The liberation of the city of Kilkis is celebrated with a series of events in collaboration with all the cultural associations of Kilkis, in commemoration of the liberation of the city by the Greek army in 1913. The events take place from late May to late June, and include exhibitions of painting, concerts, speeches, sporting events, dances and the presentation of the work of departments operating in OPONGA.
Memories of Greek historical moments are mixed with the rare beauty of nature and the turquoise waters of an ancient lake.
These are the emotions one feels and the images that one sees as a visitor of Skra, the waterfalls and the famous "emerald lake".
Skra is only 4 km away from the borders with FYROM and it spreads on the Northeast slopes of Paiko at an altitude of 520m. Its previous name was Lioumnitsa, while the current one is due to the proximal top Skra di Legken that during the First World War was the place of the homonymous battle field (Skra - Ravine). The battle was a decisive one for the course of the Greek State and the First World War. The main feature of the village is the huge old plane tree in its central square.
Near this settlement, the visitor faces a small miracle of nature. Through a wonderful path one can reach an area with rich vegetation, where one meets the first waterfall of Skra, at the root of which there is a small cave with stalactites. A little further on the path, the visitor is stunned by the beauty of the small "Blue Lake" or "Emerald Lake", which owes its aquamarine emerald color of the water to the calcified and fossilized organisms of its bottom. Continuing on the path, the vegetation thickens and the ground is steeper. Here, one can see the second waterfall of Skra that falls with thunder over the rocks creating a stunning natural landscape.
In the village of Colchida, during late August, the people celebrate the memory of St. Fanourios. In addition to the events with dancing, food and wine, the women of the village prepare a Fanouropita. This is a fasting pie that is made in the memory of St.Fanourios (27/08) and is offered as a blessing to the faithful. It is a custom that began as a pious gesture of the believers (especially the females and the name of the Saint has been associated with finding lost objects and people) and we do not think that it conceals something abnormal or ugly.
These events are held during the first week of August in the lovely plane-tree area in Palaio Gynaikokastro, at the root of the Byzantine castle. Lots of music, dancing, and traditional bands from every part of the world, plays and games entertain children and adults.
The celebration of the Virgin Mary in Goumenissa attracts many people from the region, where apart from the church praises and procession of the icon of the Virgin Mary, one can attend many other cultural events.
Perfect for visitors from the surrounding prefectures
Arrive to the scenic and beautiful Goumenissa, famous for its traditional architecture, abundant water springs, delicious wines and the unique "Halkina" bands of self-taught musicians, which is an attractive destination for every season.
Rest in one of the charming cafes of this traditional town, take a stroll through the narrow streets with old houses and visit the folk museum with the wonderful folklore exhibits, that is located on the road to the nearby village of Griva.
Then, continuing on the same road with final destination the village of Skra and after we have travelled a distance of 8 km from Griva, we arrive at Kastaneri; a nice mountain village surrounded by beautiful forests of chestnut and beech trees, full of trails and view posts.
Livadia, a settlement that was established in the mid 18th century by Vlach-speaking Greeks, which is almost deserted during the winter while in the summer its residents return, lies at another 12km ahead on the road.
Then, travelling on to the northern outskirts of Paiko and bypassing the village Archangelos in Pella, we arrive in Skra, after 26 km of beautiful mountain nature.
We propose a visit to the "Museum of the First World War" of Skra, with exhibits from the historical battle of the adjacent mountain top Skra di Legken on 17/30 May of 1918. Heirlooms from the war front, documents, photographs, uniforms and many other objects revive the victorious Battle of the Greek soldiers against the Bulgarian army.
Next stop is the final destination of our trip, the excellent Emerald Lake and the waterfalls, located between Skra and the settlement Koupa.
During the winter, you can simply admire the natural beauty of the landscape and perhaps see some of the waterfalls frozen, while during the summer we have the opportunity to dive in the blue waters of the lake.
To get to the Emerald Lake we leave Skra and follow the signs to the village Koupa and then the signs for the Waterfalls, until we arrive at the parking lot, where we can park our vehicle.
Following a forest path with rich vegetation, we arrive at the first waterfall.Just ahead, passing across a wooden bridge we can see the "Emerald" or "Blue Lake", a name derived from the blue-green color of its water, which is due to the calcified and fossilized organisms at its bottom.
A rope tied to a tree, hovering over the small lake, is there to help guests enjoy the emerald waters by diving in amidst a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty. A little further along the bed of the stream, we can admire the next waterfall which falls with a loud splash onto the rocks, creating a beautiful natural setting.
After visiting the Emerald Lake, we get back to Skra to dine.Select one of the traditional taverns that offer a wide variety of traditional dishes, meat dishes, salads and desserts and then enjoy your coffee in a traditional cafe.
Our escape in the beauty of Paiko and the blue lake of Skra is concluded by travelling back to Kilkis, following the road through Axioupoli we return to our base.
Alternatively we suggest, depending on the available time, to stop in Kilkis, in the hill of St. George and take the half an hour tour into the cave that is located at the foot of the hill, which holds the 17th position among 10,000 similar caves around the world.
The cave has a rare decoration of coral material, stalactites and stalagmites that confer unique beauty and it has been judged suitable for cavetherapy to help treat diseases such aschildhood bronchial asthma.
Our stop in the town of Kilkis can end with coffee on the hill of St. George, an ideal location to enjoy a refreshment, just before we leave this city.
INFORMATION:
Folklore museum of Goumenissa:Dimitriou Kakavou 18. Tel .: 2343041362, 2343041525. Free Admission.
War Museum of Skra:Former Community Library.Tel .: 2343031656, Hours, Daily 9: 00-14: 00 17: 00-20: 00.Visit after a telephone consultation. Free Admission.
Cave of St. George:Hours Tuesday - Friday: 09: 00-14: 00 Weekends: 09: 00-14: 00 & 16: 00-18: 00.Phone: 23410 20054 & 6977561800
Axioupoliis connected during its history with the church of St. Demetrios. The church dates back to the 16th century and is a typical specimen of post-Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture with rich hagiographic decoration. Today in the town operates the new church of St. Demetrios, which is built next to the old one and impresses with its grandeur.
Builtin 1888.
Builtin 1884.
Annual and established event of culture and cuisine in the cozy area of Ragian (Vathi - Kilkis).
