Ancient City of Pydna near Makrygialos in the Olympus Region
Pydna was a small town in ancient Macedonia and the most important site in the entire Pieria region. It is located 16 km northeast of Katerini and just 2.5 km from the resort town of Makrygialos. Archaeologists have discovered that people lived in this area even before the Greeks, and their city was likely destroyed by the supervolcano of Santorini about 3,000 years ago.
In ancient times, there was a temple here dedicated to one of the gods or goddesses of Olympus, and it is believed that Alexander the Great visited Pydna, among others. The fortified city from the Byzantine era occupies only a small part of ancient Pydna.
Christianity likely reached Pydna as early as the 4th century, and the first basilica was built during this time. The Byzantine city of Pydna was also known as Kitron or Kitros, and a later, larger domed church was constructed here, modeled after Hagia Sophia in Thessaloniki. Today, the remains of the castle and the Byzantine church of Kitros, along with the western gate (facing the church), the foundations of an inn, and a small basilica, are the only visible remnants of the Byzantine city.
In the 13th century, this city was transformed into a Crusader - Frankish fortress (in 1204). During that time, a 22-meter deep well with a stone fountain was built inside the basilica, and next to the well was a cistern. Additionally, an underground tunnel was dug to allow for an easy escape from the fortress. Later, during the 14th century, the inhabitants of Pydna relocated to a new place, the present-day town of Kitros.
You can view descriptions and photos of accommodations in the Olympus Region HERE.
Accessibility for children: 100/100
Parking: Free/Plenty available