Pella: Ancient History and the Mountain Settlement of Kromni

Pella offers a variety of historical and scenic points of interest. Its history as an ancient capital is reflected in the archaeological site, while Kromni, a traditional mountain settlement, and Giannitsa, home to the Mausoleum of Gazi Evrenos, each offer a different perspective. When looking for a hotel in Pella, it helps to consider which aspect of the destination matters most to you: ancient history, historic buildings, or mountain scenery.

Kromni: Mountain Settlement and Scenery

Kromni is the traditional settlement of the Municipality of Pella and lies at an elevation of 580 meters. Its uninhabited stone houses preserve traces of its history and shape the settlement’s traditional character. A forest road on Mount Paiko leads to the mountain settlement. The Church of Saint Nicholas dates to 1858, offering a specific historical landmark alongside the houses and the high-altitude setting.

Another scenic feature within the municipality is the “Kromni Giannitsa” wildlife refuge. It is located in the municipal unit of Kyrros, in the north-northwestern part of the Municipality of Pella. The mountain settlement with its stone houses and the refuge represent different scenic aspects of the destination: a historic settlement in one case, and a designated protected area in the other.

A Route Nearby

A commonly used route in the vicinity of the destination starts in Eleftherochori and first leads to the Aloni site at an elevation of 830 meters. This leg is estimated to take 45 minutes. From Aloni, the so-called Roman Road leads to the Germanos Plateau in 1 hour and 45 minutes. These times refer to consecutive sections: the route to Aloni is shorter than the following section to the plateau. The times are estimates.

Ancient Pella: Residential Quarter, Agora, and Mosaics

The archaeological site of ancient Pella includes part of the ancient residential quarter and part of the agora. The residential quarter includes the Houses of Dionysus, Helen, the Wall Plasters, and Poseidon. Their elaborate mosaic floors depict scenes from Greek mythology and nature. The floor images thus bring together two different worlds of imagery, while the surviving parts of the residential quarter and the agora illustrate different areas of the ancient city. The archaeological site is open to visitors.

During the height of Alexander the Great’s rule, ancient Pella was the capital of the ancient Macedonian state. This political role places the architectural remains in a broader historical context: the archaeological site points not only to individual houses, but also to ancient Pella’s former role as a capital.

Giannitsa and the Mausoleum of Gazi Evrenos

In Giannitsa, the Mausoleum of Gazi Evrenos preserves a box-shaped burial chamber with frescoes that imitate marble cladding. It also displays an inscribed marble stele from the tomb of Gazi Evrenos. The burial place of Gazi Evrenos and his descendants gradually developed into a place of pilgrimage. The burial chamber, frescoes, and stele offer a tangible glimpse of the site’s features and historical significance.

Regional Flavors

The municipal initiative “Pella of Flavors” promoted local products and businesses that continue the long-standing tradition of regional flavors. This culinary connection complements Pella’s historical and scenic themes with its regional food and business culture.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Loutraki, Loutra Loutrakiou, Edessa, Giannitsá, Aridaia, Flamouria, Órma, Kalivia, Kerasies, Krya Vrysi, Skidra.

Go to the regional travel overview: Central Macedonia.