (metamorphic rock, Promachon)

Diabase (volcanic rock, Aloros)

Pyroxenites (Edessa)

Sperpentinitis (metamorphic rock, Apsalo)

Limestone (sedimentary, Polykarpi)

Marble (metamorphic rock, Promachon)

Andesite (volcanic rock, Aloros)

Chalcopyrite (Aloros)

Chalcopyrite malachite (Garefi)

Chromite (Polykarpi)

Trachyte (volcanic rock, Aloros)

Chlorite (New Life)

Igknimvritis (North Almopia)

Magnesite (New Life)

Quartz (mineral, Almopia)

Jasper (Aloros)

Sanidino (Almopia)

Volcanic bomb (Santorini)

Obsidian (Milos)

Basalt (Santorini) etc

In the past, the museum had a small archaeological collection that included stone prehistoric

tools, objects from Iron Age, coins (Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman83

) and

paleontological finds from the caverns of the Thermal Baths.

Current situation

The museum is currently closed.

83

This collection is distinguished here, http://www.pella-net.gr/default.asp?page=219 [renewal date 05/26/2015]. The community Loutraki was recognized holder of various objects from the Ministry of Culture with the no decision YPPO/ ARC / A2 / F25-F22 / 1730/59 / 28.01.1993. Chrysostomou, A., AD 47, B2 Chronicles, 1992, pp. 459-460.

3.5 Monasteries

3.5.1 Monastery in Promachon

Overview

The oldest known bishop of Moglenon was Saint Hilarion84

, who founded a monastery dedicated

to the Holy Apostles, to tackle sects in the 12th century. (probably near the Promachon). The

monastery, however, was destroyed during the Turkish occupation as we learn from the locals.

As noted, Saint Hilarion was the biggest opponent of the sect of Bogomils85

. It is said that there

lived many monks, under the indoctrination and teaching of Saint86

. With the destruction of the

monastery by the Turks, the name of St. Hilarion was forgotten and revived after the liberation of

Macedonia87

.

The homonymous monastery today to Promachon, is in modern construction. It was recently

restored, and the church was inaugurated in 2012. Today it is a nunnery, and hosts three nuns.

It is important to mention that during the construction of the church identified findings which

suggest that in the same position there was a Paleochristian building which was probably built on

a previous pagan temple, (probably the temple of Artemis Agrotera88

).

Current situation

Both the old monastery and the courtyard of it, are in very good condition. In the buildings and

in the open space of the monastery, dominate the stone and wood. The monastery opens its doors 84 Eugenidou, D., “Excavations in Byzantine, Central and West Macedonia, Servia and Moglena”, The archaeological

work in Macedonia and Thrace 1, 1987, pp. 63-68.

85 Martakis, A. M., Monastery of Archangel Michael in Almopia of the prefecture of Pella, Monastery of Archangel

Michael Almopia, 2006, p. 18. The Bogomils were named by the Bulgarian Bogomils priest who lived in the mid-10th century in Bulgaria. The Vogomilismos was deeply influenced by the heretical stream of Paflikianismos and as it had won some support among rural populations. The Bogomils hostile the ecclesiastical hierarchy, as the work which was dedicated to Christ and inviting the poor to resist against the government and the rich. They were a real "headache" for the government of the time and came into armed conflict with the government although theoretically reject violence. See. Charalampakis, P., '' Paflikianismos and Vogomilismos: religious sects and popular movements '', E-Historically, December 2011, p. 49-84. 86

Bishop of Edessa, Pella and Almopia Joel, Saint Hilarion, Saint Hilarion Monastery Promachon, 2015. 87

Ibid. 88 Chrysostomou, A., AD 45, 1990, p. 372 · idem, AD 56-59, B2 Chronicles, 2001-2004, p. 477.

every day 09: 00-13: 00 and 16: 00-18: 00 in winter, and 09: 00-13: 00 and 17: 00-20: 00 in

summer. According to the nuns, the monastery has many visitors and receives much support

from the locals. Its relationship with the society of Promachon looks good and the eve of the

festival of St. Hilarion, on October 21, the monastery was filled with people who carry baskets

and offertories, in honor of the miracle of the five offertories (particularly on the eve of the

festival). The monastery is also celebrating the Apostles Peter and Paul, on 29 June.

Protection Status

The old monastery is subordinate to the Archaeological Pella. For each setting or intervention in

the area of the monument and around it, we must have the permission of the above institution, in

accordance with the provisions of Law 3028/2002 (GG 153 / 06.28.2002).

Connection with other monuments

The Monastery of St. Hilarion has long been fraternal monastery with the Archangel monaster.

The Monastery of St. Hilarion had assumed somehow under the supervision and protection of

Archangel Monastery89

. Within the religious tourism, the two monasteries are directly connected

with each other and with historical-religious monuments such as Saint Ioannis in Loutraki, Saint

Dimitrios in Aetochori, Saint Dimitrios in Xifiani, the Ascension Temple in Theodoraki, the

Assumption Church in Upper Garefi, the Temple of St. Anargyroi in Langadhia, the old church

of St. Paraskevi in Periclean.

