Goumenissa

Μετάφραση

Goumenissa

Goumenissa is a charming small town in Central Macedonia, built at the foothills of Mount Paiko. Known for its high-quality wine, crystal-clear waters, tsipouro (a traditional Greek spirit), and brass music tradition, Goumenissa offers visitors a blend of culture, nature, and gastronomy. The local economy thrives mainly on wine production and agriculture. Many of its traditional houses are preserved, with 108 officially listed as protected buildings. In recent years, locals have been working to restore and highlight some of these architectural treasures.

History

Goumenissa was first settled by the Ottomans in 1387. During Ottoman rule, its inhabitants were obliged to produce fabrics for the army’s uniforms. This granted the town a degree of self-governance. In the 19th century, Goumenissa flourished as a commercial, agricultural, handicraft, and religious center, with wine production bringing it fame beyond the Ottoman Empire.

After the Young Turk Revolution in 1908, many locals emigrated to North America to avoid conscription into the Ottoman army. Goumenissa was liberated by the Greek army on 23 October 1912 during the First Balkan War, and the wider region regained its ancient name, Paionia.

During World War I, Goumenissa served as a French headquarters. The French built a hospital, installed an electricity generator, and in 1917 erected a fountain in the central square inscribed with: “Traveler, remember the French soldier.”

Sights & Attractions

• Monastery of Panagia Goumenissa – Home to a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary and a beautifully carved wooden iconostasis.
• Church of Saint George – The largest church in the region and one of the most impressive in Central Macedonia.
• Monastery of Saints Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene – Nestled on a green slope of Mount Paiko, about 7 km from Goumenissa.
• Dyo Potamia (Two Rivers) – Just 2 km away, where two tributaries of the Axios River meet. The lush area features footbridges, a small waterfall, and even a natural swimming spot.
• The Old Schoolhouse – Once housed the first Greek school during Ottoman rule.
• Yapantzis Watermill – A restored traditional watermill.
• Local Wineries – Perfect for tasting Goumenissa’s renowned wines.

Nature & Outdoor Activities

Goumenissa is an ideal base for excursions to Mount Paiko, a paradise for hiking, nature walks, and alternative tourism. With its fine wine, Macedonian cuisine, and warm hospitality, the town is a perfect choice for short getaways and off-the-beaten-path travel in Greece.

Getting to Goumenissa

• From Thessaloniki: 80.9 km (about 1h 5min drive) north.
• From Kilkis: 43.8 km (about 42min) east.
• From Lake Doirani: 56.5 km (about 48min) south.

What to Buy

Before leaving Goumenissa, don’t miss local specialties: chestnuts, tsipouro, and PDO-certified Goumenissa wine.