Kolindros Municipality | Charter of European Rural Communities

Municipality Pydnas – Kolindros ( links www.kolindros.gr and www.pydnaskolindrou.gr )

The Municipality Pydnas – Kolindros is a municipality of the Region of Central Macedonia, which was created on 1 January 2011 from the merger of pre-existing municipalities Aiginio, Kolindros, Methoni and Pydna (population: 15.179 inhabitants according to the 2011 census)

Its capital is the Aiginio and the historic seat is Kolindros.

In the 2014 municipal elections, held on May 25, was elected mayor in the first round by the independent candidate, Evangelos Lagdaris.

Greeting of Mayor

The association of rural municipalities, characterized by a common vision of culture, is an idea that units different people, promoting and defending their common values: freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
In common course we had to face very serious challenges such as climate change, unemployment and employment, aging population, migration, competitiveness, energy and especially nowadays: economic crisis experienced great difficulty in weak economies.
The role of Local Government is very critical.
Each Local Plan for Development contributes in achieving the common goals that we have with the Region, with the state and with the European Union.
Our political position clearly has an European dimension, as a real modern government agency is required to meet and create prospects for a multicultural – rich society in which we invest in development, progress and prosperity.
In the 27 years in which the former Municipality of Kolindros joined in the Association of Rural Municipalities and really this difficult period we are going through, we need – and it is our wish – not to lose our confidence in the common vision that requires cooperation in designing policies and a joint effort for their implementation.
It is also our wish that the European Union to overcome the difficulties, to become really able to cope with global challenges and capture new, more concrete steps for the progress and development of the state and its citizens.

Town of Kolindros

The settlement is built in the hills where the Pieria shows the closest extremity to the Thermaikos.

The altitude in the lowest part, in the bow of Ploria (pylorus), is 280 meters and reaches 400m, the highest altitude in the region of Fountas. Surrounded by deep gorges – ravines, fortified and inaccessible position during the past centuries.

This natural defensive advantage, combined with the excellent – healthy climate is always remarked the place as the most important village in the north of Pieria.

Despite the relatively low altitude climate is strongly characteristic of the mountains, and this is due to microclimatic conditions and more specifically in a southern gas stream from Olympus.Thanks to these winters , either north wind blows or south are cold , and the summers are cool .

History

Kolindros is almost located in the center of the Macedonian triangle formed by Dion, Pidna and Vergina, and is connected with the most important phases of Greek history. The excellent strategic position, as it controls the plain and the western coast of Thermaikos, but its streets crossing Pieria and pathways to Hemathia, sealed his own history in the struggles of Hellenism.

The first evidence that illuminates the historical person, dated 1001, “when the Byzantine emperor Basil II restored the Macedonian border with the recapture of the city Veria, Kolindrou, Servia and Edessa [1]. The next written testimony for the village is a document of 1384 stating that the castle, but it is difficult to be found when it was built.

However, various traditions and other elements (geography, travel, historiography) and archaeological findings lead to strong speculation that the settlement was rooted in This area from the past centuries. Indeed, according to a living tradition at the heart of the settlement formed the 4th century.

This tradition also enhances the monumental topography and especially the tombs of the Hellenistic Period similar to other Macedonian tombs discovered at the entrance of the town (1928) and more recently in Tsiriknia (1 km. NE of Kolindrou). Also, the French archaeologist Heuzey, visited Kolindros in 1858, evaluated various findings and put them chronologically in Roman times.

Furthermore, we would say that this small place defended passionately its identity and nobility, its historical continuity and racial cohesion. So when the 1822 revolution broke out in the holy land of Macedonia, Kolindros was at the center of the race. In the battle of Fountas, chief was from Kolindros, revolutionist Diamantis, the numerous hordes of Turks faced the brave defenders and forced to retract the Chestnut. The decisive confrontation took place at the Tower of Lazaion with a tragic end for the Greek forces. These events recorded by fighter-21 and writer of memoirs, Kasomoulis, praises the strategic position of Kolindrou.