Also, a visit to the monastery, can be combined with a trip to the Promachon, where visitors will

find a range of accommodation and dining options, while for lovers of outdoor meal there is a

specially designed space 10km outside the village.

89

Source: Interviews with the abbot of the monastery of Promachon and Father Timothy of Monastery in Archangel

3.5.2 Archangel Monastery

Overview

The Archangel Monastery is one of the most well-preserved historical monuments of Almopia.

Its foundation dates back to the late 18th - early 19th century. Archangelos village, which is

located a few minutes away from the monastery (the old name was Ossiani) got its name from

this monastery. It is dedicated to the Archangel Michael and is currently home for five monks,

while it is said that the first years it was dedicated to St. Ioannis the Baptist. It is also said that

the monastery is built on an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis90

. The

archaeologist M. Papageorgiou91

estimates that it was probably, a Roman years sanctuary of

Artemis Agrotera, although there are no surface older finds92

. The monastery is located on the

hill of the valley of northern Almopia, surrounded by a rich natural environment with cedar,

chestnut and walnut trees, cherry trees, ponds and mini-waterfalls. The bridge that crosses the

stream next to the monastery is really famous

The monastery, it is said that it was operated as a refuge and base for chieftains, during the

Macedonian struggle, including Captain Matapas and Captain Michael Dragas93

. The monastery

houses the relics of eminent martyrs and saints of the church, and the famous icon of Archangel

Michael94

. The monastery of Archangel Michael is three aisled basilica with a raised skylight,

narthex, loft and three-sided portico. The church is divided into three aisles by two colonnades,

with colored columns connected by arched wooden structure of bagdati95

(technical construction

of wooden walls of old houses.). The roof of the church is the arched in the central nave and the

side aisles are flat and wooden (the roof was replaced in 1996 because of disasters). Outside the

church there are decorative reliefs: on the northwest corner of ambulatory is distinguished one

90

Martakis, A. M., Monastery of Archangel Michael in Almopia oPella prefecture, Monastery of Archangel Michael in Almopia, 2006, p. 13. 91

M. Papageorgiou, Macedonian 9, 1969, p. 48-62 and 58. 92

Chrysostomou, A., Historical Topography in Almopia Society for Macedonian Studies, 1997, p. 478. 93

Ibid. p. 12. 94

Ibid. p. 7. 95

Ibid. p. 19.

ram-head, on the northeast side there are traces of damaged terrain, on the west side there is

embossed cross and on the east side there is a bird (probably eagle96

).

Inside the church is full of paintings dating as a whole in 1888, based on inscriptions, while

impressive is the wooden temple dating back to 1860. The temple has a rich painted decoration

and images that unfold in four successive zones. The first set of images comprise twelve

Despotic icons: St. Neomartyr the Chrysi Moglenitissa, Saint Kosmas of Aetolia, Archangel

Michael, St. Hilarion, the miracle of Archangel Michael, the Virgin Mary, Christ, St. Demetrios,

Archangel Michael designed by painters of Mount Athos, St George the Younger the

Cappadocian and Saint George the Neomartyras of Ioannina. The next two and middle rows of

the iconostasis, host 46 images of smaller size and the last zone has nine97

.

The frescoes of the church are equally impressive although physical damage due to the humidity

is evident. The icons of the catholic, are considered works of hagiographers Krousoviton

Evangelos, Nicholas and Anastasius. The frescoes of south wall, are of a particular interest,

because of their uniqueness (not found in other churches). The two most impressive of them are

inspired by the Old Testament: the first concerns the destruction of Jerusalem and the massacre

of the Jews. In the picture depicted Abed Meleha sleeping under a tree, while above him there is

a basket full of figs (show faithful to the stage of the Old Testament). It is worth noting that the

same scene, there is in the Church of Saint Paraskevi in Periclean98

. In the second image is

represented the martyrdom of the Prophet Isaiah, under the reign of King Zedekiah. The Prophet

is shown inverted with head down, to be sawed by two executioners. As noted, the image seen in

many temples of the middle of last century99

. On the other, the north wall of the catholic church,

shows scenes from the life of Christ, his passions and many saints, especially in third lower zone,

from the four split up the north wall. Another two grim depictions found on the west wall of the

catholic church: the first is depicted the '' sinful man ', who is tormented by devils in a goat-form,

while to the left is a picture of St. Ignatius, between two lions ready to devour him. On the left,

next to the entrance of the church, stands the martyrdom of St. Chrysi, a fresco of particular

importance as it connects the popular ecclesiastical iconography with the corresponding urban

96

Ibid. p. 16-17 and Moutsopoulos N., The churches of the prefecture of Pella, Thessaloniki, Society for Macedonian Studies / Peninsula Institute for Balkan Studies, 1973, p. 25. 97

Martakis. p. 30. 98

Ibid. p. 62. 99

Ibid. σ. 62.

iconography, in the late 19th century100

. Finally, inside the church impresses the huge table with

the Assumption and the Akathist Hymn.

