KATERINI

'Katerini' (Greek: ''Κατερίνη'') is a town in Central Macedonia, Greece, the capital of Pieria prefecture. It lies on the Pierian plain, between Mt. Olympus and the Thermaikos Gulf, at an altitude of 14 m . The town, which is one of the newest in Greece, has a population of 56,576 (according to the 2001 census). It is near the city of Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city, which has been beneficial for Katerini's development over recent years. Katerini is accessible from the Thessaloniki - Athens highway GR-1/E75 (two interchanges) and the Via Egnatia to the north. It is served by both Intercity and Local trains on the main railway line from Athens to Thessaloniki and there is a comprehensive regional and national bus service with its hub in the town.
A popular tourist destination, Katerini is close to the sea, (6 km) several archaeological sites of great interest such as the ancient city of Dion (5th century BC, 17 km away) and the Venetian Castle of Platamon. The beaches of Korinos, Paralia and Olympiaki Akti (or ''Katerinoskala'') are popular with both Greek and International tourists during the summer. The roots of Mount Olympus and the popular town of Litochoro, are in a distance of around 20 kilometres away from the Centre of Katerini.
The town's name stems from Catherine of Alexandria (''Agia Aikaterini''), a Greek Orthodox Martyr, who lived in 4th century AD. It was liberated from the Ottomans on October 16, 1912. During the Nazi régime it was captured by the German army on April 14, 1941 and was liberated three years later. Katerini is referenced in the Mikis Theodorakis' song '' "To treno feugei stis okto"'' (The Train Leaves At 8) with lyrics by the poet Manos Eleftheriou. This song still remains popular today.

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Other

Historical population

Sister cities

See also

References

External links

Other

Katerini has Primary and Secondary schools, a department of the Technological Education Institute of Thessaloniki (Standardization and Shipping of Products), banks, a post office, state and private hospitals, a recently remodelled park with a new open air theatre, a pedestrian shopping precinct, several ''plateies'' (squares), civic buildings including the administrative centre for Pieria, a Cathedral and many churches, as well as a cinema, theatres and numerous shops, restaurants and cafes. Paralia is recognised as one of the main regional centres for entertainment in the summer.

Historical population

Year	Population	Change	Municipal population	Change
1981	38,404	-	-	-
1991	43,613	5,209/13.56%	48,673	-
2001	-	-	56,576	7,903/16.24%

Sister cities

★ 'Čačak', Serbia

★ 'Moosburg', Austria

★ 'Maintal', Germany

See also

★ Communities of Pieria

References

External links

★ Mapquest - Katerini, street map not yet available

★ Coordinates:

★ The English Times of Katerini