However, the landmark peak heroism was the revolution of February 20 1878. The unappeased yearning for freedom and the long tradition of liberation struggles to throw off the Turkish yoke led the people in revolt and the official declaration of the revolution of Kolindros the importance which has now been accepted by modern Greek historiography.

Leader of the revolution was the rebel bishop Kitrous Nikolaos. As an experienced warlord led spontaneous and general outbreak of the locals against the conqueror and he was the first who gave the slogan of sacrifice and struggle torching the episcopal palace, not to drop the relics in the hands of the Turks, as the storm approached. The tragic epilogue for revolutionaries was written in the monastery of Saints, where they had fled the women, with the encouragement of Bishop. He has been the site of their martyrdom, while the Lousis himself after adventures found refugee in Piraeus, where he died with the bitterness of failure, but with calm conscience that made his debt to the homeland.

The revolution of Olympus was also an inspiration and the starting point of the new Macedonian Struggle (1904- 1908) that looming on the horizon after the overthrow of the Bulgarian vision at the Congress of Berlin (1878). And in this struggle the people of Kolindros obeying the voice of conscience showed their emotional readiness, took an active part and offered every kind of moral and material support. Finally after a long slavery, on October 17, 1912, and the dream of happiness of the future began to seem real.

But in other historical invitations (Asia Minor epic 40s) Kolindros has to make its own contribution and racing presence. Besides, it is generally characteristic of this place and the tragic fate of Greece is at the forefront of history and to strive unceasingly.

Our life in the Village http://kolindros.gr/

The primary sector, particularly agriculture is the main occupation of the economically active population of Kolindros. Mainly crops of grain, tobacco and fruit of which the most famous are cherries.

In the secondary sector are registered 41 craft enterprises. In the industrial sector only one business belongs which manufactures electronic devices and lighting devices. Also, some enterprises are occupied with construction.

In the Tertiary Sector – Tourism operates approximately 120 companies. Regarding tourism, Kolindros has a hotel called “Pierides Mouses” which capacity is 50 beds and also the guesthouse “Pafsilipo” which capacity is 14 beds.

Kolindros has considerable natural and cultural resources and conditions that agritourism attraction can make it. Firstly, the settlement of Kolindros is a historic town that largely retains its traditional features. Equally important is the aesthetic value of the landscape characterized by diversity, high relief, harmonious coexistence of cultures and the covered area and has not been altered by human activities.

The visit to these places is a genuine way, to anyone relax from the stress of life, to deposit the intensity of biotic care and renew his strength. Finally the visitor can search and other redemptive escapes from Chestnut and streams till Vergina and Veria. The inner municipal roads and prefectural Pierias- Imathia offered for such routes through the verdant Pieria. So one will find mental reconnect with the calm and pure landscape.

Folklore Museum of KOLINDROS http://kolindros.gr/mouseio.htm

The Museum was founded on April 3, 1992 by decision of the Municipal Council of the Municipality of Kolindros and published in Decision No F.E.K.352 / 06.02.1992. Is a legal entity of the municipality and is managed by 7 / membered committee appointed by the respective City Council chaired by Mayor.

The museum is housed in a traditional residence from 1800 which was restored and revamped for hosting the museum. Also the courtyard stood suitable for the possibility of hosting visitors.

The building has ground floor – and a mezzanine floor.

On the ground floor are:

Kolindros over the centuries, Historical flashback from the Neolithic Age to today, Recent excavations in the settlement Paliambela Kolindrou, Report handwritten books, Professional and rural life.

On the mezzanine floor are:

The weaving workshop, Education in Kolindros, Photo gallery of the fallen for homeland.

On the 1st floor are:

Exhibition of rare items, Family life Social life

Sports Center

On the hill “Kapsalos” in a pine hillside opposite the village, bordered by deep ravines of “Mentymenou” is the versatile Athletic Center of Kolindros in an area of 20,000 sq.m.