A notable element that we must mention, is the role of the number 12, which is repeated

constantly in many parts of the church: 12 images in the first row of icons on the iconostasis, 12

columns in the two colonnades that divide the church into three Clytie, 12 columns in the

ambulatory, 12 windows, 12 half-columns on the outside of the altar, 12 Saints on the north wall,

12 Saints on the south wall, 12 and 12 performances of twenty-four houses of the Akathistos

Hymn101

. The number 12 is assumed, that symbolizes the importance of the work and

contribution of the twelve Apostles.

Current situation

Access is possible by paved road. The space outside the monastery is very nice, landscaped with

trees, lawns, parking places and nice views to the valley of the upper Almopia. The monastery

maintenance level is quite high, both for the building itself and the interior of the church, the

frescoes, murals and columns which have kept their colors.

The monastery is open daily 17: 00-14: 00 and 16: 00-20: 00 and hosts people only if personally

know the monks. The festivals of the monastery take place on September 6 and November 8

(Feast of Archangel Michael). At the first festival, we can have meal and it has many visitors

including local actors. According to locals and monks, the Archangel monastery seems to occupy

great symbolic value for local identity and highly respected by the local people. In combination

with the traditional village of Archangel and natural-historical monuments of north-eastern

Almopia, the visit to the region is one of the most special excursion experiences.

The most appropriate place for accommodation and food in the area is the village of Archangel,

where you will find rooms to let, taverns and cafes. It is a very beautiful Vlach village with

cobbled streets and very nice natural surroundings. The village has around 700 inhabitants, has

school and a community clinic and it is known for its cherries and potatoes.

100

Moutsopoulos N., The churches of the prefecture of Pella, Thessaloniki, Society for Macedonian Studies / Peninsula Institute for Balkan Studies, 1973, p. 26. 101

Martakis, p. 29.

Protection Status

Because of its importance, the monument was declared a historical monument by the protection

zone that extends around the temple and being bounded by the public road, the stream, the

waterfall and the outbuildings of the monastery (MD Ministry of Culture / ARC / B1 / F36 /

15591/339 / 02.06.1995 - GG 579 / B / 30.6.1995). Subordinate to the Archaeological Pella. For

each setting or intervention in the area of the monument and around it we must have the

permission of the above institution, in accordance with the provisions of Law. 3028/2002 (GG

153 / 06.28.2002).

Connection with other monuments

The Archangel monastery is closely linked to the monastery of St. Hilarion the Promachon

because of fraternal relations which they had from the old years, while common is the suffering

that have encountered the two areas. Both monasteries are directly connected with each other and

with historical-religious monuments such as St. Ioannis in Loutraki, Saint Dimitrios in

Aetochori, Saint Dimitrios in Xifiani, the commitment Temple in Theodoraki, the Assumption

Church in Upper Garefi, the church of St. Anargyroi in Langádhia, the Old church of St.

Paraskevi in Periclean.

3.6 Institutional Framework for The Protection Of General Environment Of The Places With

Archaeological Interest

After the approval of the "General Urban Plan of Municipalities of Aridea and Exaplatanos

constituting the region Almopia Pella Prefecture" (Judgment of the General Secretary of the

Region 5322/08 - GG 405 / SSOs / 9.8.12, as amended by Decision 1235/11 - GG 40 / SSOs /

03.11.15), was defined in out-urban zones individual space, based on general and specific spatial

features of the site, taking into account the specificities of points of interest in this study. With

the above GIS were established, special conditions and restrictions, per zone.

Map 2. Source: Government Gazette 405 / SSOs / 9.8.12 and OG 40 / SSOs / 15.03.11

4. List of Articles and audiovisual material on the internet

Website Editor Article Title Link Date of Renewal

Chrysi Castle

Greek

Mountaineering

Club of Aridea

- '' The Byzantine Castle

of Chrysi ' http://www.eosa.gr/texts.as

px?text_id=146 Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Kastra.eu - 'Chrysi Castle' http://www.kastra.eu/castlegr.php?kastro=xrysi

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Municipality of

Exaplatanos - '' Chrysi ''

http://lyk-exapl.pel.sch.gr/exaplatanos

/xrisi.html Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Greek Macedonia - '' Moglena ' http://www.imma.edu.gr/macher/hm/hm_main.php?el/

C2.7.html Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Cave-gulch of

Loutraki

Ministry Of

Culture -

'' Cave-chasm in

Loutraki ' http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/gh251.jsp?obj_id=19917

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Greek

Mountaineering

Club of Aridea

- ‘'In the cave-park of

Aridea' http://www.eosa.gr/texts.as

px?text_id=147 Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Greek

Mountaineering

Club of Aridea

-

'Hiking trail: Thermal

baths of Loutraki-

visitable cave-Upper

Loutraki-waterfall of

Kounoupitsa'

http://www.eosa.gr/texts.aspx?text_id=153

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

web-Greece.gr - 'Sightseeing in

Loutraki'

http://www.web-greece.gr/pella/kaimaktsalan/loutra-pozar-sights-gr.htm

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Aridea1 - ‘'Signalling: Thermal

baths of Loutraki in http://aridea1.blogspot.gr/2

009/03/blog-Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Aridea—Upper

Loutraki-Waterfall of

Kounoupitsa'

