The
town of Kilkis is the capital of this prefecture. The hill of
Ai-Giorgis dominates the town, which is spread out at its feet.
The post-Byzantine church of Aghios Georgios graces its summit;
built in 1832, it contains unsual wall paintings.
On
the hill there are a tourist pavillion, amphitheatre, Heros
monument and a war museum commemorating the 1913 battle for liberation
from the Turks. Picturesque Goumenissa (44 km.), built on the
slopes of Mt. Paiko, has quaint, narrow alleyways and charming
old houses.
Just
6 kilometers southwest of Goumenissa are the village and archaeological
site of Europos. The ancient kouros found here and on exhibit
in the archaeological museum numbers among the most important
finds of the region.
Also
worth a visit is Palio Ginekokastro, where there is a ruined Byzantine
fortress erected by Andronikos III Paleologos (1328-1341).
In
the northern part of the prefecture is one of its jewels: Lake
Doirani, a natural wonderland. One can swim in its waters and
enjoy the idyllic hamlets built along its sandy shores. The tavernas
at Doirari village serve delicacies fished from the lake.
Here
you will also find a Customs office, GNTO office, foreign exchange
facilities at the National Bank, as well as a marina for fishing
boats and pleasure craft.
The
western section of the prefecture is mountainous. The ascent of
Mt. Paiko (1,500 m. alt.) brings much to marvel at: thickly wooded
slopes, rushing brooks and streams and delightful little villages,
such as Griva, Kastaneri and Livadia.
You
can also visit the village of Skra, where there is a monument
to those that fell in the battle of Skra - Ravine on 17 May 1919,
and the splendidly situated Hilia Dendra (4km. from Doirani village).
Finally, at Kolhida, you will see ruined tombs from the 4th century
A.D. and an Early Christian settlement (6th century).
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