Modern and high quality sports facilities (open air swimming pool, football, basketball, volleyball, tennis) accommodate groups and sports demanding tasks. The same area is used every August in Camp, with select adolescents basketball players, a major sporting event that has become an annual event for Kolindros.

In this natural attraction, where you can gaze Thermaikos there is also a hotel, a restaurant and a cafe, which attract many people especially during the summer months. It is an oasis of coolness and tranquility. At the eastern edge of the slope there is finally a small open theater that welcomes cultural expressions of local and national production. Particularly the events of August, with the full moon reflected in the blue waters of Thermaikos, add more color and other meaningful life.

In 1997, the “Camp of Kolindros” began to be organised. Camp organized in the city of Kolindros the month of August every year. From 1997 to 2001 the Camp organized by the EEC and the EKASKEM municipality of Kolindros. Since 2002 the camp was international and organized by FIBA Europe, the EEC the EKASKEM & the City Kolindros. Greek athletes participate for candidates for the National Youth Team and Foreign athletes from countries of FIBA Europe. Athletes are taught elements atomic technique under a special program developed by the Development Committee of the EESC taking advantage of the modern facilities of the sports center of Kolindros.

Neolithic settlement http://kolindros.gr/neolithikos.htm

The archaeological site of Paliambela Kolindrou located in northeastern Pieria, a land area 352 sq. which belongs to the region of Central Macedonia. Paliambela are the gentle hills that mediate between the foothills of Pieria Mountains to the south and the great plain of Giannitsa north. They are a short distance from the shores of the Thermaikos Gulf to the east and the River Aliakmonas north.

Paliambela first mentioned by the archaeologist D. Written found in the area in an attempt to identify and record of prehistoric sites. Based on a diagnostic surface finds post dated to the Neolithic period (6500-4000 BC). The place was visited by several researchers, but the essential step for the beginning of the archaeological study was to characterize the site as an archaeological site in 1995 by archaeologists M. Besio and M. Pappas.

The research program of excavation of Paliambela Kolindrou Pieria inaugurated in 1999, when was led by prof. K. Kotsaki a team from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a team from the University of Sheffield (UK) conducted a trial survey for the site of a prehistoric settlement .

Based on the surface finds the position seemed occupied for about a half millennium (from 6000 to 4500 BC) during Neolithic. The geophysical survey gave evidence that the mound during the Late Neolithic (c. 4500 BC) was surrounded by an enclosure system and ditches on the model of Neolithic Dimini. The thickness of archaeological embankments averaged 1-1.5 meter (locally up to 5 m.) And the extent of the findings showed that it covered the whole hill with emphasis on top and the western part of the mound. Sporadic findings suggested activity in the late Bronze Age (13th 12th cent. BC) and during the Byzantine period (6th-14th c. AD). However, the most extensive findings were evident in Neolithic settlement. So it was decided to prepare an organized excavation program starting points of the mound that had the most encouraging archaeological evidence.

The Revolution in Kolindros http://kolindros.gr/nikolaoslousis.htm

Bishop Nicholas Kitrous Lousis was the leading personality of the 1878 Revolution. He was born in Stenimacho Northern Thrace (Eastern Rumelia) in 1840. After studying in schools of his country and was distinguished for his performance in letters and morals became a fellow in Rizarios School. He studied there and then returned to his homeland where he was ordained deacon by the then Bishop of Plovdiv. From this position he was been playing a multidimensional role in the Nation.

Curriculum vitae

Struggling against the domination of the Turks and fighting on the front line on the ramparts of the citadel of the Hellenes Voreiothrakikou Plovdiv. In 1868 started the Revolution against the Turks in Greece Nicholas Lucy left the Plovdiv and arrived in Chania as teacher and took part in it.

After the end of the revolution comes and teaches high school until 1874. His acquaintance with Metropolitan Thessaloniki Joachim, the subsequent Konstantinouli town, brought him to Thessaloniki, where as escort promoted him to Bishop Kitrous 1875, with seat Kolindros.

