Eptálofos and the memory of Pontus

One specific way to explore the local history of Eptálofos is through the road race held there in 2018. It was part of the memorial and tribute events organized annually by Akrites Eptalofou Kilkis. These events commemorate the 353,000 Greeks from Pontus who were killed in the massacre. The 2018 race was thus part of a broader commemorative framework. The timing is important: the memorial and tribute events were organized annually, while the race described here took place in 2018.

The 2018 race: date, route and exhibition

The race announced for June 17, 2018, was five kilometers long. It was scheduled to start at 10:45 a.m. from the central village square in Eptálofos. The route was planned to follow paved village roads throughout and pass the Zoodochos Pigi Chapel. The date, distance, starting point and route describe a specific historical event, not a general route recommendation.

A photo exhibition on the history of the area was also announced for the same race, at the spiritual center of Eptálofos, where visitors could view it. It adds a cultural dimension to the picture of the event: alongside the race and its commemorative framework, local history was also in focus. For travelers interested in history, this combination offers a distinctive perspective on Eptálofos without conflating the 2018 race with a current event date.

The various details relate to a clearly defined occasion: the commemorative framework refers to the events organized annually, while the start time, route and photo exhibition are specific to the race held on June 17, 2018. Anyone choosing Eptálofos as a travel destination can consider this historical context as a cultural starting point for deciding what to visit.

In the wider destination of Kilkis

In the wider destination of Kilkis, the Museum of Lake Doirani offers a cultural attraction of its own. It is open to visitors daily from 08:00 to 14:00; guided tours are available for school groups. Residents and visitors to the municipality can also visit the museum. If planning a visit, check the opening hours again before traveling.

Lake Doirani is a wetland and habitat or stopover for numerous resident and migratory birds. Dense reeds and shoreline vegetation characterize the lake. Visitors can follow the path along the shore 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.

Pikrolimni offers a different landscape in Kilkis: it is a shallow lake next to the village of the same name and usually dries up in summer. Its clay soil contains sulfur compounds and nitrates and is said to have healing and cosmetic properties. This describes the properties attributed to the clay soil; it does not mean that treatment is currently offered there. In regional comparison, the Doirani wetland, with its birdlife and shoreline vegetation, and shallow Pikrolimni, which usually dries up in summer, represent different natural attractions.

Discover more destinations: Goumenissa, Doïráni, Agios Markos, Palaio Agioneri, Drosato, Stathmos Mourion, Kilkis, Polykastro.

Return to the main travel overview: Kilkis.