History

Velvento is one of the most beautiful towns in west Macedonia, almost 33 kilometers far from Kozani, the center of west Macedonia. and is found after crossing the high bridge (1372 meter length) at the roots of the Pieria mountain, aside the artificial lake of Aliakmonas river.

It is traditional settlement of 3500 roughly residents and the municipality it includes also the mountainous settlements Paliogratsano, Saint Sunday (Skoyliari), Kaytafigi and Polifito. It is homeland of Stamatis Kleanthis, architect that worked out the first urban drawing of Athens.

¶In the Byzantine years the life is continued in the Palekastro where are today saved minimal remnants of old castle.

¶In the wider region of Velvento exist 74 roughly churches and smaller ones, sample of deep religious faith of residents. At the delivery, Velvento was the place in which the Byzantine sovereigns that were withdrawn from society, came and founded temples in order to become monks.

Museums

You can visit the Intellectual Centre of Velvento where is accomodated the Educative Group of Velvento. Association with long-lasting history that through his departments (Musical faculty, Musical band, Cinematographic club, Photograph, Dancing and of course, its library) contributes the biggest in the cultural education of place.

Two appreciable collections of group it is are accomodated in the under configuration museums of municipality. It is the Archaeological collection with discoveries from the region, and will be accomodated in building aside the central church (Old high school). Also, the folklore collection that will be accomodated in a traditional building and contains objects from the life of the local folk of the previous century but also this first half century.

For those who love museums the historical folklore museum and the museum of natural history in Kozani are also an ideal destination. It is accomodated in a beautiful traditional building and most interesting is the department of natural history, the historical department where you will behind make a travel in the time and the folklore department where becomes representation of professions and laboratories of region.

Also, appreciable it is also the archaeological museum of Aiani. Aiani belonged to the kingdom of Elimiotida and the existence of archaic city it was confirmed by marble signs. The big royal graves, the statues, the jewels and the earthen vessels show the high level of culture and the economic force that had the region.

Pieria Mountain

Velvento however means also natural beauty, green, running water, beautiful ways in in the forest. Pieria is ideal place for campaigns, walk, but also visit in the near settlements that the summertime live up from world. It is mountain covered mainly with firs and pines. Visit the village Katafigi by following the forestal street 23 kilometres from Velvento, homeland of Alexis Zormbas, known hero of N. Kazantzakis.

In the place Giourta (1450 metres) functions mountaineering shelter of mountaineering association velventoy' with possibility of hospitality of 40 individuals. Exist other three mountaineering shelters in the region of other associations. From Pieria it passes the international mountaineering path.

For those who love mountaineering, the way Velvento - Katafigi - Flampouro (2193 metres) will offer them a marvellous experience. 4 hours roughly for experienced climbers, and for this it is considered difficult way.

But for those who they prefer the car, street leads also from the Velvento to Katerini making the way Velvento - Abbey of Saint Trinity - Fteri - Skoteina - Foteina - Katerini.

The dam of artificial lake Polifito constitutes also a very beautiful way. The wayfarers should lead carefully because the narrow street and the frequent landslips. In the dam functions one from the more important hydroelectric power stations of our country. After the dam and passing from the villages Daskio - Rizomata you can you visit the Vergina.

For their bigot fishermen the artificial lake constitutes ideal place for fishing. Precisely above the lake in elevation is found the village Neraida with amazing view and good food.

Skepasmeno

Three kilometers northeast of Velvento, lies Skepasmeno - A beautiful area full of green and trees, where the visitor can where the walker can admires the beautiful natural waterfalls and small lakes that are shaped by waters that springs in Pieria. The rich vegetation, the sound of running water and the rich fauna calm down the visitor while all the natural small lakes that exists provide dew the summertime.

The last years, the region has been developed and upgraded considerably because the opening up of sure path to this, making accessible in all the family. For boldest, the mountaineering in the region offers beautiful view but also revelation of wild beauty that hides the mountain.

Traditional products and Cooperatives

Back to Velvento, you can taste delicacies in the taverns in the central square of village but also outside, in the street to the mountain. Try "sarmadia " from cabbage and mincemeat, "mpoumpari " at Christmas (and not only), from intestine filled with mincemeat, rice and spices. Still, you can buy jams without conservatively and gently the spoon that is manufactured by the model woman's cloth cooperative of Velvento with a lot of taste.

Velvento is also famous however for high quality fruits that produces - mainly peaches and apples but also strawberries, quinces and pla. Two rural cooperatives ASEPOP and "Dimitra " contribute in the economy of region promoting the products in all the country but also in the abroad.

Finally, you cannot leave from the Velvento' if you have not tryed raki and wine that make the residents but also the organised wine factory Vogiatzi (that in deed through the network "the streets of wine " it has more widely become the last years acquaintance). With base the better qualities of grapes and aniseed, the raki and wine of Velvento enjoys the estimate not only the residents, but also all that they have tryed.