Skoteina

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Skoteina: A Hauntingly Beautiful Abandoned Village in Pieria

Hidden in the lush mountains of Pieria, Morna—known until 1936 as Skoteina (meaning "dark place")—is an abandoned village located just 15 km southwest of Kato Milia in northern Greece. Shrouded in dense beech forests that block out much of the sunlight, the village earned its original name from its shadowy, forested landscape.

Though uninhabited for the past 40 years, Morna remains a place of deep historical and cultural interest. Its haunting silence and crumbling architecture have turned it into a hidden gem for curious travelers, hikers, and lovers of forgotten places.

From Skoteina to Fotina: The Village That Moved

Due to its remoteness and limited sunlight, the residents of Skoteina gradually abandoned the village, relocating to a brighter, more accessible area nearby, which they named Fotina—literally, "bright place." This relocation took place gradually after the 1950s, and today Morna stands as a ghost village, with only its stone buildings and chapels left behind.

Historic Churches and Wartime Tragedy

Despite its abandonment, two churches still stand in Morna: Agia Paraskevi and Agios Nikolaos. According to local lore, the church of Agios Nikolaos collapsed twice, the second time in 1950.

Morna's earliest recorded mention dates back to around 1850 in the archives of Zavorda Monastery in Grevena, which documented a local donation. Tradition holds that the village's first settlers were refugees from Petra who took shelter in monastic cells.

On December 19, 1943, Morna suffered a devastating blow: 10 villagers were executed by Nazi troops, including the local priest Christos Tsolakis. The village was looted and burned—a tragedy still remembered by descendants and historians.

Morna’s Timber Legacy and Royal Connection

Until 1969, Morna was home to a wood-processing factory, which played a key role in the post–civil war economy of the region. The local beechwood was considered among the finest in the world. According to historian Professor Giannis Kaztaridis, this high-quality timber was even used to construct a royal yacht for King Otto of Greece.

In recognition of the factory’s economic contribution, Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis awarded its operators the Gold Medal of National Contribution during the Thessaloniki International Fair. The original factory building still stands at the village entrance, a monument to Morna’s industrious past.

Haunted Legends and Abandoned Homes

Beyond its rich history, Morna has also earned a reputation as one of Greece’s most haunted villages. Locals and visitors speak of dark figures, phantom footsteps, doors that creak open on their own, and eerie whispers in the wind.

Some say the village was abandoned overnight due to unexplained phenomena. Even today, signs of a hurried departure—furniture, belongings, and household items—still lie scattered inside crumbling houses.

Visiting Morna Today

Though uninhabited, Morna remains accessible to adventurous visitors, hikers, and history buffs. It offers a powerful blend of natural beauty, tragic history, and folklore that make it one of the most intriguing abandoned villages in northern Greece.

If you're exploring Pieria, especially near Kato Milia or Litochoro, Morna is a worthwhile stop—especially for those fascinated by ghost villages, WWII history, or off-the-beaten-path destinations.