Revolution 1878

Capable of hierarchical work is the Revolution of Kolindros in February 1878, which had planned and had assumed responsibility for some time. This revolution of Kolindrou and the fact that they brought the coveted commodity of freedom in the region, but also achieved the overthrow of St. Stephen treaty “manufactured” Great Bulgaria against Hellenism and the annexation was achieved in Greek lands, Thessaly and one part of the continent.

The end of

Bishop embittered by the failure of the Revolution, went to Thessaly, where she worked with the revolutionaries and from there to Lamia, where residents and authorities welcomed him with enthusiasm. We returned to the seat of Kolindros but withdrew thee home in Piraeus, where he died of tuberculosis on January 29 at the age of just 42 years.

Honors

The Greek government honored him posthumously, paying the dead Major prices. The funeral was attended by thousands of people, ministers and the Prime Minister Charilaos Trikoupis.

Music

http://kolindros.gr/mousiki.htm

Papoutsis Spyros

He was born in 1942 in KOLINDROS a town of 4,000 residents of Pieria. From the age of 7-8 years old started going to the Psalter and learn the art of chant. In 12 years alongside the courses Byzantine music began and European music lessons and playing accordion. During this time, he learnt and the of carpenter in which he worked until he came to Australia.

From the thirteen years he began playing accordion weddings and entertainment in KOLINDROS and later in the surrounding area.

In the summer of 1962 he goes to army and after basic training, he was based in Alexandroupoli. There the music was now his daily employment and the military music played important role in musical development. In Alexandroupoli parallel with his obligations in military band together with other colleagues plays every weekend in the seaside family center Stars.

In the summer of 1964 dismissed from army and turned to KOLINDROS the autumn of 1966, he went to Australia. His first job as a musician in Melbourne was in COPACAMPANA center where he remained for six months. Followed LIGHTHOUSE center in Port Melbourne, ATHENS in Yaravil1e and WHITE TOWER in Northcote.

By Thomas Papadopoulos founded the orchestra NTO-PE-MI .Then for many years with the orchestra THE OLYMPIANS which for nearly six years appears to SKY HIGH restorant in wonderful location MT DANDENONG. In 1988 he founded the orchestra GREEK EURO SOUND which was the first Greek orchestra with Italian singer and rich Italian repertoire. Then, together with the James Papadopoulos and other musicians founded the ensemble MUSICAL ODYSSEY which with the cooperation of labor association Democritus and sometimes with the cooperation of the central Greek community and the Association Olympia peace in large rooms such PRESTON TOWN HALL, CAULFIELD TOWN HALL, MELBA HALL organized a tribute concert to Mikis Theodoraki, Manos Hadjidakis, George Zambeta Manolis Chiotis and concerts several times anniversary Polytechneiou.Tin same period and by the end of 2004 is a close associate of the late Kostas Tsikaderi in various jobs within outside Melbourne.

Along with Costas joined with tesera songs on the disc the FIG TREE production company Voight who tablets in 2004 the national song festival in Canberra took the first vraveio.Echei Membership of the two discs made with songs Tsikaderi Costas and in concerts organized for Kostas. With the Hellenic Cultural Association in tributes for Manolis Anagnostakis Nikos Gatsos to book presentations and other events of the association, but always in close cooperation olles events.

In 1992 his hometown called him and instructed to collect and record the folk songs of the place. Indeed in February 1992 went to KOLINDROS and within three months he heard the songs of the old men there, the work out, put them in shape, wrote the music first in a recording studio in Thessaloniki and then with teseres cantors of the two parishes of KOLINDROS sang the songs on the music he had written. In February 2008 he finished recording the album {Musical echoes from the streets of KOLINDROS is written choir with 25 voices all the same and are the songs they sang songs in KOLINDROS long ago under the windows and balconies. Spyros Papoutsis also make – melodi and perform songs with lyrics symparoikon poets like Dina Amanatidou, John Liaskou Andreas Triantafillopoulos, Noulas Karathanasi and others.

