📍 Top Attractions in Veria
1. Byzantine & Post-Byzantine Churches
Veria is known as the “Small Jerusalem” due to its 48 preserved Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches.
- Church of the Resurrection of Christ – Famous for its frescoes.
- Saint Paul’s Tribune – A historic monument marking Apostle Paul’s preaching in Veria.
2. Veria Old Town (Kyriotissa & Barbouta)
- Kyriotissa – A beautiful neighborhood with traditional Macedonian houses, cobbled streets, and quaint corners.
- Barbouta – The historic Jewish quarter with restored synagogues, a peaceful riverside setting, and Ottoman-era buildings.
3. Archaeological Museum of Veria
- Exhibits from Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine times.
- Nearby ancient ruins, including the Roman Agora and mosaics.
4. Byzantine Museum of Veria
- Located in an old watermill, showcasing art and objects from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
5. The Synagogue of Veria
- One of the oldest in Greece (dating back to the 1800s).
- Testimony to the once-thriving Jewish community.
🌄 Nearby Must-See Destinations
1. Vergina (Ancient Aigai) – 12 km from Veria
- Royal Tombs of Philip II (father of Alexander the Great).
- Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai – Built into the mound; spectacular display of gold and artifacts.
2. Mount Vermio & Seli Ski Resort
- Hiking in spring/summer.
- Skiing in winter (Seli is Greece’s first ski resort).
3. Naoussa
- Close to Veria; known for beautiful parks and wineries.
🍽️ Food & Drink in Veria
Traditional Dishes:
- Revani of Veria – A syrupy semolina cake, the city’s signature dessert.
- Macedonian meze – Small plates including cheese, olives, sausages, and seasonal vegetables.
- Kavourmas – A preserved pork dish.
- Tsipouro & Wine – Local spirit and regional red wines, especially Xinomavro from nearby Naoussa.
Recommended Taverns:
- Paradosiako (Traditional) – Local cuisine.
- Stou Kitsou – Greek grill.
- 12 Grada – Wine bar with a great atmosphere.
🛍️ What to Buy
- Local sweets (revani, spoon sweets)
- Handicrafts from the old town
- Wine and tsipouro
🏨 Accommodation
- Olganos Hotel – Affordable, central location.
- Kokkino Spiti (Red House) – A boutique guesthouse in a 19th-century mansion.
- Villa Elia – Comfortable, well-reviewed, good for families.
🚌 Getting There & Around
By Car:
- About 75 km west of Thessaloniki (~1 hr by car).
By Bus:
- Regular KTEL buses from Thessaloniki and Athens.
Local Transport:
- Veria is walkable, especially the old town.
- Taxis are available.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April–June): Pleasant weather, blooming nature.
- Autumn (September–October): Wine season, fewer crowds.
- Winter: Great if you’re heading to ski resorts nearby.
🧭 Travel Tips
- Wear good shoes for cobbled streets and hilly terrain.
- Respect religious sites – modest clothing for churches and the synagogue.
- Try local festivals, like Panagia Soumela pilgrimage in August or Easter in Veria.