post_8902.html

Journal of

Macedonia

Christoforido

u Sofia

'' Pella Spa and cheap

holidays in Pozar ' http://www.makthes.gr/ne

ws/economy/42501 Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

anihneftes.wordpr

ess.com -

'' The 'rebel

warehouse' in Loutraki

of Aridea '

https://anihneftes.wordpress.com/2013/03/25

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Greek

Speleological

Society

- '' Caves open to

visitors' http://www.ese.edu.gr/defa

ult.asp?V_DOC_ID=2175 Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

vorasaction.gr -

'Hiking: thermal baths

of Loutraki-Waterfall of

Kounoupitsa'

http://www.vorasaction.gr/page/kounoupitsa.html

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Ancient

settlement of

Apsalo

Promachon News Salamani

Vasiliki

'' The ancient

settlement in Apsalo of

Almopia '

http://promahi-nea.blogspot.gr/2014/07/bl

og-post_51.html Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Aloros: Ancient

settlement and

Bridge M.

Alexander

Aloronet - '' Bridge of Alexander

the Great ' https://aloronet.wordpress.

com/2009/05/04 Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Almopia

Municipality -

'' Local community

of Aloros '

http://www.dimosalmopias.gov.gr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8

9&Itemid=248

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Ministry Of

Culture

Dr. A.

Chrysostomo

u,

'' Aloros - Historic '' http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/gh351.jsp?obj_id=13641

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Archaeologist

Ministry Of

Culture -

'Excavation of the

western wall of an

ancient settlement of

Aloros in Almopia'

http://www.yppo.gr/5/g5111.jsp?obj_id=1393

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

4dim-

aridaias.pel.sch.gr -

'' The Fortress of

Aloros '

http://4dim-aridaias.pel.sch.gr/almopia/

dimotika1/frourio.htm Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Antiquities in

the area of the

settlements:

Watermill-

Constantia-

Periclean

Almopia

Municipality

Karatzoglou

Tasos

'' Local community of

Constantia '

http://www.dimosalmopias.gov.gr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4

19&Itemid=221

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Pella Museum

Anastasiadou

Georgia - Dr.

Archaeologist

‘’Almopia’’ http://www.pella-

museum.gr/informations/monuments/almopia

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Ministry Of

Culture

Chrysostomo

u Anastasia -

Dr.

Archaeologist

‘’ Constantia’’ http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/gh352.jsp?obj_id=6364

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

4dim-

aridaias.pel.sch.gr - ‘’ Constantia’’

http://4dim-aridaias.pel.sch.gr/almopia/

dimotika2/konstadia.htm Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Promachon News Salamani

Vasiliki

'' The archaeological

findings in Constantia

and in Watermill of

Almopia '

http://promahi-nea.blogspot.gr/2014/07/bl

og-post_70.html Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Almopia

Municipality -

'' Local community of

Periclean ''

http://www.dimosalmopias.gov.gr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4

13&Itemid=221

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Old Mill in Nation John Mantas '' Aridea: The country http://www.ethnos.gr/entheta.asp?catid=23516&subid

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Sosandra

of legends' =2&pubid=63748285

1st

Vocational High

School of Aridea

- '' General information '' http://1epal-

aridaias.pel.sch.gr/Almopia/sosandra/swsandra.htm

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Sosandra News - '' Area '' http://sosandranews.blogspot.gr/p/blog-page_26.html

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

St. Ioannis -

Upper Loutraki

Thermal baths of

Pozar - ‘’Upper Loutraki’’

http://www.pozarloutra.gr/2012/12/blog-post_893.html

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

visit.com.gr - ‘’The Upper Loutraki’’ http://www.visit.com.gr/index.php?lang=gr&com=conte

nt&c=4&id=83 Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Promachon News Salamani

Vasiliki

'' The Church of St.

Ioannis in Upper

Loutraki'

http://promahi-nea.blogspot.gr/2014/07/bl

og-post_50.html Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

St. Dimitrios –

Aetochori

Exaplatanos High

School -

http://lyk-exapl.pel.sch.gr/PhotoGal/topos_mas/aetoxori/aetox_g

al.html

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Greek

Mountaineering

Club of Arideas

- 'Monuments of

religious heritage' http://www.eosa.gr/texts.as

px?text_id=34 Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

aridea1 -

'' Exaplatanos

Municipality : St.

Dimitrios - Aetochori '

http://aridea1.blogspot.gr/2009/09/blog-post_29.html

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

St. Dimitrios of

Xifiani

Almopia

Municipality

Topalis

Nikolaos

'' Local community of

Xifiani'

http://www.dimosalmopias.gov.gr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9

6&Itemid=221

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

1st

Vocational High - ‘’Xifiani’’

http://1epal-aridaias.pel.sch.gr/Almopia/xifiani/xifiani.htm#Ιστορια

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

School of Aridea

Church of the

Ascension in

Theodoraki

Almopia

Municipality

Masartsi

Irene

'' Local community of

Theodoraki'

http://www.dimosalmopias.gov.gr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4

21&Itemid=221

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Promachon News Salamani

Vasiliki

'' Church of the

Ascension in

Theodoraki of Almopia

'

http://promahi-nea.blogspot.gr/2014/07/bl

og-post_91.html Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

myvillage.gr - '' Theodoraki of Pella ' http://www.myvillage.gr/vill

ages/theodwraki-pellas Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

greece.com - ‘’Theodorakio photos’’ http://www.greece.com/photos/destinations/Macedonia/Pella/Village/Theodorakio

