Naousa

Industrial and agricultural center of the prefecture, built in a plateau in the hills of Mt.Bermion (altitude of 360 m.), in an area where Herodotus places the magnificent Gardens of Mida. It is one of the most beautiful cities of Macedonia, the largest and most important city of the prefecture after Veria. Its economy flourished during the Turkish domination, but it was destroyed by the Ali Passa of Ioannina.

In the 19th Century many spinning mill factories were established, driven by the energy of Arapitsa River, which crosses the town, and of the Stoumpana falls, whilst over the years, the city enjoyed great prosperity, constituting for centuries a significant textile center. Up to the ‘80s, Naoussa was famous for its “Vetlans-Naoussa’ blankets.

Nowadays, the textiles industry is on the decline and most factories have shut down. However, vine-growing and wine-making industries flourish today (in 1987, the city was proclaimed as “International City of Wine and Vineyards”). It is located 21 km northwest from Veria.