Katerini

Katerini

Κατερίνη
Katerini Κατερίνη
Settlement
	The Park in Katerini
Country	Greece
Administrative region	Central Macedonia
Government
• Mayor	Savvas Chionidis
Area
• Total	112.9 km2 (43.6 sq mi)
Elevation	14 m (46 ft)
Population (2001)
• Total	56,434
• Density	500/km2 (1,300/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+2 (EET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal code	601 00
Area code(s)	23510
Vehicle registration	KN
Website	www.katerini.gr

Katerini (Greek: Κατερίνη) is a town in Central Macedonia, Greece, the capital of Pieria prefecture. It lies on the Pierian plain, between Mt. Olympus and the Thermaikos Gulf, at an altitude of 14 m . The town has a population of 56,576 (according to the 2001 census). It is near the city of Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city, which has been beneficial for Katerini's development over recent years. Katerini is accessible from the Thessaloniki - Athens highway GR-1/E75 (two interchanges) and the Via Egnatia to the north. It is served by both Intercity and Local trains on the main railway line from Athens to Thessaloniki and there is a comprehensive regional and national bus service with its hub in the town.

A popular tourist destination, Katerini is close to the sea, (6 km) several archaeological sites of great interest such as the ancient city of Dion (5th century BC, 17 km away) and the Venetian Castle of Platamon. The beaches of Korinos, Paralia and Olympiaki Akti (or Katerinoskala) are popular with both Greek and International tourists during the summer. The roots of Mount Olympus and the popular town of Litochoro, are in a distance of around 20 kilometres away from the Centre of Katerini.

The town's name stems from Catherine of Alexandria (Agia Aikaterini), a Greek Orthodox Martyr, who lived in 4th century AD. It was liberated from the Ottomans on October 16, 1912. During the Nazi régime it was captured by the German army on April 14, 1941 and was liberated three years later.

Katerini is referenced in the Mikis Theodorakis' song "To treno feugei stis okto" (The Train Leaves At 8) with lyrics by the poet Manos Eleftheriou. This song still remains popular today.

Other

Katerini has Primary and Secondary schools, banks, a post office, state and private hospitals, a recently remodelled park with a new open air theatre, a pedestrian shopping precinct, several plateies (squares), civic buildings including the administrative centre for Pieria, a Cathedral and many churches, as well as a cinema, theatres and numerous shops, restaurants and cafes. Paralia is recognised as one of the main regional centres for entertainment in the summer.