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MOUNTAIN AND MOUNTAINOUS VILLAGES Mt. OLYMPUS
PETRA
A small village on the slopes of Olympus with fantastic views of the surrounding area. The Church of Agios Georgios in the square and some attractive old stone buildings are of interest. Two traditional taverns serve local food, including the spoils of the hunt such as wild boar and venison.
Paths for those wishing to ascend the mountain lead off from here up the slopes and to the other peaks of Olympus. Five kilometres above the village is the historic pass of Petra with its magnificent gorge. It was through this passage that the Roman General Emilio Pavlos descended in 168 BC in his successful efforts to defeat Perseus, the Macedonian King, and thus conquer Macedonia for the Roman Empire. To the west of the entrance to the pass there is an impressive rock which is the site of a Byzantine castle, built on a paved road. An arched bridge and a church are the only remains which bear witness to the long lived history of the ancient village of Petra. In the grounds of the old sanatorium lies the 11th century chapel of the monastery of the Virgin Mary. The area with its peaceful walks offers a wide range of alternative activities such as relaxing, strolling, climbing, mountain bicycling, and off road motoring in 4 wheel drive vehicles.
If you follow the road through the forest you will have ample opportunity to wonder at the unique natural beauty of Mount Olympus as well as climb the footpaths which lead to the summit from the Thessalian flank. Situated at a distance of 28 km from Katerini it is easily accessible from the Main Road from Katerini to Elassona (turn left at the junction above Foteina).
PETRA
A small village on the slopes of Olympus with fantastic views of the surrounding area. The Church of Agios Georgios in the square and some attractive old stone buildings are of interest. Two traditional taverns serve local food, including the spoils of the hunt such as wild boar and venison.
Paths for those wishing to ascend the mountain lead off from here up the slopes and to the other peaks of Olympus. Five kilometres above the village is the historic pass of Petra with its magnificent gorge. It was through this passage that the Roman General Emilio Pavlos descended in 168 BC in his successful efforts to defeat Perseus, the Macedonian King, and thus conquer Macedonia for the Roman Empire. To the west of the entrance to the pass there is an impressive rock which is the site of a Byzantine castle, built on a paved road. An arched bridge and a church are the only remains which bear witness to the long lived history of the ancient village of Petra. In the grounds of the old sanatorium lies the 11th century chapel of the monastery of the Virgin Mary. The area with its peaceful walks offers a wide range of alternative activities such as relaxing, strolling, climbing, mountain bicycling, and off road motoring in 4 wheel drive vehicles.
If you follow the road through the forest you will have ample opportunity to wonder at the unique natural beauty of Mount Olympus as well as climb the footpaths which lead to the summit from the Thessalian flank. Situated at a distance of 28 km from Katerini it is easily accessible from the Main Road from Katerini to Elassona (turn left at the junction above Foteina).
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General Tourist Guide of Pieria Prefecture
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AGROTOURISM
