As one of the oldest cities in Greece, Veria is as steeped in heritage as a city can be, making it an inviting destination for visitors wanting a direct insight into the national history, and to step back in time into Ancient Greece. Located in the north of Greece, in Macedonia, it is a major historical city, visited by numerous famous people over time, and having influenced the rise of Empires and the development of Greek learning and philosophy. As a small city, Veria has a population of 38,000 and lies in a beautiful located at the foot of the Vermio Mountains, which makes the natural beauty, as well as historic landmarks, an inviting aspect for tourists.
Veria is saturated in historic landmarks, mainly Byzantine monuments such as the iconic Anastasis Church, known for its magnificent frescoes, and many mosques in the city, such as the Yola Geldi and Bayir, both of which are now converted residences. Museums also celebrate the Byzantine history, for example the Byzantine Museum of Veria offers guidance and information on the city heritage and culture, as does the Folklore Museum and Archaeological Museum. Veria is known for its archaeological site, Aegae, which lies on the outskirts of the city and is the perfect place for visitors to discover first-hand the history of the area as well as enjoy its beauty at this UNESCO Heritage Site. Other significant pieces of architecture include a Jewish synagogue, which visitors can see when exploring the protected Jewish area of the city, which holds a unique history throughout small streets.
Visitors can reach Veria by train, using the central station, which has links to the nearest major cities of Edessa and Thessaloniki, which is only 70 kilometres away, and the nearby archaeological site in Vergina. Intercity buses also travel around the surrounding area, and local buses take visitors to landmarks and sites on the outskirts of the city. Within Veria itself, visitors can easily walk around the city centre, which is very compact.
The first mention of Veria was in 432 BC, although historians believe people populated the area even hundreds of years before this time, and it became an important centre of Greece. The city was used as a base by both Philip II of Macedon and the Roman Empire and was famously visited by the Apostle Paul, who preached to its citizens and converted early Christians.