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

tripmondo.com - ‘’25 pictures from

Theodorakeion’’

http://www.tripmondo.com/greece/central-

macedonia/theodorakeion/picture-gallery-of-

theodorakeion

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Natural History

Museum

Eurovillages.info - '' Natural History

Museum of Aridea '

http://www.eurovillages.info/article_view.php?langid_

menu=2&catid=214&artid=277&langid=2

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Loutrapozar.gr - '' Natural History

Museum'' http://www.loutrapozar.inf

o/sights Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Nation John Mantas '' Aridea: the country of

legends'

http://www.ethnos.gr/entheta.asp?catid=23516&subid

=2&pubid=63748285 Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Promachon News Salamani

Vasiliki

'' The Natural History

Museum of Almopia

Municipality '

http://promahi-nea.blogspot.gr/2014/07/bl

og-post_43.htmlμ Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Theskati.gr - '' Natural History

Museum of Almopia '

http://www.theskati.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=316:mous

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

io-fisikis-istorias-almopias&catid=169:pella&I

temid=150

Folklore

Museum in

Loutraki

Pella-net.gr -

'' Paleontological-

physiographic and

Folklore Museum of

Almopia '

http://www.pella-net.gr/default.asp?page=18

8 Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Eurovillages.info -

'' Physiographic

Folklore Museum of

thermal baths in

Loutraki '

http://www.eurovillages.info/article_view.php?langid_

menu=2&catid=214&artid=277&langid=2

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Loutrapozar.info -

'' Paleontological

Physiographic Museum

'

http://www.loutrapozar.info/sights

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Monastery

Saint Hilarion

in Promachon

Almopia

Municipality -

'' Promachon Local

community'

http://www.dimosalmopias.gov.gr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1

01&Itemid=221

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Promahi.gr - '' Saint Hilarion

Monastery ' http://promahi.gr/moni_agi

ou_ilariona_GR.html Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Promachon News - '' Inauguration of St.

Hilarion Church'

http://promahi-nea.blogspot.gr/2012/06/bl

og-post_17.html Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Monastiria.gr -

'' Holy Monastery of

Saint Hilarion

Moglenon - Aridea '

http://www.monastiria.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1377&

lang=el

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Aridea1 -

'' Municipal District of

Promachon (Almopia

Pref. Pellas) -

Monastery of St.

http://aridea1.blogspot.gr/2010/10/blog-

post_5128.html Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Hilarion '

Archangel

Monastery

Almopia

Municipality -

''Archangel Local

community''

http://www.dimosalmopias.gov.gr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7

18&Itemid=221

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Visitgreece.gr - '' Archangel

Monastery''

http://www.visitgreece.gr/el/religion/religious_sites/arh

angelos_monastery Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Orthodox

Christian Corner -

'' Archangel Michael of

Almopia ' http://www.gonia.gr/gonia.

php?article=194 Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Monastiria.gr - '' Archangel Holy

monastery in Pella '

http://www.monastiria.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=974&l

ang=en

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Greek

Mountaineering

Club of Aridea

- 'Monuments of

religious heritage' http://www.eosa.gr/texts.as

px?text_id=34 Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

Promachon News Salamani

Vasiliki

'' The Monastery of

Archangel Michael in

Archangelos Pellas'

http://promahi-nea.blogspot.gr/2014/08/bl

og-post_1.html Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

4th Elementary

School of Aridea -

'' Monastery of

Archangel Michael '

http://4dim-aridaias.pel.sch.gr/almopia/dimotika2/moni_archaggelo

u.htm

Date of Renewal 9/1/2015

5. Available literature

1) Amitos: Honorary Volume for Manolis Andronikos, Thessaloniki, 1987 [available in the

library of the EMS (Macedonian Studies Company)]

2) Andreadou, Ch., Almopes and Almopia '' Plato 16, 1964, p. 316-322.

3) Astranidis, C., A small train, a great story, Aridaia, ch.e, 2013.

4) Vlasidis, B., Museum of Macedonia Guide, Athens, publications Leadercom, 2002.

5) Vouzara, G. S., Apsalo: The pottery of the intersection IC and the pottery with red smear of

the trenches of the Neolithic settlement, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Faculty of

Philosophy, Department of History and Archaeology, 2010 [available at Central Library of

AUTH]

6) Georgiadou, A., '' The Neolithic house Sosandra '' AEMTH 23 Ministry of Education,

Religious Affairs, Culture and Sport-Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 2009, p. 87-94.

