Kozani: The motherland of Greek saffron is full of natural beauty

OVERVIEW

The regional unit of Kozani, is part of the region of Western Macedonia, located in north-western Greece in the northern part of the Aliakmonas river valley. The area was part of several kingdoms of Upper Macedonia, the kingdom of Macedonia and later on it was ruled by the Roman Empire, became a part of the Byzantine Empire. In the early 14th to the 15th century, it was ruled by the Ottoman Empire  until the Balkan Wars of 1913.

Mountains with dense vegetation, rivers, and lakes, a total of 185 km of hiking trails, impressive archaeological findings, Byzantine churches, mansions with distinctive Macedonian architecture, the stone-built bridges of Voio, the artificial lake of Polifito, the waterfalls in Velvento, the 1,372m Servia Bridge, carnival customs and traditions, and of course Krokos (a precious spice and the best saffron quality in the world), mark the wealth of the region which will lure visitors.

.AT A GLANCE

Capital: Kozani Regional unit’s area: 3,516 km² Regional unit’s population (2021): 137,201

.ADMINISTRATION

The regional unit Kozani is subdivided into five municipalities.

.MUNICIPALITIES

KOZANI    EORDAIA    SERVIA    VELVENTOS    VOIO

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.MUNICIPALITY OF KOZANI

Area: 1,071.3 km2 Population (2011): 71,388 Density: 67/km2

.HISTORY

Kozani’s history is a short one, compared to the rest of Greece. The city was founded in the middle of the 15th century by Christian settlers who after the Ottoman conquest withdrew from the plains of Macedonia into the mountains. Kozani’s safe position soon attracted other Christians expelled from Epirus. The area managed to extract a favourable executive order from the sultan and was granted a degree of autonomy that allowed it to flourish economically. During the 17th, 18th century and 19th century, commercial relations with the countries of central Europe gave the opportunity for the city to prosper and also contributed to the growth of education and the arts. Kozani’s merchants dominated in the Balkan Peninsula, expanding their trade activities to the north and along the Danube. However, the economic prosperity was shaken by the bankruptcy of many businesses after the crisis in Austria (circa 1800), a consequence of the Napoleonic Wars. In the 20th century, the city grew tremendously, as lignite reserves in the area started being used by Public Power Corporation, making Kozani the foremost producer of electrical power in Greece. Today Kozani is the administrative, commercial, economic, and transport centre of the region of West Macedonia.

.POINTS OF INTEREST

Kovadareios library: Accumulating rare volumes and relics for four centuries (including one of the two surviving copies of Rigas Feraios charter) the library in Kozani now rivals the National Library in Athens for its 150,000 books, rare publications and valuable documents.

Georgios Lassanis mansion: The 18th century mansion of the military officer, politician and scholar Georgios Lassanis who played a prominent role in Greece’s War of Independence, is
a typical example of urban Macedonian architecture and is now used as a Municipal Map Library.

Grigorios Vourkas mansion: The city’s best preserved mansion, built in 1762 is another example of both the architecture of the times and the tendency towards ornately carved woodwork and decorative painting.

Other splendid buildings: “Valtadoreio” Gymnasium, the first gymnasium built in Kozani in 1899, the National Bank of Greece building (Neoclassical rhythm), the magnificent “Ermioneion” Hotel.

Nikis square: Following its reconstruction in 2016, the square became a favorite for the locals and you can enjoy your walk or a coffee at the nearby shops.

The new Municipal Park: The park has a playground for children, space for people to exercise, cycle paths, and benches.

.GASTRONOMY

Kozani Red Saffron (Krokos Kozanis PDO): Sought after by chefs worldwide and used in a number of dishes saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Krokos Kozanis PDO is exclusive to the region and has been recognised since 1999 as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product by the European Union.

Yaprakia: Made with salty white carbage leafs stuffed with rice, minced meat, usually half pork & half beef, and plenty of allspice berries, it is the most popular local dish.

Kozanitiko Kichi: one of the most delicious cheese pies  with circular-snail form baked in the oven. THe Kozani cuisine includes all kinds of pies stuffed with cheese, meat, spinach, onion and more. 

.WINES & DRINKS

The PGI Kozani, recognised in 2008, produces dry, semi-dry and semi-sweet wines, of all three colours, throughout the regional unit.

.FEASTS, FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Carnival: One of the most important events in the region, which lasts a total of 12 days, from Tsiknopempti (the last Thursday before Lent) to Clean Monday, Kozani’s carnival is taking place at the end of winter. The dates change each year, depending on the start date of Lent. Great bonfires called Fani are lit in different parts of the city on carnival Sunday. The fires symbolize the purification of the soul and rebirth.  Locals gather, drink, share foods and sing.

Lassaneia Events: A series of cultural events consisting of theatrical representations, concerts, athletic events, from mid-June to the end of September.

October 11: The liberation of the city from the Turks (Official local public holiday)

December 6: Saint Nicolas day – Kozani’s patron (Official local public holiday)

.RELIGIOUS SITES

Cathedral of Agios Nikolaos (St. Nickolas): The post-Byzantine church dates back to the 17th century and was extended and repaired in the 18th and early 20th centuries. The seven storey bell/clock tower, built in 1855, rises next to the church and is the most prominent landmark in Kozani.

Episcope: The Bishop’s seat, an entirely stone-built construction whose foundation began in the middle of the 18th century.

.TRANSPORT

Filippos airport: Located 4 km southeast of city of Kozani, it is operated by civil aviation authority since the fifties.

Motorway: Kozani is accessed with Motorway Egnatia (or GR-2, or E90) from Ioannina and Thessaloniki, GR-3 (or E65) from Larissa and Florina, GR-4 and GR-20.

Buses: KTEL Kozanis for all West Macedonian towns and for the biggest Greek cities. 

.KEY MUSEUMS

Aiani Archaeological Museum: A modern museum a little outside Aiane, presents the unique and rare finds unearthed during the excavations held at the location of the ancient city, which was the capital of one of the most powerful kingdoms of Upper Macedonia.  The excavations in the city of Aiani, brought to light the oldest pieces of matt-painted (black and white) pottery ever found. Some of the matt-painted pottery dates back to the 15th-14th century BC (Μycenaean era)

Archaeological Museum of Kozani: Housed in a traditional mansion, it hosts sculptures, inscriptions, statues, reliefs, clay vessels, figurines, and gold, silver, and bronze jewellery, and more, all dating from the Palaeolithic to the Roman period.

Historical–Folklore and Natural History Museum: Founded in 1969 and officially inaugurated in 1987, the museum is a creation of the Letters and Arts Association of Kozani. It is housed in a great Macedonian architecture building where you can see how was life in the area from prehistoric to modern times.

Museum of Modern Local History: Founded in 2006 the museum. Post-WW2 items make up the collections on display here as well as stories from the Greek civil war.

.MAJOR EDUCATIONAL & RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS

University of Western Macedonia 

Technological Educational Institute of West Macedonia

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TO DO & TO GO