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EdessaΕδεσσα
POP 18,229
Verdant Edessa ( edh -eh-sah) is best known for its great waterfalls that keep the air moist
and refreshing. Its attractive (though dilapidated) old quarter, little streams, shaded parks
and a Byzantine bridge are other sights in this town, perched on a ledge overlooking a
long agricultural plain.
Until the 1977 discovery of Vergina's royal tombs, Edessa was thought to have been an-
cient Macedonian Aigai. With the government's Hellenisation project following the 1923
Greek-Turkish population exchanges, the town's long-existing Slavic name, Voden
('place of water'), was replaced with the archaic Edessa.
Sights
Edessa's waterfalls emerge east of its expansive park. The biggest thunders dramatically
down a cliff, filling the air with moisture. Enter the observation deck inside this waterfall
and breathe in the mist from the crashing waters. Also enter the small nearby cave , inside
the cliff mass.
A winding path downwards accesses a second, less impressive waterfall. Further right,
the Water Museum (adult €2; 11am-4pm Wed-Mon) exhibits various water- industry
equipment and a small aquarium , with various species of fish, amphibians, snapping
turtles and snakes.
Varosi , Edessa's old quarter, is further south, between the ridge and centre. It features
cobbled streets, chapels, traditional houses and a colourful Folkloric Museum (adult €2;
10am-5pm Tue-Sun) . Opposite the waterfalls through the park is Edessa's pretty Byzanti-
ne bridge , once on the ancient Via Egnatia.
Sleeping
Varosi Four Seasons BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$$
( 23810 51440; www.varosi4seasons.gr ; Arhiereos Meletiou; s/d incl breakfast €70/90; )
This boutique hotel is 50m from the related pension, Varosi. Six of the 10 rooms overlook
the outstretched Edessa plain (as does the outdoor verandah cafe). Rooms are pristine and
sumptuously decorated, and service is friendly. The wood-and-glass floor reveals part of
Edessa's ancient walls.
 
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