7) Georgiadou, Th., Despoiniadou, B., & Botskaris, G., Architecture in Edessa provinces and

Almopia with folklore elements, Edessa, in passing, 1993. [Available at Central Library of

AUTH]

8) Giannisopoulou, M., “The anthropological approach, Almopia”, Volume Macedonia and the

Balkans, xenophobia and development, Alexandria, 1998, pages 330-435. [available in the

library of the EMS]

9) Gkourani, Th., & Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Music Department, Transfers of

traditional dances and songs of Edessa areas and Almopia: brass bands, 1998 [available in the

library of AUTH]

10) Glavinas, A., The Normans in western Macedonia, 1082-1083. The transition from Edessa

and Moglena, Edessa, Edessa Municipality, 2006. [available in the library of IMXA (Institute for

Balkan Studies)]

11) Delacoulonche, A., '' Mémoire sur le berceau de la puissance macédonienne, des bords

d'Haliakmon à ceux de l'Axios '', Archives des missions scientifiques et littéraires VIII, 1859, p.

166-172.

12) Douglas, D., The Greek struggle in Macedonia, Peninsula Institute for Balkan Studies, 1990

[available in the library and other European languages]

13) Dimitrakoudis, A. E., Determining the chemical composition of organic residues in ancient

pottery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry,

2009. [available in the library of AUTH]

14) Municipality of Aridea, historical monuments - Tradition - Culture, 2005.

15) Eugenidou, D., Castles of Macedonia and Thrace-Byzantine castle-building, Adam editions,

Athens 1997.

16) Eugenidou, D., “Excavations in Byzantine Central and West Macedonia, Servia and

Moglena”, The archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace 1, Archaeological Museum of

Thessaloniki, 1987, pp. 63-68. [available in the library of the EMS]

17) Theodoridis, G., Macedonia Greek primordial earth, Athens, 1961.

18) Iordanoglou, A., Unexplored Central Macedonia, Road, Athens 2002.

19) Iordanoglou, A., Unexplored Western Macedonia, Road, Athens 2002.

20) Ioel M. E., & Russian Orthodox Church. Holy Metropolis of Edessa, P. Mr. A., Saint

Hilarion: Bishop Moglenon, Aridea, Monastery Saint Hilarion Promachon, 1996 [available in the

Library of the Theological School of AUTH]

21) Ioel, Bishop of Edessa Pella and Almopia The archangel Michael, Monastery of Archangel

Michael of Almopia, 2009.

22) Karameros, D. G., How appears today the Macedonian Question from the side of the

province of Almopia, Tripoli, Ragias Bookstore, 1946.

23) Karassavidis, P., Creating the Digital terrain of Loutra Pozar of Pref. Pellas in ArcGIS

Environment, Master Thesis, Department of Rural and Surveying Engineering, Department of

Cadastre, Photogrammetry and Cartography, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 2010.

[Available in Rural library Surveying Engineering of AUTH]

24) Karatzoglou, T., The Almopia over the centuries, Graphic Arts Gerantzis Athanasios, 2009.

25) Karatzoglou, T., Our Place, Publisher Globe, 2003.

26) Katsanis, N., The Vlachs of Paiko, the Byzantine theme of Moglenon. Historical

introduction, language, language material, Thessaloniki, 2001. [available in the library of IMXA

(Institute for Balkan Studies)]

27) Katsanis, N., “The Vlachs of Almopia: Byzantine theme Moglenon”, Edessa and its region.

History and culture 2. Municipality of Edessa, 2006, pp. 349-353. [available in the library of

IMXA (Institute for Balkan Studies)]

28) Koukoudis, A. I., Studies on the Vlachs Volume III - The Olympian Vlachs and Vlach-

Moglena, Thessaloniki, Zitros Publications, 2001 [available in the library of Aristotle]

29) Koutelakis, M. Ch., Carved temples of the Dodecanese until 1700, Publications Dodona,.

1986.

30) Kotsakis, K., Urem-Kotsou, N., Chrysostomou, A., Poloukidou, Ch., Vouzara, G., &

Saridakis, N., First Farmers and ranchers in Almopia: a settlement of the Middle Neolithic in

Apsalo, 2010.

31) Kotsakis, K., Saridaki, N., Urem-Kotsou, N., & Chrisostomou, A., “Apsalo-Line: first results

of the analysis of the pottery of the Middle Neolithic period”, The archaeological work in

Macedonia and Thrace, Thessaloniki, Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Receipts Fund,

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 2014. [available in the library of the German

Archaeological Institute]

32) Lazaridis, G., '' Almopia speleopark (Pella, Macedonia, Greece): morphology-speleogenesis

of the caves '', Scientific Annals, School of Geology Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

(AUTH), vol. 98, Thessaloniki, 2006, p. 33-40.

[http://www.geo.auth.gr/12icbs/proceedings/lazaridis.pdf]

33) Album Maps, Mapping of Macedonia 1870-1930, Thessaloniki, Museum of the Macedonian

Struggle and the National Map Library, 2004. [available in Macedonian Struggle Foundation

Museum library]

34) Lilimpaki-Akamati, M., and Akamatis, I., Pella and the region, Archaeological Receipts

Fund, Athens 2004 [available in the library of the EMS]

35) Lioulias, S., The cult of Asclepius in Macedonia, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki,

Faculty of Philosophy, Department of History and Archaeology, 2010 [available in the library of

AUTH]

36) Mamaloukas, S., The Church of St. Demetrius of Keratea. History and architecture of a

parish church in Attica, II Scientific Symposium of Modern Religious Art. Proceedings, Athens

2012, 65-80.

