Ierissos - Halkidiki

Ierissos - Halkidiki

Fri, Mar 6, 2020

 

 

  • Distance from Skg Airport: 102 km

  • Coordinates:  40°24′N 23°53′E

  • Population:  3455 (2011)

  • Postal Code: 63075

  • Area Code(s): 2377

 

Informations: 

 

Ierissos  is a small town on the east coast of the Athos peninsula in Halkidiki, Greece. It is located 160 km from Thessaloniki, and 10 km from the border of the Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain, or Mount Athos. From the 10th century onwards, the town's history is indissolubly linked with that of Mount Athos. In 942 there were disputes between Ierissos and the monks of Mount Athos over the borders between Ierissos and the monastic community's lands and, the following year, the differences were settled in person by a large commission of major politicians and church officials.

In the summer of 1425, Ierissos came into the hands of the Turks. During that time the Venetians, starting from Cassandreia, landed on the coastline of Ierissos, burnt down the settlement (by then only a large village) and its surroundings and (on departure) set alight the castle and five towers. Under Ottoman rule, Ierissos was one of the privileged Mademochoria. In 1821 Ierissos took part in the Greek War of Independence and during the repression the village was burnt down by the Turks and a large number of residents killed.

In 1932 the village was destroyed by a powerful earthquake, with 121 people killed and approximately 500 injured. After the earthquake the new Ierissos was built in its current position, a little north west of the ancient city.

 

Worth it to see:

 

  • The ruins of the castle and the Byzantine church: The only visible trace of Akanthos, excavated on the east side of the Acropolis and the Tower of Krouna, located approximately 2km west of Ierissos.
  • The dependency (metochion) of the Life-Bearing Spring, which belongs to the Monastery of Hiliandary.
  • The aquarium constructed in 2005, where visitors can see a variety of fish and shellfish and the huge tank containing seawater continually renewed by a special pump connected to the sea.
  • The unique Amphitheatre and the Cultural Center where lots of exhibitions of great cultural interest, take place.
  • Make a stop at "Karnagio". The shipyards of Ierissos were some of the most significant in Greece, with famous shipbuilders. You will notice the old "karnagia", as they call the shipyards when you drive from Ierissos to Nea Roda.

 

 

Ieriss

 

 

halkidiki