Agios Markos focuses on two distinct themes: its setting as a mountain village and a revived Pontian tradition. Its altitude, mountain range and the Momogeroi New Year custom give you specific points of reference for locating the village in the NomĂłs KilkĂs.
A Mountain Village Between the Mountains and the Lake
Agios Markos lies at an altitude of 500 metres on the western slopes of Mount Mavrovouni. The mountain is part of the Kroussia range; the village is also southwest of Lake Kerkini. These details offer different points of reference: the altitude describes the mountain village’s setting, Mavrovouni places it in the mountain region, and the lake provides another geographical point of orientation.
Pontian Tradition and a Church Celebration
The Momogeroi New Year custom is being revived in Agios Markos; in Pontian, it is also called Ta Momo’eria. At the celebration on 24 April 2023, members of the dance group of the Agios Markos Cultural Association performed traditional Pontian dances. Refreshments were offered to everyone attending the celebration.
On the same day, a festive episcopal Vespers service for the feast of the Apostle and Evangelist Mark was held at the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. For clarity about the timing, these events should be distinguished: the Momogeroi custom is associated with the turn of the year, while the dance celebration and Vespers took place on 24 April 2023.
Kilkis as a Wider Destination
The wider destination of Kilkis offers other distinct landscape themes. Lake Doirani is a wetland and provides a habitat or stopping point for numerous resident and migratory birds. Dense reeds and lakeside vegetation characterise its surroundings. Here, wetlands, birdlife and lakeside vegetation are central to a nature-focused perspective on Kilkis.
In the wider destination of Kilkis, the Lake Doirani Museum is open daily from 08:00 to 14:00 for visits and tours for student groups. It is also available to residents and visitors to the municipality. Check the opening hours before your trip.
Visitors can follow the lakeside path from the village of Doirani to the Forest of a Thousand Trees. The Mouries Forest, also known as the Forest of a Thousand Trees, is designated a natural monument and covers 590 stremmata. Here, a specifically identified lakeside path and a forest with designated protected status offer different points of reference in the wider destination of Kilkis.
Another landscape feature there is Pikrolimni, a shallow lake beside the village of the same name that usually dries up in summer. Its clay soil contains sulphur compounds and nitrates and is credited with healing and cosmetic properties. The lakes in the wider destination of Kilkis therefore offer different points of interest: Lake Doirani is characterised by wetlands, birds and lakeside vegetation, while Pikrolimni is notable for its shallow depth, the fact that it usually dries up in summer, and its clay soil. These features can help you choose which nature-related theme interests you when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Drosato, Kilkis, Pikrolimni, Polykastro, Pontokerasia, Axioupoli, Stathmos Mourion, Agios Petros
Back to the wider travel overview: Kilkis.