37) Martakis, A. M., Monastery of Archangel Michael of Almopia in Pella prefecture, Monastery

of Archangel Michael in Almopia, 2006.

38) Great Guide of Pella Prefecture, editorial OMIROS.

39) Study of tourism development of Central Macedonia and Western Macedonia: Phase I and

Phase II / Hellenic Tourism Organization - Hellenic Tourism Organization, 2003.

40) Mellios, A. L., Islamization of Metropolitan Moglenon-Pella, Monastery of Archangel

Michael Arideas 1986.

41) Mertzos, I. N., We, the Macedonians, 1987.

42) Bishop of Edessa, Pella and Almopia Joel, Saint Hilarion, Saint Hilarion Monastery in

Promachon, 2015.

43) Bishop of Edessa, Pella and Almopia Joel, Archangel Michael Monastery of Archangel

Michael in Almopia, 2009.

44) Bakalaki, G., '' About people of Almopia and Almopia goddess '' RCE 12, 1937, p. 484-488.

45) Moutsopoulos N., The churches of the prefecture of Pella, the Society for Macedonian

Studies / Institute for Balkan Studies, Thessaloniki 1973.

46) Departmental Committee of Tourism Development of Pella - Archaeological Tourism

47) Guide Explorer, West-Central Macedonia, 2003.

48) Guide Explorer, Traditional villages, 2003.

49) Paisidou, M., “About the percent departed Committed. Excavation of the cemetery of the 4th

century AD, in Xifiani Almopia”. The archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace 17 ,

Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, 2003, pp. 517-531.

50) Pappa, Sp., Study of lactic teeth of bears of Pleistocene from cave-park in Almopia and

caves in Europe. Systematic-viostromatografia, graduate theses, Aristotle University of

Thessaloniki, 2010. (http: //digital.lib. Auth.gr/record/125389).

51) Papageorgiou, M., “The day of Zeus, in typical Old Wedding of Mogleniton Vlachs”,

Thessaloniki, Institute for Balkan Studies, 1996 [available in the library of Institute for Balkan

Studies]

52) Papageorgiou, M., “The Chostianes village of Moglenon matter”, Thessaloniki, ESM, 1969.

[available in the library of Institute for Balkan Studies]

53) Papadakis, N., On Upper Macedonia, Athens, 1913.

54) Papadakis, E., Weaving the time, University Studio Press, 2003.

55) Papadimitriou, D., The folklore of the locals in Moglena (unpublished).

56) Papadimitriou, D., “The train in northern Greece. The development of the railway network

by construction of the first line to date”, Seven Days (Daily), October 15, 1995.

57) Papaevangelou, P., Our ecclesiastical painting, Thessaloniki, 1980.

58) Papalazarou, I., Archimandrite Papanikandros, makedonomachos-chieftain. The liberator of

Aridaia, Giannitsa, Giannitsa Historical and Folklore Society, 2005. [available in the library of

the Historical and Folklore Association of Giannitsa '' Philip '']

59) Pikridiou, A., Sustainable development of the municipality of Almopia, Aristotle University

of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, 2011. [available in

the library of AUTH]

60) Pitsios, Th., The human skeleton in cave baths of Loutraki Pozar, Aristotle University of

Thessaloniki. [available in the library of AUTH]

61) Platis, B., Historical geography and national claims of the Greeks in the 19th century,

Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of History and Archaeology,

2008 [available in the library of AUTH]

62) Tousimis, G., and A. A. Stougiannaki, Monastery of Archangel Michael - Aridea – Pella,

Historical Research, Publications Monastery of Archangel Michael, Edessa, 1992.

63) Tsoukala, E. S., Pella and paleontology - the bear of caves in the region of Almopia.

Municipality of Aridea Pref. Pella, 2003.

64) Talbert, RJA (eds.), Barrington Atlas of the Greek and Roman World, Princeton University

Press, 2000.

65) Tsoukala, E., Rabeder, G., and S. Verginis, '' Ursus spelaeus and Late Pleistocene associated

faunal remains from Loutraki (Pella, Macedonia, Greece) -Excavations of 1999 '', Cadernos Lab,

Xeolóxico de Laxe Coruña , Vol. 26, 2001, p. 441-446.

66) Richard, H., Balkan Breakthrough: The Battle of Dobro Pole 1918, Indiana University Press,

2010.

67) Sakellariou, M., Macedonia. 4000 years of Greek history and culture, Athens, 1992.

68) Saridaki, N. Z., Apsalo-Line: the analysis of the pottery in the light of lithology. Aristotle

University of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of History and Archaeology,

2011 [available in the library of AUTH]

69) Salamani, B., History of Almopia and analysis of its notable areas, Ionian University,

Department of History. [available in the library of the Ionian University]

70) Sidiropoulos, L. And P. Tsiakiris, Final report of the monitoring program of prey species on

Mount Jena in 2007, Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre, 2007 [available in the library of Greek

Biotope/Wetland Centre, Thessaloniki]

71) Sinopoulos, N., Pella: Edessa, Giannitsa, Aridea, 1948. [Available in Library of Modern &

Contemporary History AUTH]

72) Spathi S. K., The thermal baths tourism and the development of health tourism in Greece,

Athens, Centre of Planning and Economic Research (KEPE), 2000 [available in the library of

Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre, Thessaloniki]

73) Stalidis G. K., The Metropolis of Edessa, Pella and Almopia, Edessa, Holy Metropolis of

Edessa, Pella and Almopia, 2006.