Songs of Kolindros

cherry’s roots
dream I saw
a cloudy day
after a death
My black swallows
the Fellowship
below the orchards
pedlar descending
the Kanarakis
Anthia giatrouda
mes` t` grape vines
fisherman’s son
Lisbon koukouftouda
stou Mintimenou narrow

Alexis Zorbas

Alexis Zorbas (that his real name was George), became known as the hero of the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis, Life and State of Alexis Zorbas.

He was born in Kolindros (Pieria) in 1867. He was the son of Fotis Zorba, a wealthy landowner and chief shepherd, and had three other siblings (Katerina, Yiannis and Xenophon). Became woodcutter, and later left for Halkidiki.

In Palaiochori lived the most critical years of his life. There he stayed at a friend and worked as a miner in a French company exploitation mines in Gisvoro (Stratonice). He met with the foreman of the mine, John Kalkouni, “stole” and married in Palaiochori his daughter Helen, and made with her eight children, but wars and the death of his wife Helen, bringing misery to the family tou. Then he left Palaiochori and Halkidiki and comes in Eleftherohori Pieria located eight kilometers from Kolindros, where his brother John Zorbas stays, as a doctor.

In 1915 he left for Mount Athos with the decision to become a monk. There he meets with Kazantzakis and a strong friendship will begin to blend the two men. Then go to where Mani exploit mines Prastova (near Stoupa Messinia, seaside village Lefktro in Mani). Nikos Kazantzakis here was inspired and wrote his “Life and state of Alexis Zorbas”.

The troubled life would stop in Skopje, where he settled, remarried, did other children and young family. She worked in the mining activity. The Second World War, the seizure of mines by German troops, hunger and Nazi slavery sent him to the grave in 1941. His tomb is in the cemetery of Skopje Boutel.

Video 1 http://kolindros.gr/zorbas.htm

The film Zorba the Greek (Alexis Zorbas) was filmed in 1964, directed by Michael Cacoyannis with Anthony Quinn, Alan Bates, Irene Papas, Lila Kedrova, Sotiris Moustakas, Anna Kyriakou, Eleni Anousaki George Vogiatzi. It is based on the book by Nikos Kazantzakis’ Zorba.

The film won three Oscars in 1964, the most important of the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for the interpretation of Lila Kedrova, in the role of Madame Orntans. Soundtrack which was written by Mikis Theodorakis became known worldwide as Sirtaki. The scenes of the movie were filmed in Crete.

Video 2 http://kolindros.gr/zorbas.htm

The group of young Aboriginal originating from unknown and isolated island Elko, north of Australia, presented their own version, dancing at their own pace composing music of Mikis Theodorakis “Zorba” at the event “Celebration”, organized by the Greek Community of Darwin, in North. Australia.

Accommodation and entertainment in Kolindros http://kolindros.gr/hotel.htm

Hotel Pierides Muses

On outskirts of Pieria where the wisdom of the ancient Greeks gave birth to daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne 9 Muses Hotel are situated “Pierides Mouses” 52 beds with stunning views of the Thermaikos Gulf and Thessaloniki. Surrounded by modern standards Sports Centre with football, basketball, gymnasium, Olympic swimming pool and children’s pool.

Phone: 23530-21500

Fax: 23530-21503

Mobile : 6946504280

Pafsilipo Guesthouse

The guesthouse “Pafsilipo” located in Kolindros Pieria built on a hill at a height of 300 meters and a privileged position, but modern amenities, assures you a pleasant stay.

The hotel has seven rooms decorated with care and due to our personal service, will serve as a base for exploring the beautiful Himachal Pradesh, which combines mountain and sea.

Pafsilipos will become quiet base for your stay.

Phone: 23530 31600-31601

Fax: 23530 27300