The town of Kilkis is the capital of this prefecture. The hill
of Ai-Giorgis dominates the town, which is spread out at its
feet. The post-Byzantine church of Aghios Georgios graces its
summit; built in 1832, it contains unsual wall paintings.
On the hill there are a tourist pavillion, amphitheatre, Hero’s
monument and a war museum commemorating the 1913 battle for
liberation from the Turks. Picturesque Goumenissa (44 km.),
built on the slopes of Mt. Paiko, has quaint, narrow alleyways
and charming old houses.
Just 6 kilometers southwest of Goumenissa are the village and
archaeological site of Europos. The ancient kouros found here
and on exhibit in the archaeological museum numbers among the
most important finds of the region.
Also worth a visit is Palio Ginekokastro, where there is a
ruined Byzantine fortress erected by Andronikos III Paleologos
(1328-1341).
In the northern part of the prefecture is one of its jewels:
Lake Doirani, a natural wonderland. One can swim in its waters
and enjoy the idyllic hamlets built along its sandy shores. The
tavernas at Doirari village serve delicacies fished from the
lake.
Here you will also find a Customs office, GNTO office, foreign
exchange facilities at the National Bank, as well as a marina
for fishing boats and pleasure craft.
The western section of the prefecture is mountainous. The ascent
of Mt. Paiko (1,500 m. alt.) brings much to marvel at: thickly
wooded slopes, rushing brooks and streams and delightful little
villages, such as Griva, Kastaneri and Livadia.
You can also visit the village of Skra, where there is a
monument to those that fell in the battle of Skra - Ravine on 17
May 1919, and the splendidly situated Hilia Dendra (4km. from
Doirani village). Finally, at Kolhida, you will see ruined tombs
from the 4th century A.D. and an Early Christian settlement (6th
century). |