74) Stougiannakis, E., Edessa in the Macedonian history, Edessa, 2001.

75) Association of Municipalities and Communities of thermal baths in Greece, Greek

thermalism: Thermal Baths Guide and Resorts, Thessaloniki, 2003. [available in the library of

Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre, Thessaloniki]

76) Association of Municipalities and Communities of thermal baths in Greece, Thermal Baths

Guide and Resorts in Greece, Thessaloniki, 1995 [available in the library of Greek

Biotope/Wetland Centre, Thessaloniki]

77) Association of Municipalities and Communities of thermal baths in Greece, 1st International

Conference on geothermal waters and the development of Resorts, Thessaloniki, October 1985.

[available in the library of Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre, Thessaloniki]

78) Tzifopoulos, G.Z., Methoni Pieria I: Signs, scratches and trademarks in Geometric and

Archaic pottery from the 'Underground' of Methoni Pieria in Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Aristotle

University, 2012. [available in the library of AUTH]

79) Touratsoglou, Io., Macedonia: History-Monuments-Museums, Athens, 1997.

80) Tsoukala, E. and G. Rabeder, Proceedings of the 12th International Conference for Bear of

the Caves 2-5 November 2006 Thesssaloniki and Aridea (Pella, Macedonia), Aristotle University

of Thessaloniki - Faculty of Sciences, 2006. [available in the library of AUTH]

81) Chalikias, M., Arabatzis, C., And K. Soutsas, “Survey results on socio-economic

characteristics of the province's hunters Almopia the prefecture of Pella with the help of linear

and accounting (logistic) regression”, Greek Statistical Institute, Proceedings 17th Panhellenic

Statistics Conference, 2004, pp. 439 - 447.

82) Charalampakis, P., '' Paflikianismos and Vogomilismos: religious sects and popular

movements '', E-Historic (Eleftherotypia), December 2011, p. 49-84.

83) Hatzopoulou, A., Tsoukala, E. E., Koufos, G. D., & Koliadimou, K. K., Contribution to the

study of Quaternary small mammals and the stratigraphy of the cave A of the thermal baths in

Aridea, Pref. Pella, 2001 [available in the Library of the Department of Geology, AUTH]

84) Chrysostomou, A., “Almopia: Trek to the path of time”, Volume: Meet the land of

Alexander, Thessaloniki History Centre, 2002 [available in the library of the EMS]

85) Chrysostomou, A., Ancient Almopia: from the prehistoric to the early Byzantine years,

Thessaloniki, Macedonian Association, Almopia Branch, 1994. [Available in Library

Archaeology & Art History AUTH]

86) Chrysostomou, A., “Constantia 1998-2000”, Volume: The archaeological work in

Macedonia and Thrace 14, Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, 2000. [available in the

library of the EMS]

87) Chrysostomou, A. and E. Stefani, “Rescue excavations at Watermill-Prodromos community,

of the Almopia province in the prefecture of Pella”, The archaeological work in Macedonia and

Thrace 8, Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, 1994 [available in the library of the EMS ]

88) Chrysostomou A., “The cemetery of the tumuli from the Iron Age, in Constantia Almopia,

the prefecture of Pella”, The archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace 9, Archaeological

Museum of Thessaloniki, 1995, p. 163 [available in the library of the EMS]

89) Chrysostomou A., “The cemetery of the tumuli from the Iron Age, in Constantia Almopia,

the prefecture of Pella”, The archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace 9, Archaeological

Museum of Thessaloniki, 1995, [available in the library of the EMS]

90) Chrysostomou, A., Archaeological research in Almopia region in 1997, the archaeological

work in Macedonia and Thrace 11, Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, 1997 [available in

the library of the EMS]

91) Chrysostomou, A., “Historical topography of Almopia”, Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Society

for Macedonian Studies, p. 473-490. [available in the library of the EMS]

92) Chrysostomou, A., “The areas of North Bottiaia and Almopia in the Iron Age and the archaic

period. Examples from burial types”, Myrtos: Memory, Julia Vokotopoulou, Thessaloniki,

Ministry of Culture, 2000. [available in the library of the EMS]

93) Chrysostomou, A., The newest research on the western wall, southeast of Aloros of Almopia,

Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, 2001 [available in the library of the EMS]

94) Chrysostomou, A., A. Georgiadou, Chr. Poloukidou & A. Prokopidou “Excavations in the

provincial road of Apsalo - Aridea in 2000”, The archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace

14, Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, 2000, pp. 491-504. [available in the library of the

EMS]

95) Chrysostomou, A. & A. Georgiadou, “Provincial road of Apsalo - Aridea. The rescue

excavation at the junction of Apsalo”, The archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace 15,

Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, 2001, p. 531 [available in the library of the EMS]

Map 1 Genaral

Map

Map 2 Institutional

framework

for historic

monuments

Image

1