Prefecture of Kilkis

Prefecture of Kilkis

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, Hero’s 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).